Woman Sent to Prosecutors for Calling Gwangju Uprising an 'Armed Riot' Online

South Korean authorities have forwarded a woman in her 20s to prosecutors over social media posts that distorted the historical significance of the May 18th Gwangju Uprising. The woman allegedly described the pivotal pro-democracy movement as an "armed riot by anti-state forces."

The suspect, identified as Ms. A, is accused of violating the Special Act on the May 18th Democratization Movement. She reportedly posted the comment on an Instagram post that offered benefits related to the Gwangju Uprising on May 15th. She is also alleged to have captured the comment and shared it on her social media story.

“

Historical distortion of the May 18th Democratization Movement goes beyond insulting victims and their bereaved families; it can spread incorrect historical perceptions and cause social confusion.

Police initiated an investigation on May 21st after receiving a complaint through the National Petition system. The Special Act stipulates that spreading false information about the May 18th Democratization Movement through newspapers, broadcasts, or the internet can result in imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

A representative from the Seodaemun Police Station emphasized the seriousness of such actions. "Historical distortion of the May 18th Democratization Movement goes beyond insulting victims and their bereaved families; it can spread incorrect historical perceptions and cause social confusion," the representative stated. "We will strictly investigate malicious and clearly false acts of production and dissemination that exceed the bounds of freedom of expression, in accordance with law and principle."

“

We will strictly investigate malicious and clearly false acts of production and dissemination that exceed the bounds of freedom of expression, in accordance with law and principle.