318 Filmmakers Who Watched Documentary '1980 Sabuk' Demand State Apology

State Violence by the New Military Regime 44 Years Ago
"Calls for Relief Measures for Victims"

Documentary Film '1980 Sabuk' Still Cut

A documentary film has sparked renewed calls for an official apology regarding state violence that occurred 44 years ago. A total of 318 filmmakers, including directors, writers, and actors, are urging the government to issue a formal apology for the 1980 Sabuk Incident.

According to the Korean Film Producers Association on November 19, 318 individuals, collectively referred to as "Filmmakers Demanding a State Apology and Accountability for the Sabuk Incident," released a statement on this day. They called for an official apology from the government, an ex officio investigation, and additional relief measures for the Sabuk Incident.

In their statement, they asserted, "In April 1980, the state violence perpetrated by the new military regime against miners and their families in the mining village of Sabuk, Gangwon Province, was brutal, and the suffering of the victims continues to this day." They further urged, "Investigative authorities must directly uncover and review the detention and investigation records preserved by the state from that time, and make decisions regarding victim investigations and relief."

This statement was prompted by the documentary film "1980 Sabuk," directed by Park Bongnam, which deals with the Sabuk Incident. Baek Jaeho, Director of the Korean Independent Film Association, stated, "This statement by filmmakers reflects our desire to stand, even in a small way, with the families of Sabuk mine workers whose grievances were revealed through the film." He added, "We hope this campaign will spread throughout civil society."

The Sabuk Incident refers to a large-scale violent event in April 1980, when workers at the Dongwon Coal Mine in Sabuk-eup, Jeongseon County, Gangwon Province, staged a strike to protest poor working conditions and low wages, which escalated into a major confrontation with the police. In 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs acknowledged that the Martial Law Command's Joint Investigation Team had illegally detained and tortured more than 200 residents for an extended period at the time, and recommended a state apology and relief for the victims.