Official channel with over 80,000 subscribers comes under fire for emotional mockery and warning replies to critical comments
In response to "waste of taxes" criticism, says "Spreading false information is punishable ^^"; to "national outcast," says "Looks like they're jealous"
Critics call public policy PR channel's communication style inappropriate… "Instead of gathering residents' opinions, it's only fueling hostility"
A large YouTube channel presumed to be promoting the administrative integration of Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeollanam-do is facing controversy after its manager engaged in emotional mocking and a sharp 'war of nerves' with critical netizens. Critics point out that instead of embracing local residents' concerns regarding the integration policy, the manager is personally stepping up and fueling animosity.
On the 28th, screenshots capturing comments and the manager's replies on a YouTube channel named 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City (formerly Gwangju)' spread across online communities and other platforms. The channel has approximately 82,000 subscribers and uses a banner with the official slogan format, "Overwhelming Growth! A Special City Where We Live Together."
At issue is the manager's attitude toward netizens expressing concerns or criticism regarding the administrative integration. When one netizen wrote, "I need to graduate fast and get out of Gwangju, it's so embarrassing," the manager posted an emotional reply that seemed to ostracize local residents, saying, "If you feel that way, do it ASAP."
Furthermore, to a criticism about the integration name stating, "It's obvious it'll just get changed back to Jeollanam-do anyway, it's as long and complicated as a local apartment complex name," the manager showed a sarcastic attitude, responding, "You must be great at seeing the future~ All the local apartment names are in English anyway." To the criticism asking, "Why are they even doing this, are we the national outcasts?", the manager retorted with groundless logic, saying, "Looks like the whole country is jealous^^"
When somewhat harsh expressions appeared in the process of raising complaints about the policy, the manager even issued warnings hinting at legal action. To a comment reading, "Forcing the creation of the worst tax-swindling special city," the manager reacted sharply with a smiling emoticon, stating, "You get punished for spreading false information^^."
As a rule, social media channels operated by local governments or handling public policies are expected to provide polite explanations or maintain a non-responsive stance toward critical public opinion. However, as footage of the manager of this channel—which has surpassed 80,000 subscribers—engaging in a one-on-one battle with netizens as if it were a personal account has been exposed, criticism seems inevitable that the channel lacks even the basics of policy promotion.