Culture Ministry Considers Halting and Excluding Public Support for Artist Im Oksang Following First Trial Guilty Verdict for Sexual Assault

Review of Support Exclusion Based on the Artist Rights Act
Public Support Suspension Within 5 Years Upon Final Judgment

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 18th that it is considering suspending financial support for artist Im Oksang, who was found guilty in the first trial on charges of sexual assault.

Im Oksang, a 'first-generation minjung artist' accused of sexual assault, is attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 17th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 17th, artist Im was found guilty in the first trial on charges of sexual assault. The victim is known to be an employee of the art research institute operated by Im and a junior in the art community.

The Ministry explained that once the verdict against artist Im is finalized, it may notify relevant agencies to consider suspending or excluding financial support in accordance with Article 35 of the "Act on the Status and Rights of Artists." In such cases, the respective institutions or organizations may suspend or exclude financial support for the artist within a period of up to five years.

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, affiliated with the Ministry, made six videos related to the artist on the museum’s YouTube channel private on the 7th of last month, and also made private 24 works by artist Im listed in the museum’s collection catalog, as well as all exhibition and educational program content related to the artist on its website.

The Ministry stated that it will also take measures such as excluding the artist from future exhibitions and banning participation in all events including education, symposiums, and other activities conducted by the museum. On the 28th of last month, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, also under the Ministry, removed Im’s artwork "Glasses" that had been displayed on the 5th floor history hall.

It became controversial that artist Im, after sexually assaulting the victim in August 2013, designed and created the "Place of Memory" in 2016, three years later, to commemorate the grandmothers who were victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery at Namsan, Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to remove Im’s works, including the "Place of Memory," installed in municipal facilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.