"LGBTQ+ Individuals Are Part of Your Daily Life" Advertisement at Sinchon Station Vandalized After Two Days

On the morning of the 2nd, an advertisement board opposing discrimination against sexual minorities posted at Sinchon Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 was found torn to the point where its shape was barely recognizable and was temporarily removed. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] A subway advertisement containing a message opposing discrimination against sexual minorities was found damaged just two days after being posted.

According to the Sexual Minority Discrimination Opposing Rainbow Action (Mujigae Haengdong), a large advertisement on Seoul Subway Line 2 at Sinchon Station, which read "Sexual minorities are part of your daily life," was found with marks as if cut with a knife and some parts torn off and lying on the floor, leading to its temporary removal on the morning of the 2nd.

This advertisement was planned by Mujigae Haengdong and other sexual minority human rights organizations to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17) and was unveiled on the 31st of last month, scheduled to be displayed throughout August.

Originally, the advertisement was supposed to be posted in May, but Seoul Metro Corporation refused to post it, claiming it was an "opinion advertisement." After filing a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission and going through various difficulties, the advertisement was finally posted at Sinchon Station starting on the 31st of last month, but it was damaged within two days.

In response, Mujigae Haengdong issued a statement saying, "The severe damage to the extent that the shape is barely recognizable is tantamount to threatening sexual minorities not to reveal themselves in public places and displaying hatred," adding, "This is not only property damage under criminal law but clearly violence and a crime rooted in hatred against sexual minorities."

They continued, "We will show that hatred and violence against sexual minorities will not be tolerated in any form," and added, "Furthermore, we will push for the damaged advertisement to be reposted."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.