Exclusive Gyeonggi Province Halts Continuous Display of Saemaul Flag After 40+ Years

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun·Seo Dong-young reporters] Gyeonggi Province has effectively halted the continuous display of the Saemaul flag, which it had maintained for over 40 years. The Province claims this was an agreement with the Saemaul Society, but the Saemaul Society maintains it reached no such agreement, raising questions about the path forward.

According to the Province and Gyeonggi Saemaul Society as of the 6th, Gyeonggi Province has not been displaying the Saemaul flag, which had been continuously flown since the mid-1970s, including at affiliated agencies, starting from the 1st of this month. The Saemaul flag display was a mandatory government directive from the mid-1970s but transitioned to a recommendation for each local government from the mid-1990s onward. Subsequently, numerous local governments continued to display the Saemaul flag according to custom, but it remained controversial as some viewed it as a "remnant of military authoritarianism."

Governor Lee Jae-myung appeared conscious of these concerns and conveyed his position through SNS that day. Governor Lee stated, "Just as all things have light and shadow, the Saemaul movement has its merits and shortcomings. The volunteer activities of Saemaul members, including women's associations, are very active, and the Saemaul movement is attempting future-oriented changes with the motto of peace, life, and respect following Chairman Jung Seon-heon's inauguration," and added, "It is true that the continuous display of the Saemaul Society flag on the national flag pole, being a civic organization, is problematic. However, we cannot disregard decades-long custom and vested interests. Even with the right cause, unilateral enforcement invites conflict and social costs," he emphasized. He continued, "I deeply recognize and respect the dedication of Saemaul members and the contributions of the Saemaul movement to date, support and encourage the Saemaul Society's new direction, and on behalf of Gyeonggi residents, I express sincere gratitude for accepting the suspension of continuous display of the Saemaul flag."

Going forward, the Province plans to display the provincial slogan flag on the flagpole in odd-numbered months and the Saemaul flag or event-related flags in even-numbered months.

However, the Saemaul Society itself expressed bewilderment at the Province's plan. In short, it states: "We reached no such agreement."

A Gyeonggi Saemaul Society official said, "After confirming with the relevant department, Gyeonggi Province said it would alternate the provincial slogan flag with the Saemaul flag monthly. (In even-numbered months) they said they would display the Saemaul flag, but if there are provincial events, isn't that saying they won't display it consistently? We will take measures after a leadership conference tomorrow."