Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Ordinance passed for opening of Seoul Plaza
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Seoul Metropolitan Council (SMC) passed an ordinance to allow assemblies and rallies at Seoul Plaza, Friday, but the city government immediately decided to take steps to reverse the decision.
The city council held a special session and voted for a bill permitting rallies without receiving prior approval from the authorities in Seoul Plaza.
The plaza was previously open only for cultural events, but now it can be used for assemblies and protests. Those who want to hold events at the plaza need to report it the city, unlike the former system of receiving permission from the city government.
However, the municipal government will request reconsideration of the ordinance, since it might inconvenience the majority of citizens.
The revised bill will be sent to the Seoul Mayor in five days who can ask for a review. The city council can confirm the bill with attendance of the majority of councilors and approval from two thirds of them.