Seoul: Sports officials were unable to access a gymnasium being utilized as a ballot-counting center for the June 3 elections, due to resistance from a protester, despite a prior agreement allowing their entry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the situation unfolded on Tuesday when the officials were asked to withdraw from the site because of "circumstances" that impeded their entry, as stated by Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). This development came two hours after an agreement was reportedly reached with protesters to allow the officials into the gymnasium, potentially ending a 12-day standoff.

The protester, who was wearing an American flag around her waist, stood firm at the gate, blocking entry. Efforts by the PPP leader and other protesters to persuade her to move aside were unsuccessful, according to Jang. The protestors have been demanding a rerun of the elections, citing unprecedented ballot shortages at 26 voting stations across the country, and have been blocking the 2-1 gate of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium since June 5.

The blockade has prevented officials from sports organizations under the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee from accessing their offices inside the gymnasium. The vote count for the local elections has already been completed, and under the agreement with the organizations and police, two members per organization were supposed to enter the gym at a time to retrieve necessary work items. This process was slated to be broadcast live under the supervision of PPP lawmakers, with protesters checking the retrieved items.

On Tuesday, police issued three broadcasts warning the protesters of potential criminal charges for obstruction of business. Jang and other PPP lawmakers were present at the site to help reduce tensions, but the standoff remains unresolved.