"Save Me First, Not My Wife" Car Sticker Message Sparks Outrage Among Netizens

A Joke Gone Too Far Sparks Social Controversy
"Only the Driver Finds It Funny," Netizens Criticize

Controversy is brewing online as vehicle stickers with potentially offensive messages are being shared. On the 28th, a photo of a car was posted on an online community along with the title "Is This a Joke?" The rear of the car in the photo displayed a sticker that read, "In an emergency, please save me first, not my wife. So I can try living with another woman. Please!" The poster questioned, "If someone is actually married, it would be hard to put up such a message," and the post quickly went viral, recording over 900,000 views.

On the 28th, a photo of a vehicle was posted on an online community along with a post titled "Is This a Joke?" Online Community

Most netizens reacted negatively. Comments included, "I've never seen a car sticker like this before," "Even jokes have boundaries," and "It makes light of accident situations." One user pointed out, "Car stickers are supposed to convey rescue information in emergencies, but that message is just for attention. The driver may find it funny, but others feel uncomfortable." On the other hand, a minority argued, "Isn't it personal freedom of expression?" However, most agreed that expressions in public spaces like roads come with certain responsibilities.

This is not the first time vehicle stickers have sparked controversy. In October last year, a car was spotted with a sticker that read, "A dad with a bad temper and his son exercising inside. Do not pick a fight, just pass by," which drew fierce criticism. Additionally, in 2017, a driver who attached a ghost picture sticker as retaliation against the high beams of the car behind was actually brought to summary judgment. At the time, police determined it was "a deliberate act of intimidation by the driver."

Controversies surrounding vehicle stickers are not new. In October last year, a vehicle was spotted with a sticker that read, "A dad with a bad temper and his son exercising inside. Do not pick a fight, just pass by," which sparked fierce criticism. Additionally, in 2017, a driver who attached a ghost picture sticker as retaliation against the high beams of the car behind was actually brought to summary judgment. SNS

According to Article 27 of the current Enforcement Decree of the Road Traffic Act, attaching images or messages to a vehicle that cause disgust or intimidation to others can be subject to enforcement and penalties. Police say that if they determine there is a real risk of causing an accident or significant social repercussions, they can impose not only warnings but also fines. Experts emphasize, "Roads are public spaces used by an unspecified majority," and "freedom of expression must be guaranteed only to the extent that it does not infringe on the safety and feelings of others."

Some argue that this controversy should prompt a re-examination of the overall culture surrounding vehicle stickers. They point out that expressions which can be perceived as offensive, hateful, or threatening, rather than just humorous, come with social responsibility. Netizens are also calling for self-reflection, saying, "Safety should come before fun," and "A car is not a bulletin board for jokes."