Seoul City Unilaterally Abrogates: Film and Civic Groups Announce Complete Rejection of Cooperation with Seoul Film Center

Film and civic groups have declared their rejection of cooperation regarding the controversy over the construction of the 'Seoul Cinematheque'.

On November 17, film and civic groups issued a joint statement declaring that they would not engage in any official cooperation with the current operational system of the Seoul Film Center. They explained that since 2010, Seoul City has unilaterally changed the name of the public cultural policy 'Cinematheque Construction Project' to 'Seoul Film Center' after the appointment of Mayor Oh Se-hoon, disbanded the construction preparation committee, reduced core functions (film archive, reading room, dedicated screening room, research, educational space), and made design changes to a multiplex structure, all of which undermine the identity of the cinematheque.

In response, the film and civic society groups stated the following four positions: (1) There can be no official cooperation with the current operational system of the Seoul Film Center. (2) Seoul City must immediately return to the original plan of the cinematheque. (3) A public forum involving the film industry and civic society must be resumed promptly. (4) Future operations of the Seoul Film Center must be redesigned with a focus on publicness and professionalism.

The film and civic society groups expressed concern, stating, "The cinematheque is a fundamental cultural infrastructure that preserves the city's film heritage and is operated to be accessible to all citizens," and warned that "if the Seoul Film Center maintains its current direction, the cultural rights of citizens will be severely compromised." They also stated, "This declaration is not intended to criticize specific organizations, but is a minimal measure to correct distorted policies and restore publicness."