Is Gangnam District Office favoring Dongbu?
A symbol of Dongbu Group installed on a road for pedestrians in southern Seoul / Courtesy of Gangnam District Office
By Lee Kyung-min
The Gangnam District Office is under mounting criticism over its recent decision to grant legal permission for an 11-year-old sculpture to be situated in front of Dongbu Group’s office building in Daechi-dong.
Since 2011, civic groups have said that the artwork is there illegally and should be removed immediately.
The sculpture ― a symbol of Dongbu ― was installed by the firm in 2002 on a road for pedestrians.
According to the construction law, no sculpture representing the interest of a private company is allowed on public property, of which Dongbu is in direct violation, according to the activists.
In response, the district office imposed a fine of 1.6 million won on the company.
However, the office recently changed its position and legalized the sculpture, triggering allegations that it gave preferential treatment to the company.
Activist Lee Deuk-hyung alleged that the company is suspected of offering bribes in exchange for such treatment.
“Why would the district office go to such great lengths unless it received something in return?” Lee said.
He called on the district office to work for the people, not for a private company.
“People’s rights are greatly violated by one company that prioritizes its free advertizing effect over the public concern. The sculpture should be removed right away,” Lee said.
In response, the district office said it will likely wait until July of next year when the current approval expires, to reconsider its position.
“The display is legal for the moment. When the three-year approval expires, we will convene a committee to decide whether to issue an extension for the display,” a district official said.
When asked about the public nuisance caused by the object, the official said the sculpture is legally authorized to be in its present location.
“We have no choice but to carry on with the decision,” he said.