Gaseyeon Files Complaint Against Buk-gu Mayor Moon for Hanging Banner Calling for Yoon's Dismissal

"Violation of Political Neutrality and Abuse of Authority"
Moon Responds, "Posted in a Personal Capacity"

The banner reading "Impeach Yoon Suk-yeol" hung on the exterior wall of Buk-gu District Office in Gwangju has escalated from a political controversy to a legal dispute. While debate continues over whether it is appropriate for a public office to display a political message?given that Buk-gu District Mayor Moon In posted the banner in a personal capacity?the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon) has filed a complaint against Mayor Moon for violating the National Public Service Act and abuse of authority.

On the 10th, a citizen passed in front of a banner reading "Dismiss Yoon Seokyeol for Violating the Constitution and Disturbing the National Order" hung on the exterior wall of the Gwangju Bukgu Office by Moon In, the Bukgu Mayor. Captured from Moon In's Bukgu Mayor Facebook page.

On the 13th, Gaseyeon held a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office and submitted a complaint against Mayor Moon. They argued, "Elected public officials are also subject to the National Public Service Act," and claimed, "Hanging a political banner on the exterior of a public institution is an act that violates political neutrality." For the same reason, they also filed complaints against Governor Kim Dongyeon of Gyeonggi Province, who referred to President Yoon Suk-yeol as a "ringleader of insurrection," and Park Junghyun, head of Buyeo County, who displayed a "Impeach Yoon Suk-yeol" banner.

In response, Mayor Moon stated, "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, "I have also received an authoritative interpretation from the National Election Commission, and if a fine is imposed, I will accept it without objection." He continued, "As the district mayor representing local residents, I was merely expressing my opinion," and added, "For the sake of national stability, I urge the Constitutional Court to promptly uphold the impeachment."

Meanwhile, on the 10th, Mayor Moon posted a large banner on the exterior wall of the Buk-gu District Office reading, "Impeach Yoon Suk-yeol for violating the constitution and disrupting state order." At the same time, he made his position clear by posting on social media both his personal political beliefs and criticism of the prosecution that led President Yoon's pardon.

However, debate continued over whether it was appropriate to display political slogans at a public office. The Gwangju City branch of the People Power Party immediately objected, stating, "A government office is not a place to express personal political views. We suspect this is a political act aimed at raising one's profile ahead of the local elections."

The issue of political neutrality among public officials was also raised. There is precedent from the time of former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment, when the Gwangju City Hall and district office public servant unions hung "Park Geun-hye Step Down" banners, prompting the government to demand their removal and disciplinary action. After internal review, the Buk-gu District Office determined that banners not intended for government policy promotion could be considered illegal under the Outdoor Advertisement Act, and requested Mayor Moon to remove the banner. If it remains for an extended period, the imposition of a fine is also under consideration.