Prosecutors Indict Marine Environmental Group Leader Who Protested Beluga Release

Banner Attached to Aquarium Exterior Wall
Suspected of Joint Property Damage Worth 700 Million Won

The representative of a marine environmental organization who protested by attaching a banner to the tank at Lotte World Aquarium, urging the release of belugas (white whales), has been brought to trial.

On the 31st, the Criminal Division 2 of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Song Young-in) announced that it indicted A, co-representative of Hot Pink Dolphins, the day before on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (joint property damage) and obstruction of business.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, the prosecution decided to suspend prosecution for seven others, including employees and members who participated in the release urging protest with A.

The prosecution explained, "Considering the victim's intention not to seek punishment, the age of the suspects, and their prior records of similar crimes, only the representative who led the crime was indicted."

They are accused of attaching a banner with the phrase "Immediately stop the exhibition" using adhesive to the beluga exhibition tank inside Lotte World Aquarium in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, in December 2022, and holding a protest urging the release for about 20 minutes.

In response, Lotte World filed a complaint with the police against the activists, citing property damage worth approximately 700 million won to the tank's outer wall and other areas, as well as inconvenience caused to visitors.