Kang Won-rae, Who Was Denied Wheelchair Access, Watches 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng'... "Grateful for the Consideration"

Access to Riverside CGV blocked for wheelchair users restored
"Kindly considerate... Lee Seungman, an outstanding politician"

Singer Kang Won-rae, who was denied entry while trying to watch the documentary film 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' about former President Syngman Rhee, has finally watched the movie and shared his review. On the 18th, Kang posted his review on his Instagram after watching 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' at Gangbyeon CGV in Guui-dong.

[Image source=Screenshot from Kang Won-rae's Instagram]

Kang said, "I received many messages from people around me asking to watch it together, and many comforted me saying, 'What will you do if you can't watch the movie?' I felt sorry for unintentionally stirring up a heated debate online," adding, "I decided I must watch the movie, and since I am a regular at this theater, I booked again at Gangbyeon CGV." He continued, "I was worried that the young staff might feel uncomfortable, but they kindly accommodated me, so I had a good viewing experience," and "A few audience members recognized me and even greeted me."

Regarding 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng,' he shared, "Before watching the movie, I had only a vague understanding of the founding process, but as I left the theater, I once again felt the preciousness of liberal democracy," and "I realized anew that the independence movement was carried out in various ways beyond just shooting guns and throwing bombs, including politics and diplomacy, and that Syngman Rhee was an outstanding politician who played a significant role."

Wheelchair Entry Restricted... People Power Party Announces "Revision of Enforcement Decree"

On the afternoon of the 12th, Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, answered questions from reporters after watching the documentary film "Geon-guk Jeonjaeng," which highlights the life and politics of former President Syngman Rhee, at a movie theater in Yeouido, Seoul.

On the 9th, it was revealed that Kang was unable to watch 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' at Gangbyeon CGV because wheelchairs were not allowed entry, causing a stir. He had visited the theater with his family on the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday to watch the film but had to leave in front of the screening room due to the wheelchair access restriction. Previously, he expressed, "When I asked the staff if they could help lift the wheelchair, they said it was dangerous," and "I felt uncomfortable when the staff asked me, who was in a wheelchair, 'Can you stand up even for a moment?' and 'Can you walk while holding the wall?'"

After hearing this story, Kim Deok-young, the director of 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng,' contacted Kang, saying, "I am sorry you had to suffer in this cold weather," and offered, "I will provide a way for you to watch the movie at home," but Kang declined, saying, "No, I will find a screening room and watch it."

Furthermore, Han Dong-hoon, the emergency committee member of the People Power Party who watched 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng,' stated on the 14th, "Singer Kang Won-rae went to watch the movie with his family but was unable to enter the theater and could only watch with his family outside," adding, "The People Power Party will improve this issue, including revising the enforcement decree, to create a reasonable society." It is known that the People Power Party is pushing for a revision of the enforcement decree to designate at least 1% of seats per screening room as accessible seats for disabled viewers, instead of the current regulation which applies to the entire cinema.

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