36 Victims of the "Left-Wing Entertainer Exclusion Task Force" Under Lee Myung-bak Administration Win Lawsuit
Kim Gyuri: "I Just Want the Hardship to End Now"
National Intelligence Service Concedes, Vows to "Restore Public Trust"
Actor Kim Gyuri has spoken out for the first time about her feelings following the final verdict on the "Cultural Blacklist" case from the Lee Myung-bak administration.
On November 9, Kim posted a statement by Kim Yongmin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, regarding the "finalized verdict on damages in the Lee Myung-bak government cultural blacklist case" on her social media. She wrote, "I can't believe how many years I have suffered. I just want the hardship to end now." She added, "Even hearing the word 'blacklist' is enough to trigger a traumatic response in me."
Kim also described in detail what she experienced at the time. She revealed, "I was told to be careful because the National Intelligence Service had set up an office in my neighborhood alley," "Strangers loitered in front of my house for several days," "I received threats saying, 'If you don't stay quiet, I'll kill you,'" and "I was a victim of phone tapping." These were experiences she had previously kept silent about.
Earlier, in 2017, Kim and 35 others, including comedian Kim Mihwa, filed a damages lawsuit against former President Lee Myung-bak and former National Intelligence Service Director Won Sei-hoon. They held the state accountable, claiming they suffered psychological and material damages as a result of the blacklist compiled by the National Intelligence Service.
Last month, the Seoul High Court Civil Division 27-2 (Presiding Judge Seo Seung-ryul) ruled, "The state, along with former President Lee and former Director Won, must each pay 5 million won to the plaintiffs." This confirmed the state's liability for compensation.
On November 7, the National Intelligence Service announced it would not appeal the case and issued an official apology. In its statement, the agency said, "We sincerely apologize to the cultural artists and citizens harmed by this incident," and added, "We deeply reflect on the abuse of power in the past and will strive to become a trusted institution." The agency further stated, "By not appealing, we hope the pain of the victims will be eased, even if only a little."
Regarding this news, Kim said, "The scars remain, and I only feel empty," but added, "Still, I am glad to hear that they decided not to appeal." She also expressed her warm support and encouragement to the legal team and the senior and fellow plaintiffs who endured the long legal battle together.
The "Cultural Blacklist" refers to the activities of the "Left-Wing Entertainer Response Task Force" led by then-National Intelligence Service Director Won Sei-hoon during the Lee Myung-bak administration. The task force excluded cultural and artistic figures critical of the government from broadcasting and various activities. According to a 2017 investigation by the National Intelligence Service, 82 artists were included on the list. The list featured numerous figures, including Jin Jungkwon, Moon Sungkeun, Kwon Haeho, Kim Gyuri, Moon Sori, Kim Mihwa, Kim Jedong, Yoon Dohyun, Yang Heeeun, and Ahn Chihwan.
With the final verdict and the official apology from the National Intelligence Service, the eight-year-long lawsuit over the "Cultural Blacklist" has come to a close.
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