Promotional Banners of Gwangju Superintendent Lee Jeongseon Reported to Election Commission by Civic Group

197 Banners Displayed Across Gwangju
“Potential Violation of Election Law”

As Lee Jeongseon, Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, displayed promotional banners bearing his name throughout Gwangju, a civic group has reported him to the election commission, alleging a violation of the Public Official Election Act.

Education-related banners posted near Neoritjae Park (towards Hwasun), Dong-gu, Gwangju. Provided by Society for a World Without Academic Discrimination

On November 4, the Citizens’ Coalition for a World Without Academic Discrimination stated, “Superintendent Lee posted banners in his personal name at official banner stands designated by district offices across Gwangju,” adding, “It is difficult to regard these as policy promotion or holiday greetings.”

According to the group’s confirmation through the Gwangju Outdoor Advertising Association and Gwangsan-gu Facilities Management Corporation, a total of 197 banners are scheduled to be displayed: 16 in Dong-gu, 31 in Seo-gu, 60 in Nam-gu, 52 in Buk-gu, and 38 in Gwangsan-gu.

The banners include phrases such as “We will not give up on even a single child,” “Students are the future of Gwangju,” and “Diverse abilities are the future,” along with the name “Lee Jeongseon, Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.” These slogans were previously used during the last superintendent election campaign.

The Citizens’ Coalition for a World Without Academic Discrimination argued, “We believe these banners were posted for personal promotion rather than official business promotion,” and further claimed, “There is also the possibility that a private election campaign organization was involved.” They added, “The Public Official Election Act strictly prohibits elected officials from posting promotional materials or installing facilities bearing their names within a certain period before an election.”

In response, the superintendent’s office stated that this was a personal activity funded by the superintendent himself. An official explained, “To our knowledge, the superintendent personally commissioned a promotional agency to put up these banners. We also understand that the election commission responded there was no issue prior to posting. In fact, including policy promotion or business achievements on the banners could itself be considered a violation.”

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