The leader of a far-right civic group, Kim Byung-heon of the Comfort Women Act Abolition National Action, has been indicted whereas in custody. He is accused of insulting Japanese military comfort women and demanding the removal of ‘Peace Statues’ commemorating them.
Charges and Allegations
Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office Public Investigation Division 3, led by Kim Jeong-ok, formally charged Kim Byung-heon on April 13th with violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, defamation, violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, and the Child Welfare Act.
From January 2024 to January of this year, Kim allegedly posted 69 times on Facebook and YouTube, referring to three former comfort women as “fake victims,” “sex workers,” and “women who contracted with pimps.” He also allegedly displayed banners at Seochogo High School and Muhak Girls’ High School in December of last year, stating, “Let’s put comfort women statues in the schoolyard and guide them to prostitution.” he faces charges related to negatively impacting the mental health of two students during a demonstration.
Prosecutors state that Kim’s actions were motivated by a distorted view of the comfort women issue and were fueled by funding from supporters in both South Korea and Japan, with the ultimate goal of erasing the history of Japanese military sexual slavery.
Prosecutors are working with the Broadcast Communications and Media Commission to remove the defamatory content and have applied restrictions preventing Kim from working in child-related institutions.
Legal Proceedings
A court issued an arrest warrant for Kim Byung-heon last month on April 20th. He requested a review of the warrant four days later, on April 24th, but the court rejected the request on April 25th, stating there were no grounds for release.
The case is now proceeding through the South Korean legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Kim Byung-heon face?
Kim Byung-heon faces charges including violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, defamation, violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, and the Child Welfare Act.
What actions led to these charges?
The charges stem from allegedly posting defamatory content online about former comfort women, displaying provocative banners near schools, and negatively impacting the mental health of students during a demonstration.
Where did the funding for Kim Byung-heon’s activities approach from?
Prosecutors state that Kim Byung-heon received approximately 76 million won over five years from supporters in Japan.
How might this case influence future discussions surrounding historical memory and activism?
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