The Cultural Artists Solidarity Association (tentative name) will hold a press conference at the Press Center in Jung-gu on January 12th to announce a statement from cultural artists facing the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun.
On January 9th, the Cultural Artists Solidarity Association stated, “In face of the regrettable death of the late Lee Sun-kyun on December 27, we share the sentiment that such incidents should never happen again,” and announced their intention to demand a thorough investigation from law enforcement officials, request the removal of articles not in line with journalistic goals, and call for the revision of current laws to protect the human rights of cultural artists.
The statement presentation will be attended by director Bong Joon-ho, singer Yoon Jong-shin, actor Choi Deok-moon, Chairman of the Korean Independent Film Association Go Young-jae, and the representative of the Korean Film Producers Association Choi Jung-hwa.
The sudden press conference by filmmakers is due to the perception that Lee Sun-kyun suffered from continued and excessive investigation despite testing negative for drugs. Furthermore, the deceased faced societal condemnation when private conversations unrelated to the case were revealed in the media. Cultural artists, including filmmakers, joined forces to ensure that victims like Lee Sun-kyun do not emerge again.
In a phone call with MyDaily, A representative of the Cultural Artists Solidarity Association, stated regarding the press conference content, “We thought there should no longer be another heartbreaking farewell”, emphasizing, “We are first trying to re-establish the definition of ‘suspect.’ We also plan to discuss the charge of publicizing unverified facts. Above all, we believe that no one should become a scapegoat”.
Meanwhile, after the sudden demise of Lee Sun-kyun, many have called for the government to issue legislation and charge against publicizing unverified facts. There have been continuous arguments that the police unreasonably accused Lee Sun-kyun and singer G-Dragon of drug use, leading to ongoing investigations.
The charge of publicizing unverified facts is legislatively designed to protect the basic rights of suspects and the state’s authority in crime investigation, but there are conflicting aspects with the public’s right to know. Depending on where one places value, opinions may differ, but through the investigation of the Lee Sun-kyun case, the need for a redefinition of the concept was once again emphasized.
The association representative added, “It will be a time to reconsider who the drug investigation is for” and further stated, “Investigations designed to create issues and divert attention should never happen.”
Lee Sun-kyun’s death have led to unprecedented actions being taken by the Korea film industry. Although there have been expressions of longing for departed colleagues at various awards ceremonies and production briefings, artists actively coming together is a first.
The regret over the late Lee Sun-kyun lingers. The reevaluation of his works, to which he devoted himself passionately, continues. However, what he left behind seems to extend beyond his works. Unlike usual times, cultural artists, including those left behind by senior and junior colleagues, are coming together to seek change after the sorrowful departure of someone who loved acting more than anyone else.
Meanwhile, press conferences happening at the same time as that of the Cultural Artists Solidarity Association are changing their time so as to not divert focus, once again proving unprecedented actions following Lee Sun-kyun’s tragic demise.
In particular, Netflix’s “The Bequeathed” announced that their press conference would be changed from the original 11 AM to 1 PM, in order for the press to focus on the Cultural Artists Solidarity Association’s statement.
Actress Soo Hyun, who appeared in the Netflix drama “Gyeongseong Creature,” also changed her interview time. The “Gyeongseong Creature” team announced that the first interview time for Soo Hyun will start at 2:30 PM instead of its original schedule due to the same reason.
Source: Naver
