Gwangju City Considers Legal Action Against YouTuber for Spreading False 5·18 Uprising Claims

A significant controversy has erupted in South Korea as Gwangju City and the May 18 Memorial Foundation consider legal action against YouTuber Jeon Han-gil. The historian, known for his educational content, has been accused of disseminating false information regarding the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, specifically promoting the baseless theory of North Korean involvement. This narrative has been repeatedly debunked by state investigations and is considered deeply offensive to the victims and their families. Dong-A Ilbo reports that the city and foundation are reviewing the evidence to potentially file charges under the special laws governing the Gwangju Uprising. Jeon Han-gil has since removed the offending video and offered explanations, but the damage to historical truth and public sentiment is considerable. This incident underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the Gwangju Uprising and the persistent challenges in combating historical revisionism in South Korea.