Korean Filmmakers, Including Bong Joon-ho, Call for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment and Arrest.
Acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho, alongside actors Moon So-ri and Go Min-si, has joined a coalition of Korean filmmakers demanding the impeachment and arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol. On December 8, a group comprising 81 film organizations—including directors, actors, film students, producers, critics, distributors, marketers, and festival organizers—and 3,007 individual members released a joint statement titled, “Impeach and Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol, the ‘Criminal of Rebellion.’”
In their statement, the filmmakers criticized what they described as a series of unconstitutional and illegal actions by President Yoon, including the proclamation of a martial law decree reminiscent of military dictatorship and its subsequent rescindment under questionable circumstances. They highlighted widespread reports alleging that the martial law was intended as a warning to opposition parties, calling the situation “outrageous.”
“The first reactions from most citizens who witnessed the proclamation of martial law were, ‘Is he out of his mind?’ and ‘Has he gone insane?’ Filmmakers are no different,” the statement read. “This is something that defies common sense and cannot be understood even with the broadest of imaginations. It has become clear to any reasonable person that the greatest threat to the Republic of Korea is Yoon Suk-yeol, and removing him from the presidency is the most urgent task to protect our democratic republic.”
The coalition also criticized Yoon’s administration for unilateral decision-making, particularly in its handling of film-related budgets. They accused the government of undermining legally mandated authorities such as the Korean Film Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, with Yoon imposing his will on budget allocations. “Since the establishment of democracy, has anyone else so recklessly controlled the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other government institutions like Yoon has?” they questioned.
The statement concluded with a call for immediate action: “The Republic of Korea’s survival depends on halting the dangerous and uncontrollable actions of Yoon Suk-yeol, the nation’s most significant threat and the ringleader of rebellion. The decision of who should lead this country lies with its citizens, but for filmmakers, Yoon is no longer our president. He is merely a criminal caught in the act of treason. Suspend his presidential duties, impeach him, and place him under arrest.”
This unprecedented move by Korea’s filmmaking community underscores growing discontent with the current administration and highlights the role of cultural figures in advocating for democracy and accountability.