[Comprehensive] Moon Jun-yong Solo Exhibition Conspiracy Theory Controversy… Ruling Party "Inciting Conflict with Speculation" vs Opposition "Should Set an Example"

Gaseyeon, Moon's Solo Exhibition... Conspiracy Theories Linked to Social Distancing Level 3
Democratic Party Criticizes as "Serious Recklessness Beyond Freedom"
People Power Party Says "President's Family Should Set an Example"
Kim Seondong: "President Moon's Son's Exhibition... Does COVID-19 Avoid the Exhibition Hall?"

Artist Moon Jun-yong, son of President Moon Jae-in. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Allegations have been raised that the date of the solo exhibition by artist Moon Jun-yong, son of President Moon Jae-in, is linked to the timing of the escalation to level 3 social distancing measures. While the ruling party rebutted these allegations, stating they "are baseless speculations and conspiracies that incite social conflict and division," the opposition party criticized President Moon and the ruling party, saying, "Shouldn't the people follow if you set an example in this situation?"

Earlier on the 18th, the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' (Gaseyeon) claimed, "There are talks that the (social distancing) level 3 will be implemented after the 23rd. Moon Jun-yong is holding a solo exhibition until the 23rd, so if level 3 is implemented before then, wouldn't the exhibition be ruined?" They argued that the timing of the level 3 social distancing coincides with the timing of Moon's solo exhibition.

The Democratic Party of Korea immediately condemned this, saying, "We denounce this malicious behavior." On the 20th, Jo Eun-joo, the youth spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a commentary, "Gaseyeon is stirring controversy by speculating that the implementation of level 3 social distancing will occur after the exhibition schedule of Moon Jun-yong, the president's son, ends."

Jo criticized, "The COVID-19 pandemic has set off warning signals in the lives of citizens worldwide. In such a crisis, disregarding social ethics and raising conspiracy theories filled with indiscriminate speculation is an immoral act that betrays the 'basic duty of being human.'"

Jo further rebutted the Gaseyeon broadcast content, saying it "distorts the level 3 escalation as if it is a private decision made by the president," and added, "Raising conspiracy theories is a serious form of recklessness that goes beyond freedom." She continued, "Using biased political motives to turn an individual's life into gossip and a tool to incite social conflict and division is an unreasonable act that exceeds social norms."

People Power Party spokesperson Bae Jun-young is briefing on the contents of the emergency response committee's closed meeting at the National Assembly communication office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of July 9. Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, the People Power Party criticized the decision to proceed with the exhibition despite the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, calling it inappropriate.

People Power Party spokesperson Bae Jun-young said in a statement that day, "There was news that the president's family is holding an exhibition for the first time in eight years amid this situation," and criticized, "We understand their intentions, but shouldn't they set an example in this situation so that the people will follow?"

Kim Seon-dong, former secretary-general of the People Power Party and a candidate for Seoul mayor, posted on his Facebook the same day, revealing a New Year's card from President Moon and stating, "This country, which still has not properly secured vaccines or prepared hospital beds, is called a 'quarantine powerhouse,' and this country, where self-employed small businesses are dying, is called an 'economic model country.' It's truly absurd."

Kim sarcastically added, "Moon Jun-yong, the president's son, is also in a tough spot. He's holding an exhibition amid this. I wonder if you can enjoy coffee and appreciate the artwork there," and mocked, "Does COVID-19 avoid exhibition halls but run rampant in cafes and halls?"

He then pointed out, "The claim that 'level 3 will be raised after the 23rd' because the president's son is holding an exhibition on the 23rd is not a conspiracy theory. You should know it is an expression of public sentiment."

Meanwhile, as the controversy continued, Hwang Dal-seong, the representative of Geumsan Gallery in Hoehyeon-dong, Seoul, where Moon Jun-yong has been holding his solo exhibition since the 17th, issued a statement.

In an interview with JoongAng Ilbo, Hwang said, "This exhibition was planned a long time ago. Please come and see the exhibition and evaluate the artist's capabilities," adding, "It is an exhibition unrelated to politics, but it is regrettable that many people view it with biased perspectives."

The exhibition titled 'Beyond the Gaze, Somewhere in Between' is Moon Jun-yong's first solo exhibition in eight years since 2012, showcasing five media art pieces including new works 'Inside' and 'Outside,' which explore multiple perspectives on overlapping spaces. After news of the exhibition spread, Geumsan Gallery's website was temporarily down due to a surge in visitors.

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