1980 dismissed journalists demand apology, compensation for press suppression

A group of journalists forcibly dismissed in 1980 is demanding state accountability for press suppression during South Korea's military dictatorship, drawing parallels between past authoritarian actions and recent government behavior.

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The forced dismissal of journalists is proof of the homogeneity between the Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan regimes. The Dec. 3 emergency martial law was a copycat crime of Chun Doo-hwan's rebellion.

At a national forum held at the National Assembly Library, the '80 Journalists Dismissed Association highlighted historical instances of press censorship and argued for the necessity of national apology and compensation. They emphasized that the spirit of the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement, a pivotal event in South Korea's struggle for democracy, should be recognized in the preamble of the constitution.

The association filed its first lawsuit seeking state responsibility for their dismissals on November 16, with the initial hearing taking place on March 16. In 1980, the new military regime, led by Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, forcibly dismissed 933 journalists from newspapers and broadcasting stations who resisted press censorship and refused to adopt pro-government editorial stances. These journalists subsequently faced widespread state persecution, including restrictions on employment, surveillance, and other violations of their fundamental rights.

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Chun Doo-hwan forcibly dismissed journalists, but Yoon Suk-yeol attempted to cut off power and water to media companies that fell out of favor. It is primitive and shameful suppression.

Participants at the forum pointed to the repetition of press suppression, arguing that the failures to fully address past abuses have led to recurring issues. Han Jong-beom, a representative of the association, presented evidence of the 'K Project,' a plan by the military regime to control the press, stating, "The forced dismissal of journalists is proof of the homogeneity between the Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan regimes. The Dec. 3 emergency martial law was a copycat crime of Chun Doo-hwan's rebellion." He contrasted Chun's actions with alleged recent attempts by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration to cut off power and water to media outlets deemed unfavorable, calling it "primitive and shameful suppression."

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Authoritarian regimes, when suppressing citizens' freedoms, first seek to control the media and freedom of expression.

Cho Jeong-sik, a member of the National Assembly, acknowledged the debt owed to the dismissed journalists, stating, "Our society owes a debt to the dismissed journalists. The democracy and press freedom we enjoy today stand on their sacrifice." He pledged parliamentary support for uncovering the truth and restoring the honor of the dismissed journalists. The dismissed journalists have been recognized as victims of the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement, though the scope of recognition, publicity, and compensation has been limited.

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Our society owes a debt to the dismissed journalists. The democracy and press freedom we enjoy today stand on their sacrifice.