Prosecutors Demand 1-Year Prison Sentence for Civic Group Leader Who Held 'Beluga Release' Protest

Allegations of Joint Property Damage and Obstruction of Business
Defendant Denies Obstruction of Business Charges

The prosecution has requested a one-year prison sentence for the head of a marine environmental group who held a protest to release belugas (white dolphins) at Lotte World Aquarium.

On the 26th, at a trial presided over by Judge Kim Ye-young of the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 9, the prosecution asked the court to sentence Hwang Hyun-jin, co-representative of Hot Pink Dolphins, to one year in prison on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (joint property damage) and obstruction of business.

The prosecution stated, "One of the large banners was attached to the tank, and even after the banner was removed, adhesive residue remained," adding, "(The defendant) shouted slogans demanding the fulfillment of the release promise and broadcasted a live stream to an unspecified number of people, thereby obstructing the company's operations."

Hwang’s defense attorney acknowledged the charge of property damage but argued for acquittal on the obstruction of business charge, claiming it was a legitimate act.

The attorney emphasized, "The time spent shouting slogans was limited to five minutes, and the protest was conducted peacefully," adding, "Lotte’s deceptive act of reneging on the promise to release the beluga should be taken into consideration."

In his closing argument, Hwang stated, "After two belugas died in 2016 and 2019, Lotte promised to release the remaining one, but no procedures have been carried out since," and "Lotte World Aquarium has blocked all calls from Hot Pink Dolphins and refused communication."

He added, "Our actions were to save a life in crisis and were a legitimate effort to urge Lotte to fulfill its social responsibility."

Hwang is accused of attaching a banner with the phrase "Immediately stop the exhibition" to the beluga display tank at Jamsil Lotte World Tower Aquarium in December 2022 and shouting slogans for 20 minutes.

Lotte World filed a complaint against Hwang, claiming damages worth approximately 700 million won to the exterior wall of the tank caused by the adhesive used to attach the banner.