The Cultural and Artistic Solidarity Association, composed of 29 cultural and arts organizations, has demanded the deletion of articles that do not serve the purpose of reporting while urging an investigation into the truth behind the suspicions of drug use during the late actor Lee Sun Kyun’s life.
They also called for the revision of current legislation to protect the human rights of cultural artists. The statement was released with the support of 2,000 cultural artists, including actor Song Kang Ho, and the participation of 29 cultural and arts organizations.
After it was previously confirmed the conference was to be held, On the 12th of January, the press conference titled “Demands of Cultural Artists Facing the Death of Late Actor Lee Sun Kyun ” was held. Actor Choi Deok Moon led the conference, and prominent figures from the Cultural and Artistic Solidarity Association including director Bong Joon Ho, director Lee Won Tae, singer-songwriter Yoon Jong Shin, and actor Kim Eui Seong, attended.
While Lee Sun Kyun was under investigation for drug use suspicions since October last year, he was found unconscious and later pronounced dead inside a car in a park in Jongno-gu at 10:30 am on December 27. They stated that they share the sentiment that such incidents should not be repeated and announced their demands for a thorough investigation into the police’s investigative process, the removal of articles that do not serve the purpose of reporting, and the revision of current legislation to protect the human rights of cultural artists. Jang Won-seok, the representative, revealed that the conference was organized based on a deep sense of empathy for the sentiment that such incidents should not be repeated.
Kim Eui Seong expressed his hope that such tragedy would never be repeated in the investigation process of popular culture artists. He quoted the demands of cultural artists facing the death of actor Lee Sun Kyun.
Kim Eui Seong raised the issue, stating, “On December 27th, an actor tragically took his own life. Since the initial report on October 19th, which quoted an Incheon City Police official saying, ‘We are investigating based on information related to actor L’s drugs,’ until his formal indictment on October 23rd, he was exposed to the media without any protection.” He continued, “From the preliminary drug test and the collection of samples for precise analysis by the National Scientific Investigation Laboratory, to the voice analysis, all processes were broadcasted through the media during the three rounds of police interrogations. Even the audio files, which are difficult to determine the relevance and evidentiary value, were made public through the media. Ultimately, during the third interrogation that lasted 19 hours, he made a horrific choice to end his life, leaving a request to determine the truthfulness of his statement through a lie detector.” He emphasized, “Therefore, in light of the severe character assassination he endured over the past two months, we express our position, which we believe is the minimum decency towards our fellow artist who has achieved fame.”
The Cultural and Artistic Solidarity Association has expressed their demands to the investigative authorities, the press and media, and the government and parliament. Bong Joon Ho stated, “We demand from the investigative authorities a thorough investigation into whether there were any issues with the police’s investigation security from the moment internal information regarding the deceased’s investigation was first leaked until his death, which spanned over two months.” He further demanded, “We request a thorough investigation without any doubt to determine if there were any illegal media responses from the spokesperson during the investigation, or if any individual involved in the investigation had unauthorized contact with the media or answered questions regarding the details of the investigation improperly.” He continued, “In particular, it should be thoroughly revealed how and for what purpose numerous investigation details were provided in the KBS exclusive report on November 24, which included the negative results of the National Scientific Investigation Research Institute’s precise examination. Additionally, the report released on December 26, which consistently denied the allegations despite the deceased being subjected to a 19-hour overnight investigation during the third summons, should also be examined closely.” Bong Joon Ho stated, “Even though the cooperation of the media should be within legal limits, it should be clarified whether the three summonses, which were all made public, and the lack of any measures taken to prevent his exposure on the day of the summons, were indeed within legal boundaries.” He further emphasized, “The investigative authorities cannot be free from all responsibilities with just one statement claiming that they conducted the investigation in accordance with legal procedures. Thoroughly investigating the truth behind the investigative process is the only way to correct any wrongful investigative practices and prevent the creation of second or third victims.”
Yoon Jong Shin raised questions, stating, “Can it be said that the reporting on the investigation process of the deceased was carried out for the public interest in protecting the rights to know of the citizens? Was it not the case that the personal life of an individual was highlighted and sensationalized due to being a public figure in the field of popular culture and arts? Was there any unreasonable request made to the police to put the deceased in the spotlight as a public figure in the field of popular culture and arts?” He further stated, “Can we be certain that KBS, including the deceased’s voice in private conversations unrelated to the allegations, assured that its reporting was solely for the public interest and put the honor of a public broadcaster at stake? I demand that all media outlets, including KBS, delete the contents of articles that do not align with the purpose of reporting.”
Yoon Jong Shin also expressed his disappointment, saying, “Until when should we remain silent about the malpractices of the so-called ‘yellow journalism,’ including certain YouTubers who rush to sensationalize without verifying sources or conducting sufficient investigation?”
They plan to deliver this statement to the National Assembly, demanding the enactment of the so-called ‘Lee Sun Kyun Prevention Law’ and also targeting KBS and the police.
Source: (A)
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