From Consideration of Fines
to Controversy Over Political Neutrality
Gwangju Buk-gu District Chief Moon In posted a large banner on the exterior wall of the district office building, calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. As controversy grows over the posting of a message reflecting the personal political views of a local government head on a public office building, Buk-gu is even considering imposing a fine on its own district chief.
According to Buk-gu, Gwangju and political circles on the 11th, Chief Moon posted a banner on the exterior wall of the office the previous day with the phrase, "Impeach Yoon Suk-yeol for violating the Constitution and causing disorder in the government." At the same time, he expressed his position clearly by posting on social media, revealing his personal political beliefs and criticizing the prosecution that led President Yoon's pardon.
However, there was debate over whether it was appropriate to display political slogans on the premises of a public institution. Buk-gu determined that banners not intended for promoting government policies may be illegal under the Outdoor Advertisement Act and requested Chief Moon to remove it. Furthermore, the district is considering imposing a fine if the banner remains for an extended period.
The Gwangju City branch of the People Power Party immediately protested. In a statement, they pointed out, "The Buk-gu District Chief represents the residents of Buk-gu and cannot use the office building as a space to promote personal political opinions." They also criticized, "It is suspicious whether this is a political act to raise his profile ahead of the upcoming local elections."
The issue of political neutrality among public officials was also raised. There is a precedent where, during the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, the government demanded the removal of 'Park Geun-hye Resign' banners put up by the Gwangju City Hall and district office employees' unions and disciplinary action against those involved.
However, Chief Moon did not back down. On Facebook that day, he countered, "Under the current Public Official Election Act, it is permitted for a local government head to post a banner in a personal capacity," and added, "The National Election Commission also interpreted that, even if it is a political slogan, it falls under personal freedom."
He stated, "As an ordinary citizen and as the district chief representing the local community, I was simply expressing my opinion," and urged, "For the sake of national stability, I call on the Constitutional Court to swiftly approve the impeachment."
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