Ban on political ads on bus causes stir

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Staff Reporter

Seoul City’s ban on political advertisements on buses is drawing protest from opposition parties that call the prohibition “intervention” in upcoming June-2 mayoral and local elections.

Rep. Jong Bum-goo of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) had a press conference Thursday and said they would take legal action against the city’s measures, claiming that the city is attempting to manipulate the election.

“Seoul City sent official documents banning policy advertisement on buses to bus companies and ad agencies, Monday,” Jong said.

According to the document revealed by the DP, Seoul City excluded advertisements on four guidelines’ advertisements promoting political parties, those with political slogans slandering the government and those promoting the election and candidates.

The DP originally planned to put up advertisements criticizing the four-river restoration project and free meal plan at school on some 80 Seoul buses, but was forced to cancel it due to the measure.

“Party advertisements on buses were used last April¡¯s by-election and other previous elections. We have already received approval from the National Election Commission (NEC),” a party official said.

Jong said Seoul was prohibiting proper promotions approved by the NEC and was encouraging the government to meddle in the coming local election.

“We denounce the anachronistic measure and will take legal actions against the municipal government,” Jong said.

However, Seoul denied allegations of targeting certain political parties and emphasized political neutrality of public service.

“Seoul buses are operated with city’s financial support and are thus quasi-public. Considering the purpose of public transportation, we concluded that it is inappropriate for buses to be used for political advertising,” a city official said.