"Will fight to the end to prevent the suppression of freedom of expression" (Film Artists Alliance)
Film industry figures have also raised their voices regarding Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law. On the 5th, the Film Industry Crisis Coalition (hereinafter referred to as 'Film Artists Alliance') released a statement demanding, "President Yoon Seok-yeol should resign immediately."
The Film Artists Alliance expressed their anger over the surprise martial law declaration on the night of the 3rd, stating it was "an unforgettable, horrific nightmare for the entire nation."
Martial Law Order No. 1 stipulated that "all media and publications are subject to the control of the Martial Law Command." The alliance recalled "the oppressive days of dictatorship when freedom of expression was suppressed" and described it as a night of anger and fear.
They demanded the immediate resignation of President Yoon, stating, "He no longer qualifies as the head of state and the executive branch of the Republic of Korea."
They also called upon the National Assembly to "immediately impeach Yoon Seok-yeol," condemning the December 3rd martial law as an unconstitutional act that enabled the military to trample on the parliament.
Furthermore, they urged, "Investigate to the fullest extent all those who led and abetted the martial law, and hold them accountable for even the slightest wrongdoing."
Lastly, they stated, "We fought for the abolition of pre-screening scripts and film censorship in the past century and won freedom of expression," adding, "We will fight to the end to ensure that the freedom of expression that blossomed Korean cinema is not suppressed."
On December 3rd, Yoon Seok-yeol declared martial law. The National Assembly immediately convened a session and passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law, with 190 attending and 190 voting in favor.
At that time, forces like the 707th Special Mission Battalion, as martial law troops, entered the parliament and shocked the entire nation. Yoon announced that the martial law would be lifted six hours after the declaration, stating, "I will accept the National Assembly's demand."
<Below is the Film Artists Alliance statement>
<Below is the Film Artists Alliance statement>
The December 3rd martial law declaration was an unforgettable, horrific nightmare for the entire nation. Martial Law Order No. 1 threatened that "all media and publications are subject to the control of the Martial Law Command." We spent a night of anger and fear, recalling the oppressive days of dictatorship when freedom of expression was suppressed.
After the martial law declaration, claimed to protect liberal democracy, the first places the martial law troops stormed were the National Assembly and the National Election Commission of Korea. All power comes from the people. Those who trampled on the National Assembly and the people's voting rights are anti-state forces and regime-defying entities.
President Yoon Seok-yeol should resign immediately.
Having dragged the people's freedom and safety into a pit and insulted them, President Yoon Seok-yeol no longer qualifies as the head of state and the executive branch of the Republic of Korea.
The National Assembly should immediately impeach Yoon Seok-yeol.
The December 3rd martial law, which allowed the Korean military to trample on the National Assembly, is an unconstitutional act and not a matter for political strife. The National Assembly should immediately impeach President Yoon Seok-yeol, regardless of party affiliation, to protect liberal democracy and ensure national security.
Severely punish the leaders and accomplices of the martial law.
The unresolved remnants of the past appear like ghosts, as seen now. Investigate thoroughly all who led and abetted the martial law, holding them accountable for even the slightest error.
We fought for the abolition of pre-screening scripts and film censorship in the past century and won freedom of expression. We will fight to the end to ensure that the freedom of expression that blossomed Korean cinema is not suppressed.
December 5, 2024
Film Industry Crisis Coalition
Korea Art Cinema Association, Cinematographer’s Guild of Korea (CGK), Korea Film Producer’s Association (PGK), Korean Film Producers Association, Korean Actors Association, Director’s Guild of Korea (DGK) board, Korea Visual Media Education Association, Scenario Writers’ Association of Korea (SGK), Korean Independent Film Association, Korean Independent Animation Association, Community Cinema Network Social Cooperative, Regional Film Network, National Film Industry Labor Union, National Independent Film Theater Network, Film Policy Meeting, Film Import Distribution Association, Women in Film Association, Busan Film Artists Alliance, International Federation of Film Critics Korea Division
<Photo source=KBS, JTBC capture>
