Petition on 'Joseon Exorcist'... Cheong: "Government Direct Intervention in Creative Works Violates Freedom of Expression"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House stated regarding the public petitions demanding the suspension of the broadcast of 'Joseon Exorcist' and the halt of filming for 'Snowdrop' that "direct government intervention in creative works may infringe on freedom of expression, so a cautious approach is necessary."

On the 14th, the Blue House responded in this manner to two public petitions related to demands for the suspension of drama broadcasts.

Previously, a public petition claimed that the SBS drama 'Joseon Exorcist' distorts history and appears to accept China's Northeast Project, requesting the suspension of its broadcast and measures to prevent recurrence, with 240,000 citizens agreeing. Another petition demanding the halt of filming for the JTBC drama 'Seolgwanghwa' (Snowdrop) argued that it insults the democratization movement and attempts to glorify the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), with 220,000 people agreeing.

In response, the Blue House referred to Article 4 of the Broadcasting Act, stating, "Direct government intervention in creative works may infringe on freedom of expression, so a cautious approach is necessary," and added, "The government respects self-regulatory efforts and autonomous choices made by creators, producers, and audiences in the private sector regarding content that contradicts public sentiment."

It also emphasized that SBS, which aired Joseon Exorcist, decided to suspend the broadcast, and JTBC, which is producing Snowdrop, stated that the drama is not one that belittles the democratization movement or glorifies the KCIA and spies.

The Blue House said, "Broadcasts that excessively distort history or undermine the public responsibility of broadcasting or violate review regulations are subject to review by the Korea Communications Standards Commission (hereafter KCSC)," and added, "'Joseon Exorcist' related matters will be submitted for discussion on whether they violate broadcasting review regulations as soon as the 5th KCSC members are formed." According to the KCSC Secretariat, there are about 5,000 viewer complaints related to 'Joseon Exorcist.'