Kwon (South Korea)

Medium: Electronic Media

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Artist: A student using the alias "Kwon"

Confronting Bodies: South Korea's Electoral Commission (NEC)

Date of Action: March 2004

Location: South Korea

Description of Artwork: Computer images parodying South Korean politicians. One image depicted a popular video game with members of the main opposition party on the losing team. Another image was a cartoon showing the party leader, homeless, after losing the election.

The Incident: The NEC charged Kwon with violating new electoral laws that were amended on March 12, 2004. The new law prosecutes internet users for distributing information that is offensive to politicians during their election campaigns. In addition, the law forces internet service providers to surrender customer's information who are accused of violating these precepts. The NEC said that Kwon posted the pictures on sites other than his personal page and permitted other users to download them. For these actions, Kwon was charged with disseminating false information and for violating electoral law.

Results of Incident: Kwon was arrested, charged and released from prison.

Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation