The new amendment proposed by lawmaker Yu Eun-hye was passed during a plenary session on Thursday, in a move to protect celebrities and artists from discrimination over political differences. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – The National Assembly has passed a new amendment barring the government from forming a blacklist of celebrities.
The new amendment proposed by lawmaker Yu Eun-hye was passed during a plenary session on Thursday, in a move to protect celebrities and artists from discrimination over political differences.
Yu, who is a member of the Democratic Party, has stated in the past that there must be protection for arts and culture from government interference over political views.
The move is being seen as a step in the right direction for human rights, giving additional protection for artists to express themselves freely.
The new proposal comes in the wake of the shocking revelation in recent months that previous administrations had put together lists to keep an eye on celebrities and figures in the art and culture world with opposing political views to the government, which has now resulted in a number of arrests.
With the introduction of the new amendment, South Korea’s culture framework act now states citizens have a right to create and engage in cultural activities without discrimination based on one’s political views, alongside sex, religion, race, age, location, social and economic status.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
