Citizen Groups and Jung-gu Office in Sharp Conflict
Administrative Appeals Committee Approves Suspension Request
The removal of the joint memorial altar for COVID-19 vaccine victims has been postponed for the time being, but controversy over fairness has arisen. Civic groups are demanding equal treatment as given to the Sewol Ferry and Itaewon disaster victims, while Jung-gu Office has rebutted, stating that these are separate issues under different jurisdictions.
On the afternoon of the 3rd, Kim Du-cheon, chairman of the COVID-19 Truth Investigation Citizens' Coalition (Cojinyeon), met at the joint memorial altar in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Council main building in Jung-gu, Seoul, and stated, “If it is declared that those who died in the Itaewon or Sewol Ferry disasters deserve equal treatment, we will dismantle the altar,” adding, “There has been no response from the district office regarding this.”
The joint memorial altar for COVID-19 vaccine victims installed by the Citizens' Coalition for COVID-19 Truth Investigation (Cojinyeon) in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Council main building in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Photo by Shim Seong-ah]
In July, Cojinyeon filed a request for suspension of administrative enforcement execution against Jung-gu Office with the Seoul Administrative Appeals Commission. On the 2nd, the commission decided, “If forced removal occurs, the applicant is expected to suffer significant damage, and there is no concern that the suspension of execution will affect public welfare.”
Jung-gu Office maintains the position that the tent must be removed. A district office official explained, “The memorial altar did not obtain a road occupancy permit, and since early 2022, we have been encouraging voluntary removal,” adding, “We have received numerous citizen complaints that the tent causes inconvenience to pedestrians, and the ‘COVID-19 Vaccine Victims’ Families Association (Kobaekhoe)’ has sent an official letter stating their intention to remove it.”
Experts have pointed out the need for a more flexible response. Lee Byung-hoon, professor emeritus of sociology at Chung-Ang University, said, “It is difficult to advance into a democratic society by persecuting and covering up issues for administrative convenience on the grounds of inconvenience to other citizens,” and added, “A social culture that guarantees everyone the right to express their views in public spaces must be established.” Gu Jeong-woo, professor of sociology at Sungkyunkwan University, advised, “Certain spaces around Gwanghwamun can be used for public interest goals or by other groups,” and suggested, “Civic groups should demonstrate flexibility in choosing alternative locations, and local governments need to prepare spatial alternatives.”
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