Congressman Jung Jinwook: "Satire and Freedom of Expression Toward Those in Power Must Be Respected"

Appellate Court Acquits Baek Geumryeol, the 'Singer-Teacher'

On November 27, Congressman Jinwook Jung stated, "Satire, humor, and the freedom of witty expression directed at those in power are basic rights that must be respected and fully guaranteed in a democratic society."

Profile photo of Congressman Jinwook Jung. Photo by Congressman Jinwook Jung's Office

Congressman Jung expressed his position regarding the appellate court (Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 4) acquittal of Baek Geumryeol, the 'singer-teacher' who had been convicted in the first trial under the National Public Service Act for political satire at a rally condemning the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, saying, "I welcome this as an obvious and rightful decision."

In his commentary that day, Congressman Jung said, "It is a very precise and meaningful ruling that the appellate court determined the scope of 'political purpose' must be strictly limited so as not to excessively restrict the freedom of political expression for individual public officials," adding, "I pay my respects to the appellate court for making this decision."

He continued, "With this ruling as a turning point, it is time for our society to begin a full-fledged discussion on guaranteeing teachers' basic political rights," emphasizing, "Teachers, as democratic citizens, have the right to freedom of expression, freedom of political party activities, and freedom to participate in elections."

He further stated, "President Lee Jaemyung explicitly proposed 'guaranteeing teachers' basic political rights' as one of his major education pledges in the presidential election last May, and the new administration has also adopted 'expanding teachers' basic political rights' as a national policy task," arguing, "As members of a democratic society, teachers' freedom to engage in political activities unrelated to their official duties outside of working hours is in line with the spirit of the Constitution."

He added, "In a mature democratic society, the right to satirize and criticize those in power must naturally be guaranteed to everyone," and stressed, "In particular, guaranteeing teachers' basic political rights is closely linked to students' rights to education and learning, making it one of the essential issues that the 'Lee Jaemyung Government of Sovereign People' must address."

Finally, Congressman Jung urged, "I call on the prosecution to respect the court's decision and the current of the times and to forgo filing an appeal."