The ongoing tension between the Seoul city government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has escalated following the latter's preliminary notice to halt the construction of the 'Garden of Remembrance' in Gwanghwamun Square. Mayor Oh Se-hoon criticized the government's actions as ideologically driven attempts to obstruct a project that symbolizes freedom and democracy. He described the ministry’s decision as an excessive abuse of authority, arguing that it was predetermined to find procedural flaws to halt the project, despite the city having followed all required legal processes.

The 'Garden of Remembrance' is an honorific initiative intended to pay tribute to the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War, featuring the installation of 23 monument-like structures near the statue of King Sejong the Great. However, the project has faced significant criticism, primarily over delays in securing stone donations from the participating countries and concerns that the installation doesn’t fit the historical context of Gwanghwamun. This project follows the city’s earlier abandoned plan for a large flagpole due to accusations of promoting nationalism and totalitarianism.

Throughout his statements, Mayor Oh emphasized that the proper legal and procedural frameworks had been followed to secure the funding and manage the project. He argued that halting the construction due to minor procedural deficiencies represents an overreach of government power. Citing past precedents where larger constructions proceeded without comprehensive plans, Oh asserted that the decision-making authority regarding the project belongs to the city and suggested that they would have no choice but to exercise their right to resist if pushed by the national government.