Yoon Eun-hye Reacts with Outrage to Brutal Redevelopment Violence Exposed on TV

Singer and actress Yoon Eun-hye expressed shock and anger after witnessing a broadcast detailing severe human rights abuses during a redevelopment project.

The SBS program 'The Story of That Day' (shortened to 'Kkkomu'), in its 192nd episode titled 'My Disappearing Home, and Jeokjun,' courageously shed light on the history of redevelopment violence, focusing on the demolition company Jeokjun. The episode recounted the harrowing events of 1998 in Dongwon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where alleged demolition firm Jeokjun engaged in extreme violence and human rights violations under the guise of urban renewal.

During the broadcast, eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence presented by journalist Im Jong-jin revealed that demolition crews, armed with pipes and heavy machinery, set fire to occupied homes, hurled verbal abuse, threats, and carried out indiscriminate beatings. Guests KCM and Yoon Eun-hye were visibly distressed, with KCM exclaiming, "This is truly ruthless," and "I'm so angry. Are they out of their minds?" Yoon Eun-hye repeatedly voiced her fury, stating, "I'm so angry." The report detailed horrific acts, including the assault of a five-month pregnant woman, forcing women to consume human feces, and sexual assault against female residents. Actress Chae Seo-jin, also a guest, struggled to speak, commenting, "It's much more brutal than I imagined."

The episode further exposed the 'Raccoon Dog Operation' in Jeonnong-dong, where fires and toxic gas were used to force residents out, leading to deaths and severe injuries from smoke inhalation and falls. KCM lamented, "This is barbaric," and was moved to tears seeing children separated from their parents. In Dongwon-dong, residents resisting demolition in a structure called 'Goliath' faced cut-off utilities and water cannon attacks before being forcibly removed as the structure was engulfed in flames.

Yoon Eun-hye expressed her disbelief, stating, "It feels like I'm hearing a story from a completely different country." Chae Seo-jin added, "I knew about these things from movies and newspapers, but it's far more brutal than I thought." The program also touched upon the systemic issues, explaining how the government's policy of privatizing redevelopment led to such abuses, with Jeokjun growing into a major company without any accountability for its past actions. Despite extensive documentation of violence, sexual assault, arson, and human rights violations in a 'Demolition Crime Report,' no perpetrators faced significant punishment, while victims were often criminalized.

Concluding the broadcast, Yoon Eun-hye pledged, "I hope another crime report doesn't have to be published. Creating a more beautiful society seems easy but is truly difficult. I need to become a better person myself." 'Kkkomu' is a program where three storytellers share impactful real-life events with their friends, airing every Thursday at 10:20 PM on SBS.

Yoon Eun-hye first gained widespread fame in the 2003 drama 'Princess Hours,' establishing herself as a prominent actress. She has since diversified her career, appearing in various dramas, films, and variety shows. She actively engages with her global fanbase through her YouTube channel, sharing personal updates and thoughts.