Documentary director Jung Yoon-seok was arrested on the scene and charged while covering the so-called 'court occupation incident' that took place at the Seoul Western District Court on January 19. In response, the film industry has launched a large-scale petition movement.

A total of 2,781 filmmakers, citizens, and 51 film organizations signed a petition urging for his innocence, and submitted it officially to the trial panel ahead of the second hearing scheduled for the 16th.

Director Jung is known for shedding light on social issues through documentaries such as , , , and , consistently engaging in activities by recording tragic scenes in our society like the Yongsan Tragedy, Sewol Ferry Disaster, and Itaewon Murder Case. This time, he was charged by the prosecution as an 'instigator of riots' while documenting the moment when the crisis of democracy becomes a reality.

In response, the film industry strongly criticized the charges, stating that "Director Jung Yoon-seok simply recorded the scene out of ethical commitment as an artist," and that this indictment is a "clear violation of freedom of expression."

The petition was also signed by renowned domestic directors such as Park Chan-wook (), Kim Sung-soo (), Lee Myung-se (), Jang Hang-jun (), Byun Young-joo (), Boo Ji-young (), Lim Dae-hyung and Jeon Go-un (), and Jin Mo-young ().

Furthermore, the 'Freedom of Expression Network Against Hate and Censorship (21Jonet)' also submitted a separate petition to the trial panel, with 169 organizations and 11,831 citizens participating in the signatures. The Busan International Film Festival also submitted a separate petition, stating that "Director Jung Yoon-seok is a creator who records national crises, distinct from extreme right-wing forces."

Filmmakers and citizens collectively pointed out, "This indictment could undermine the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution and set a dangerous precedent by stigmatizing artists as criminals," urging for Jung's innocence so that the actions of artists recording the truth are not punished.