Over 2,500 Filmmakers Demand Impeachment and Arrest of President Yoon Seok-yeol

In a significant move, 2,518 filmmakers from 77 organizations have called for the impeachment and arrest of President Yoon Seok-yeol. On December 5, these filmmakers issued a joint statement titled "Remove and Arrest 'Current Offender of Insurrection' Yoon Seok-yeol!".

The statement highlights the alarming events of December 3, when President Yoon declared a state of emergency at 10:22 PM, only for the National Assembly to vote for its repeal just two and a half hours later. The filmmakers criticized the unconstitutional nature of the emergency declaration, which they likened to military dictatorship, and expressed disbelief at the government's handling of the situation. They stated, "The most dangerous entity to the existence of the Republic of Korea is Yoon Seok-yeol, and removing him from the presidency is the most urgent task to protect our democratic republic."

The filmmakers also pointed out the negative impact of Yoon's actions on South Korea's international image, particularly in the cultural sector, where freedom of expression is crucial for growth. They noted that foreign media have reported on the decline of South Korea's image and a decrease in visitors, raising concerns for the safety of South Korean artists.

The statement further condemned Yoon's actions as a violation of constitutional rights, particularly freedom of expression, and accused him of implementing an unconstitutional blacklist against dissenters. They emphasized that no government officials have resigned in protest against the emergency measures, highlighting a lack of accountability.

The filmmakers have long criticized the government's unilateral approach to film budget allocations during Yoon's presidency, asserting that the Film Promotion Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's budget proposals have been disregarded. They argue that if the emergency measures are justified by attempts to impeach opposition ministers, then Yoon himself is the true anti-state force.

In conclusion, the filmmakers stated that if impeachment is the quickest route to justice, it should be pursued, and they called for the immediate arrest of Yoon and his military officials for their actions. They declared, "To us, Yoon Seok-yeol is no longer the president; he is merely a current offender of insurrection. We demand the swift suspension of his presidential duties and his impeachment and arrest!"

This statement was signed by a coalition of 77 filmmaker organizations, including the Actors' Union, Directors' Guild, Producers' Association, and many prominent actors such as Kang Dong-won (강동원), Kim Go-eun (김고은), and Park Eun-bin (박은빈).