Mapo-gu calls claims linking its logo to Shincheonji 'malicious falsehoods,' threatens legal action

Seoul's Mapo-gu district office has pushed back against claims circulating online and on social media alleging that its official logo is connected to the religious group Shincheonji, calling the allegations outright falsehoods.

The district said Monday it would consider legal action against the original source of the claims, as well as anyone repeatedly producing and spreading false information, should the baseless allegations continue to circulate.

The claims, which have spread across various online platforms in recent weeks, allege that certain letters in Mapo-gu's official logo resemble symbols associated with a specific religious organization. The allegations have since expanded to suggest links between the district and local political figures and that same group.

In response, Mapo-gu shrugged off the allegations by laying out the specific circumstances under which the logo was created and when it was made public.

The logo was developed as part of a city brand overhaul project launched in 2015 during the sixth term of elected local government. It went through a design development process involving former Assembly member Son Hye-won and a resident participation panel before being officially unveiled in January 2017 as the district's official symbol.

The district said claiming a connection to any religious organization solely on the grounds that certain letters in the logo resemble particular symbols was speculation with no objective basis.

The district also made clear that there is no connection whatsoever between Mapo-gu and Shincheonji.

"We will never tolerate the malicious creation and spread of baseless allegations that damage the credibility of district administration and cause confusion in the community," the district said. "We will respond firmly and resolutely, including reviewing all available legal measures against the spread of false information."