One-Year Prison Sentence Demanded for Special Trespassing Charge
Eight Organizations and 3,424 Citizens Issue Statement of Condemnation
Petitions calling for the acquittal of documentary director Jung Yoonseok, who was put on trial on charges of special trespassing of a building while filming the violent disturbance at the Seoul Western District Court, continue to be submitted.
Police are setting up the signboard that fell at the back gate of the Seoul Central District Court following the January attack on the Seoul Western District Court. Photo by Yonhap News
The Korean Independent Film Association issued a statement on July 16, saying, "Director Jung was indicted by the prosecution while filming inside the Seoul Western District Court building on January 19, and at the trial held on July 7, the prosecution demanded a one-year prison sentence." The association stated, "Interpreting a public-interest act of documentation as participation in violence is a clear violation of freedom of expression."
Director Jung has produced documentaries addressing social issues, such as 'Bamseom Pirates Seoul Inferno,' 'Non-Fiction Diary,' and 'To Truth.' He has also documented major incidents for a long time, including the Yongsan Disaster, the Sewol Ferry Disaster, and the Itaewon Disaster.
The prosecution charged Director Jung with special trespassing, claiming he unlawfully entered the court building. In response, 28 organizations from the film industry and civil society, along with 3,424 citizens, issued a statement calling for his acquittal.
In his final statement at trial, Director Jung said, "A JTBC reporter who documented the same scene received a journalism award, but I am sitting here as a defendant," adding, "We need a social discussion on why the artist's perspective is discriminated against and on the freedom of art."
In January, officials at the Seoul Western District Court building carried out restoration work after clearing facilities and items damaged during the illegal violence incident at the Western District Court. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee Kahyuk, head of the JTBC News Department, explained in a petition submitted to the court, "Director Jung's footage was used in the special documentary 'Insurrection: 12 Days of Record,' which aired on December 14, 2024, and the broadcast credits clearly stated, 'Footage provided by Jung Yoonseok.'" He continued, "It is difficult to view Director Jung as having participated in the violent incident," and expressed concern that "if there is a precedent for criminally punishing those who provide documentary footage, it could have a chilling effect on the entire media and arts sectors."
The first trial verdict for Director Jung is scheduled to be delivered at the Seoul Western District Court on August 1, 2025. Before that, the Korean Independent Film Association, the Freedom of Expression Network Against Hate and Censorship (21JoNet), and the Film Industry Solidarity to Overcome Crisis plan to hold a press conference at 10:20 a.m. on July 21 at the National Assembly Communication Center, together with members of the National Assembly from various parties, to call for a not-guilty verdict.
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