How did public outcry lead to banner removal in Seoul?

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Public Outcry Forces Removal of Anti-Japan Banners in Seoul

A Seoul district's initiative to display over 1,000 anti-Japan banners in the city centre was quickly reversed due to significant public backlash. The banners, featuring the message "NO" with the Japanese flag's red disc as the "O" and stating "I won’t go (to Japan), I will not buy (Japanese products)," were erected by local authority workers in Jung-gu. However, within hours of their installation, the district authority began removing them following widespread criticism.
Online Petition Garners Tens of Thousands of Signatures

The removal followed a strong public reaction, notably an online petition that rapidly gained traction. Approximately 20,000 South Koreans signed the petition opposing the banners. This digital mobilisation highlighted a significant segment of the population that felt the banners represented an inappropriate government-orchestrated display of sentiment.
Critics Argued for Individual Choice in Boycotts

A key argument voiced by critics was that boycotts should be a matter of individual choice rather than an officially promoted campaign. Petitioners and other members of the public expressed that while they might choose to boycott Japanese products or travel, this decision should stem from personal conviction, not from government-sponsored pressure. The sentiment was that Japanese tourists were not the target of animosity.
District Head Apologises and Accepts Criticism

In response to the public outcry, the head of the Jung-gu district, Seo Yang-ho, issued an apology. He stated on Facebook that he "humbly accepted criticism that any boycott should remain on citizens’ voluntary basis." This acknowledgment indicated that the district authority recognised the concerns raised and conceded that their approach had overstepped the boundaries of voluntary citizen action.

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How did public outcry lead to banner removal in Seoul?

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