Seungyeop Park, Changwon City Council Member: "Changwon City Must Respond by Immediately Removing Illegal Assembly Banners"

Seungyeop Park, a member of the People Power Party and a council member of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam Province, has called for an active response from Changwon City, claiming that the Gyeongnam branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is holding illegal and irregular assemblies.

On January 13, Councilman Park held a press conference at the city hall press center, stating, "I strongly condemn the illegal and irregular assemblies organized by the Gyeongnam branch of the KCTU," and added, "Changwon City must prevent the destruction of public order and protect the safety of its citizens through proactive administrative measures."

He criticized, "On December 13, 2024, the Gyeongnam branch of the KCTU damaged Changwon City Hall during a lacquer (spray paint) protest," and described the incident as "a very violent and illegal assembly that resulted in damage to city property and caused civil damages."

He continued, "However, Changwon City has taken a passive stance and failed to take any action for a year," and pointed out, "It was only after the issue was raised during a city administration inquiry in December last year that the city requested a police investigation."

He emphasized, "Changwon City must actively cooperate with the investigation and, based on the results, hold the Gyeongnam branch of the KCTU strongly accountable for any civil or criminal liabilities, to ensure that such violent and illegal protests never occur again."

Seungyeop Park, a council member of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam Province, is holding a press conference urging the Changwon city authorities to take strong action against illegal and irregular assemblies. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee

Councilman Park also pointed out that some banners for assemblies organized by KCTU-affiliated groups remain displayed even when the events are not actually taking place, calling this a "form of irregular assembly."

He said, "Some banners for assemblies by KCTU-affiliated groups are posted year-round even when no assembly is being held, threatening public safety and disrupting public order. Although assemblies are held only a few times a day, for short periods, and in limited locations, the banners are displayed indiscriminately regardless of this."

He added, "Seongsan District Office has repeatedly requested the voluntary removal of these assembly banners over several months, but the groups have not complied. The proliferation of banners obstructs the view of pedestrians and drivers, and the poles installed on pedestrian bridges for assemblies pose a significant threat to the safety of commuting workers and children at nearby daycare centers."

He further explained, "While banners for assemblies may be installed as an exception for up to 30 days under Article 8 of the Outdoor Advertising Act to protect freedom of expression, the Ministry of Government Legislation has clarified that this exception applies only to the actual time and place of assemblies or demonstrations. Changwon City has also amended its ordinance on outdoor advertising management to reflect this."

Councilman Park urged, "The Seongsan District Office must immediately remove the banners and poles related to these assemblies to protect the safety of Changwon citizens from irregular assembly practices," and once again called for the immediate removal of the banners and poles.