The Association of Liberal Writers held a press conference in front of the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Court on the morning of the 2nd, and issued a statement urging the 'protection of freedom of expression' for writer Kim Gyu-na, who is on trial for remarks related to May 18. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]The Association of Liberal Writers held a press conference in front of the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Court on the morning of the 2nd, and issued a statement urging the 'protection of freedom of expression' for writer Kim Gyu-na, who is on trial for remarks related to May 18.

This case began when writer Kim Gyu-na posted a critical article on her SNS in October 2024 regarding her understanding of literature and history.

When remarks related to May 18 in the post became problematic, writer Kim Gyu-na was reported. In August 2025, the prosecution indicted Kim without further detention, seeking a fine of 1 million won for violating the 'Special Act on the May 18 Democratization Movement, etc.'. Kim, disagreeing with this, requested a formal trial, and the first hearing was held around 11 a.m. on the 2nd.

"The interpretation of literature and history cannot be monopolized by the state"

In its statement, the Association of Liberal Writers stated that this trial goes beyond a mere criminal case of an individual, questioning, "Can writers in South Korea not present dissenting opinions on historical interpretation?" and pointed out, "Historical interpretations cannot be fixed to a single view. Literature is a work of posing questions, and criticism involves discomfort. The moment we begin to treat that discomfort as a crime, society tilts towards silence."

The organization clarified that it does not endorse all of writer Kim's individual expressions, but expressed deep concern about a situation where remarks on public history are subject to criminal punishment, regardless of preferences in the method of expression.

Three Demands to the Court and Civil Society

The Association of Liberal Writers made the following three principled demands to the court:

First, do not fixate on isolated sentences, but carefully examine the overall intent and nature of the expression.

Second, strictly apply the criteria for spreading false information and do not expand the scope of punishment to the realm of opinion, evaluation, and interpretation.

Third, be cautious in the use of penal power, as this trial will set a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Furthermore, it emphasized to civil society, "Words you disagree with should be refuted, and unpleasant claims should be met with debate. Criminal punishment should not be a universal solution."

The association also warned that "the standards applied to writer Kim Gyu-na today could be applied to other topics and historical issues tomorrow," and that adopting an attitude of making exceptions for specific issues ultimately weakens the foundation of freedom.

The organization concluded the press conference by stating its support for writer Kim's right to a fair trial and its intention to monitor the case until the end to ensure it does not set a precedent that chills freedom of expression.

Writer Kim Gyu-na. In front of the courtroom. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

 The following is the full text of the 'Statement from the Press Conference of the Association of Liberal Writers'.

On the Occasion of the First Hearing for Writer Kim Gyu-na's Case Regarding Remarks on May 18

The Association of Liberal Writers hereby states its position regarding the first hearing of our member, writer Kim Gyu-na, held at the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Court on April 2, 2026, at 10:55 AM.

This trial is not a criminal case of an individual. It is a case that concerns whether a writer in South Korea can raise questions about history, present dissenting opinions on public memory and state-sanctioned interpretations, and what limits will be permitted.

According to public reports, writer Kim Gyu-na posted critical writings on literature and historical perception through SNS in October 2024, and was subsequently reported for remarks related to May 18.

In August 2025, the prosecution indicted Kim without further detention, seeking a fine of 1 million won for violating the Special Act on the May 18 Democratization Movement, etc. Kim, disagreeing with this, requested a formal trial. Today's hearing is the first step.

Current law stipulates that the dissemination of false information regarding May 18 is subject to criminal punishment. However, the issue lies in its scope and criteria. The intentional dissemination of false information, the expression of opinions on historical interpretation, and critical questioning must be distinguished. If this boundary collapses, discussion about history itself will be stifled.

The Association of Liberal Writers does not endorse all of writer Kim Gyu-na's individual expressions. However, regardless of the method of expression, a situation where a writer becomes subject to criminal punishment simply for speaking about public history cannot be taken lightly.

The reason we stand here today is to ask if a society that drags writers to court because their writings are disliked is truly normal.

Historical interpretations cannot be fixed to a single view. Literature is a work of posing questions, and criticism involves discomfort. The moment we begin to treat that discomfort as a crime, society tilts towards silence.

The Association of Liberal Writers demands the following from the court:

First, do not judge the defendant's remarks based on isolated sentences, but carefully examine the overall intent and nature of the expression.

Second, strictly apply the constituent elements of spreading false information and do not expand the scope of criminal punishment to the realms of opinion, evaluation, and interpretation.

Third, carefully set the boundary between freedom of expression and penal power, as this trial will set a precedent for similar cases in the future.

We clearly state to civil society as well.

Words you disagree with can be refuted. Unpleasant claims can be met with debate. Criminal punishment should be a last resort.

The standards applied to writer Kim Gyu-na today could be applied to other writers, other topics, and other historical issues tomorrow. Ignoring this fact and making exceptions for specific issues will ultimately weaken the foundation of freedom.

The Association of Liberal Writers supports member writer Kim Gyu-na's right to a fair trial. At the same time, we will watch until the end to ensure this case does not escalate in a way that chills freedom of expression.

Writers fight with words. The state deals with law. If the boundary between these two collapses, what remains is not freedom, but silence.

April 2, 2026

Association of Liberal Writers (Preparatory Committee)