"Han Dong-hoon Receiving a Crown from President Yoon"…Satirical Painting Displayed in Jeju City Center

Four Young Artists Each Paint One Large Artwork
Jeju City "Illegal Banners... Scheduled for Removal"

A large mural satirizing President Yoon Suk-yeol and Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, has appeared in downtown Jeju.

On the 9th, News1 reported that four large murals satirizing a series of events including President Yoon's declaration and lifting of martial law and the impeachment crisis were unveiled at a bus stop near Jeju City Hall. The murals were created by four young Jeju artists: Kim Seung-min, Hyun Yoo-jung, Kim Kang-hoon, and Kim Jung-woon. Each artist displayed one piece, totaling four, from the night before until early morning of the day.

On the afternoon of the 9th, paintings by four young local artists satirizing President Yoon Seok-yeol, First Lady Kim Geon-hee, and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon were displayed on the sidewalk in front of Jeju City Hall. Yonhap News

One mural depicts President Yoon with a mustache reminiscent of Hitler, holding a martial law flag while riding a horse, with Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, holding the reins and being dragged along. Beside them is President Yoon’s spouse, Kim Geon-hee. Another mural shows President Yoon, Kim Geon-hee, and Han Dong-hoon standing side by side. There is also a mural where a naked President Yoon is about to place a crown on a kneeling Han Dong-hoon, as if in a coronation. Additionally, a mural depicts citizens holding candles that collectively form a large flame.

Artist Kim Seung-min wrote on his social media, "I was deeply shocked to see that the impeachment motion against President Yoon failed to even reach the quorum for a vote." He added, "This situation is a terrible event imbued with the immense violence of fratricide driven by the desire for power." He also said, "When I went to the rally, I felt sorry seeing children shouting loudly for arrest and impeachment," and "If there are people willing to unite their hearts and raise their voices, I ask them to join in solidarity. I believe what is needed is not individual voices but the voice of the era."

A caricature of President Yoon Suk-yeol handing a crown to Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

These murals are considered 'illegal banners' as they do not meet posting period and other requirements, and are expected to be removed soon. According to relevant laws, banners installed in places other than designated posting boards are all illegal. Even if these murals are regarded as artworks rather than banners, since they were installed on sidewalks without separate notification, they can also be considered 'street deposits' subject to removal.

However, advertisements registered as rally materials are exempt from enforcement. It is reported that these murals were not registered as rally materials. The location where the murals are displayed is very close to the site of the Jeju rally calling for President Yoon’s resignation. If registered as rally materials, they would be exempt from banner quantity restrictions, and even if no rally is held during the registration period, unclear enforcement regulations sometimes prevent removal.

The Hankook Ilbo reported that Jeju City Hall and the local community service center regard these murals as 'illegal banners' and plan to remove them. In response, artist Kim said, "I thought removal was an expected step," and expressed his intention to continue such activities, saying, "If there are people willing to unite their hearts and raise their voices, please join us. Even sending artworks would be appreciated."

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