Squatting on a Crosswalk to Scribble 'Electronic Cigarette' Graffiti... Absurd Store Promotion

Fines Up to 100,000 Won for Graffiti on Public Facilities

A man has sparked controversy by writing promotional phrases for his store on a pedestrian crosswalk where people pass by.

On the 10th, JTBC's 'Sageon Banjang' aired a video recently filmed in a food alley in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. The video showed a man writing the phrase "Electronic cigarettes are ○○" on the crosswalk. Passersby stopped at the crosswalk to watch the man's actions. There was an electronic cigarette store in front of the crosswalk, and the man was presumed to be an employee of that store. In addition, there were chalk-like scribbles visible in various places on the crosswalk.

[Image source=JTBC 'Sageon Banjang' news screen]

A tipster, Mr. A, said, "I witnessed the scene while having a meal," and reported that the man wrote graffiti on the crosswalk with what appeared to be chalk and then immediately entered the electronic cigarette store in front.

Attorney Yang Ji-yeol commented, "It seems like he has no conscience," adding, "It looks like he wrote graffiti to promote the store. I don't know if it will have any promotional effect, but it is an action that makes others frown." He continued, "Even those who want to purchase electronic cigarettes might think, 'Is it really necessary to go that far?' If the graffiti is naturally washed away by rain or something, it might be okay, but if not, it can be considered graffiti on public property and a fine may be imposed."

Netizens who saw the story responded with comments such as, "There are so many people who don't have basic manners," "Did he really think that would promote the store? It might have the opposite effect," and "Let's at least keep some manners."

[Image source=JTBC 'Sageonbanjang' news screen]

Meanwhile, defacing public facilities such as roads with graffiti can result in a fine of up to 100,000 won under the Minor Offenses Act.