The Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation announced on the 7th that it will produce and operate guidelines related to political activities and election campaigns within subway stations ahead of the 21st presidential election on June 3.
Political activities are guaranteed under the Political Party Act, and election campaigns are protected under the Public Official Election Act. However, activities cannot be conducted in public places like subway stations against the will of the owner or manager. Additionally, according to the Railway Safety Act, without the permission of railway workers, speeches or solicitations cannot occur within station facilities, and those using trains or railway facilities must comply with the duties and directives of railway employees to maintain safety and order.
Nevertheless, there have been cases where some party members or election campaigners have clashed with station managers or caused complaints while engaging in activities without permission within the stations. To address this issue, the company stated that it has produced guidelines after inquiries from the National Election Commission and consultations with legal experts, which have been shared with all employees in the operations sector.
According to the guidelines, all election-related activities and political activities within the stations must receive prior permission from the station manager. The station manager will assess based on the Railway Safety Act whether there are any issues regarding safety and order maintenance and will review whether there are any violations of the Public Official Election Act before granting permission.
Activities within the ticket gate area (fare zone) are prohibited. In the area outside the ticket gate (non-fare zone), some activities are allowed, but activities in key areas such as platforms, escalators, and ticket gates are restricted. Specifically, normal political activities, reports on legislative activities, distribution of business cards, and requests for support, as well as wearing shoulder bands and picketing, are permitted.
On the other hand, the installation of banners, speeches, and discussions (including the use of microphones) during the preliminary candidate period is considered a prohibited act. If such rules are not followed, company staff can request eviction based on the Railway Safety Act.
The corporation urged that the guidelines be strictly adhered to during election campaigns to minimize inconvenience to citizens using the subway. It also requested that any violations be reported to station staff or the customer center (☎ 1577-1234).
Baek Ho, President of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation, said, "Since subway stations are public places for the comfortable use of all citizens, we ask for understanding and cooperation to create a safe and fair election campaign environment."