![A performance of "Geomundo Baetnnorae," a traditional boat song, at the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. The show drew criticism over poor preparation after a truck was loosely draped with fabric to resemble a boat. [Captured from online community]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/09/25/news-p.v1.20260925.e5884ced50b44deb8acd0f4d81ad2ba8_P1.jpg)
Yeosu Mayor Seo Yeong-hak has apologized for sending an official notice to local taxi companies warning drivers not to spread "false rumors" about the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.
Seo posted on social media Thursday saying the city had sent a notice that "damaged your honor and hurt your feelings, when the administration should have been listening to voices from the scene."
He acknowledged the handling was "complacent," saying the city had failed to verify the facts or consider the perspective of those on the ground. He pledged to review not only the drafting and sending of the notice but also the reporting and approval processes that had become routine practice, and to correct any problems found.
Seo added that he would reform the city's administration to be more attuned to conditions on the ground and restore standards of discipline and accountability in public service. "I again bow my head in apology for having hurt the honor of taxi workers who serve as the legs of our citizens, moving through the city every day," he wrote.
The controversy began after Yeosu city sent an official notice to local taxi companies instructing drivers not to spread "groundless rumors" about the World Island Expo. Drivers pushed back, saying the city was trying to shift blame for the expo's poor turnout onto them.
The expo opened Sept. 5, and cumulative attendance stood at 199,358 as of Monday. Visitors have complained that the content on offer does not justify the 15,000-won ($11) adult admission price. A performance featuring a one-ton truck dressed up as a boat and a soy-sauce crab set meal priced at 14,900 won have also drawn ridicule.
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