"Not 'Byung' but 'Yong'... Police Launch Probe into Banners Targeting Gwangju Nam-gu District Head"

by Min Chanki

Published 16 Oct.2025 14:13(KST)

Illegal political banner hung in Namgu, Gwangju. Photo provided by reader

The police have launched a preliminary investigation into the unauthorized posting of political banners, believed to be targeting Kim Byungnae, the head of Nam-gu District in Gwangju, across the Nam-gu area.

According to the Nam-bu Police Station in Gwangju on October 16, a complaint was filed on October 1 alleging that the political banners defamed District Head Kim.

Starting from October 1, a total of 15 illegal banners bearing the phrase "Our Nam-gu needs a 'Yong' (dragon), not a 'Byung' (disease)" were put up throughout the Nam-gu area.

Some have interpreted the word "Byung" in the banner as referring to District Head Kim Byungnae, and "Yong" as a specific individual expected to run in the next Nam-gu District Head election. The Nam-gu District Office determined that all of the banners were installed without permission at non-designated locations and removed them entirely.

The police are reviewing whether the banner's wording constitutes defamation under relevant laws, while the Nam-gu District Office plans to track down those responsible for posting the banners and impose fines.