Pastor referred to prosecutors for calling Gwangju Uprising a 'communist riot'

A pastor in Seoul has been sent to prosecutors for allegedly misrepresenting the May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising as a communist riot directed by North Korea during a church service. The Songpa Police Station announced on July 6th that Pastor 'A' was transferred to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Special Act on the May 18th Democratic Uprising and other related laws.

The pastor is accused of making false claims to his congregation in May, stating that the Gwangju Uprising was a communist riot instigated by North Korea. He subsequently uploaded a video of this sermon to the church's YouTube channel. Following this, 'Peace Tree Christian Recovery Center,' a progressive Protestant group, filed a complaint with the police in May, accusing the pastor of violating the Special Act.

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Historical distortion of the May 18th Democratic Uprising not only insults and defames the victims and their bereaved families but also spreads incorrect historical perceptions, potentially causing social chaos.

The Special Act on the May 18th Democratic Uprising stipulates that disseminating false information about the event through newspapers, broadcasts, the internet, or public events can result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won (approximately $36,000 USD).

A police official commented on the case, stating, "Historical distortion of the May 18th Democratic Uprising not only insults and defames the victims and their bereaved families but also spreads incorrect historical perceptions, potentially causing social chaos." The official added, "We will continue to strictly investigate acts of producing and disseminating malicious and clear falsehoods that go beyond freedom of expression, in accordance with the law and principles."

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We will continue to strictly investigate acts of producing and disseminating malicious and clear falsehoods that go beyond freedom of expression, in accordance with the law and principles.