Gwangju Emergency Action: "Yoon Deepfake Video Unrelated to Rally"

Statement...
"Stop Distorting the Intentions of Gwangju Citizens"

On the afternoon of the 15th, citizens shouted slogans at the 14th Gwangju Citizens' General Rally held by Gwangju Emergency Action in the Geumnam-ro area in front of Jeonil Building 245, Dong-gu, Gwangju, calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol and the eradication of internal rebellion forces. Photo by Song Bohyun

Civic groups in Gwangju have refuted the controversy over the screening of a deepfake video featuring President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, stating that "it was never officially permitted."

On the 17th, the Gwangju Emergency Action for the Immediate Resignation of the Yoon Suk-yeol Administration and Social Reform released a statement saying, "Reports are spreading that a deepfake video of Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife was screened at the rally on the 15th," and clarified, "This did not occur with official approval."

The group further emphasized, "The YouTuber who screened the video was not an officially invited organization. There was no coordination regarding the placement of the truck at the rally site," adding, "In fact, it was confirmed that the video was turned off following concerns raised by Gwangju citizens."

They also criticized, "Reporting as if the problematic video was screened at the rally without verifying the facts constitutes insulting defamation against the citizens of Gwangju."

The Gwangju Emergency Action stated, "Throughout more than 20 rallies, we have strived to create gatherings free of discrimination and hate," and appealed, "Please immediately stop distorting the intentions of Gwangju citizens and organizations who have gathered to defend democracy against incitement to rebellion."

Previously, on the 15th, the Gwangju Emergency Action held the 14th Gwangju Citizens' General Rally on Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, Gwangju, in opposition to the impeachment protest.

Afterwards, controversy arose over allegations that a deepfake video sexually mocking President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife was screened at the rally site. In response, the presidential office and the People Power Party announced the previous day that they would take legal action, calling it "a clear insult to the head of state."