In a landmark moment, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has formally apologized and withdrawn its appeal in the long-running case over the infamous cultural blacklist — a covert operation during the Lee Myung Bak administration that targeted artists critical of the government.
On November 7, the NIS released an official statement titled “Apology to Victims of the Cultural Blacklist and the Public”, recognizing a recent Seoul High Court ruling from October 17. The court held the government accountable for compiling a blacklist of cultural figures, pressuring broadcasters to exclude them from programs, and systematically suppressing dissenting voices.
“We respect the court’s judgment and, under the direction of the Ministry of Justice, have decided not to proceed with a final appeal,” the statement read. The agency further expressed “deep regret for the material and psychological harm caused to those affected.”
Among those blacklisted was actress Kim Gyu Ri, who reacted to the news with mixed emotions on social media.
“Finally, the ruling is confirmed. I’ve suffered for years. Honestly, the trauma is so severe that even hearing the word ‘blacklist’ triggers a panic reaction,” she wrote.
Kim also revealed harrowing personal experiences. At the height of the blacklist operation, she was warned by a colleague that a National Intelligence Service office had been set up in her neighborhood. She recalled strange individuals loitering outside her home for days, mysterious phone calls while attending award ceremonies, and last-minute cancellations of acting contracts.
In one chilling episode, after expressing her thoughts about the blacklist on social media, she claims she received a death threat: “If you don’t shut up, I’ll kill you.” Kim also alleged her phone was being tapped during that time.
“They say they apologized, but to whom?” Kim questioned. “The wounds remain, and all I feel is emptiness. Still, I welcome the decision to drop the appeal.”
The cultural blacklist scandal erupted in 2017 under the Moon Jae In administration, revealing a list of 82 prominent figures — including actors, writers, musicians, and directors — who were unofficially barred from public platforms for opposing government policies.
Notable names on the list included Moon Sung Keun, Kim Mi Hwa, Yoon Do Hyun, Park Chan Wook, and Bong Joon Ho. In 2017, 36 victims filed a lawsuit seeking damages. While the initial trial ruled that former President Lee Myung Bak and ex-NIS chief Won Sei Hoon were liable for compensation, it initially denied state responsibility due to expired statutes of limitation.
However, the recent high court ruling reversed that aspect, ordering the state to pay ₩5 million (approx. $3,600 USD) to each plaintiff jointly with the former officials.
The NIS has since pledged to “reflect thoroughly on the misuse of power entrusted by the people” and vowed to “regain public trust through reform.”
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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