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Controversial 'Suk-yeol Yoon Train' Cartoon to Return at Bucheon International Comics Festival After 3 Years

The satirical cartoon Suk-yeol Yoon Train, which sparked controversy in 2022 for its portrayal of former Korean President Yoon and his wife, will return to public exhibition at the Bucheon International Comics Festival for the first time in three years.

The Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMCA) announced on September 3 that the 28th Bucheon International Comics Festival will take place from September 26 to 28 at the Korea Manhwa Museum in Bucheon. This year's program includes a special showcase of past winners from the Student Comics Competition, featuring works from 2021 to 2025. Among them is the 2022 Gold Prize winner, Suk-yeol Yoon Train.

The cartoon depicts a train with Yoon's face at the front, piloted by a figure widely interpreted as his wife, Kim Keon-hee. Passengers inside the train include prosecutors wielding swords, while startled citizens appear to flee from its path.

When the cartoon was first displayed at the 2022 Bucheon International Comics Festival, it became a flashpoint of political controversy. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a stern warning to the agency, withdrew sponsorship recognition, and significantly reduced government subsidies. As a result, the work was excluded from exhibitions for the past two years.

The reinstatement marks the cartoon's first public display since the suspension.

Suk-yeol Yoon declared martial law on December 4, 2024. Yoon cited opposition party resistance to his governance as the reason for the declaration. Following the declaration, President Yoon attempted to abolish the National Assembly and arrest opposition lawmakers and media figures. He was impeached earlier this year.

Source: YNA (Jung-hwan Hwang)