Filmmakers Cleared of Box Office Manipulation Allegations Face Criticism from KOFIC and Police

"They Must Show Responsibility for the Loss of Fairness"

Filmmakers cleared of box office manipulation allegations jointly criticized the Korea Film Council and the police.

Yonhap News

The Film Industry Crisis Overcoming Filmmakers' Coalition, composed of the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK), the Korea Film Makers Association, and the Scenario Writers Guild of Korea (SGK), stated on the 12th, "The Korea Film Council, despite knowing there was no issue, reported to the police for obstruction of business, forgetting its role as a public institution that should handle tasks fairly." They also said regarding the police, who forwarded the case to the prosecution despite lack of evidence, "They must show a responsible attitude for the loss of fairness and objectivity."

The Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency had sent seventy-one cinema and distributor officials to the prosecution in June 2023, accusing them of inflating audience numbers to obstruct the Korea Film Council's work. The Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office ruled 'no charges' for all involved on the 26th of last month.

In the case of 'Geudaega Joguk' ('You Are the Homeland'), which faced criticism from some political circles, it was revealed that a lack of understanding of crowdfunding led to claims of 'inflating audience numbers.' Crowdfunding is a legal method of raising funds and is an important means of financing the production and distribution of independent and art films. Generally, supporters receive viewing tickets as a reward for contributing to the film's production and distribution.

The Filmmakers' Coalition pointed out, "The police investigation, which misinterpreted certain provisions of the 'Act on the Promotion of Movies and Video Works,' caused many distributors and cinemas to be stigmatized as disturbing market order," adding, "It was an irresponsible political attack and a serious challenge to the freedom of art and freedom of occupational choice guaranteed by the Constitution."