Prosecutors have sentenced documentary director Jung Yoon-seok to one year in prison for entering the scene of the Western District Court riots to record the unrest. In response, over 50 arts and civil society organizations, along with thousands of individuals, have expressed solidarity by urging his innocence.

The Korean Independent Film Association stated on the 23rd, "The prosecution of Director Jung Yoon-seok is a clear infringement of freedom of expression, as it unjustly labels an artist with a camera as a rioter," adding, "As of July 21, a total of 54 organizations and 10,108 citizens have signed a statement calling for his innocence."

Director Jung is a respected creator known for his works such as documentaries like "Jam Docu Gangjeong," "Nonfiction Diary," "Night Pirate Ship Seoul Fire Sea," and "To the Truth," which tackle social issues and have garnered attention at domestic and international film festivals. Over the past 20 years, he has been documenting major tragic events in Korean society, including the Yongsan tragedy, Sewol ferry disaster, and Itaewon tragedy.

According to the association, Director Jung believed that "artists have a duty to record moments when the crisis of democracy becomes a reality," and he carried his camera at the scene of the Western District Court riots, viewing it as a combination of public interest reporting and artistic activity. However, the prosecution did not acknowledge this and charged him with 'trespassing on special facilities,' sentencing him to one year in prison on July 7.

In his final statement in court, Director Jung emphasized, "There are two people who witnessed and filmed the same incident at the same place on the same day. A JTBC reporter received an award for reporting, while I stood in the defendant's position," questioning, "Why should artists be excluded from recording history? This is a point that requires a profound discussion on the constitutional value of artistic freedom." He concluded by stating, "An artist does not claim innocence. It is the prosecution that claims guilt."

The first-instance ruling on Director Jung Yoon-seok is expected to be delivered on August 1 at the Seoul Western District Court.