Actress Kim Gyu Ri Shares Harrowing Experiences From Government Blacklist Ordeal
Kim Gyu Ri Opens Up About Cultural Blacklist Trauma
Following the National Intelligence Service's decision to accept the second-trial ruling on November 7, recognizing government liability for the cultural blacklist under Lee Myung Bak's administration, actress Kim Gyu Ri has shared her deeply personal account of the traumatic experiences she endured.
As one of 82 artists reportedly targeted by the controversial list, Kim took to Instagram on November 9 to express her relief at the verdict's finalization while revealing the lasting impact of the ordeal. "The trauma is so severe that even hearing the word 'blacklist' makes me freeze up," she wrote in her post.
Disturbing Incidents and Harassment
The actress detailed several unsettling experiences that occurred during the blacklist period. During an awards show appearance for her film Portrait of a Beauty, she received mysterious phone calls from unknown numbers whenever she appeared on camera. In another instance, a casting contract was abruptly canceled on the very day she was scheduled to sign it.
Surveillance and Intimidation
Kim revealed that she was warned about NIS surveillance in her neighborhood, with an office allegedly set up nearby to monitor her activities. Her lawyer at the time, Representative Kim Yong Min, inquired whether anything suspicious had occurred while she was away from home, as reports suggested the NIS had entered some individuals' residences.
The actress recounted additional concerning incidents:
- She shredded all her documents as a precautionary measure
- Other residents in her building received fines for trash bag violations, leading to suspicions that garbage was being searched
- Unidentified individuals loitered outside her home for extended periods
- She experienced phone tapping during this time
Death Threats After Speaking Out
When news of the blacklist became public, Kim briefly shared her thoughts on social media. The response was chilling—she received a death threat the following day warning her to remain silent or face deadly consequences.
Response to Official Apology
Addressing the NIS's statement, Kim expressed skepticism about the sincerity of their apology. "Who exactly did they apologize to? It feels like they just said it into thin air for the sake of the press," she stated, adding that the wounds remain and she feels empty despite the verdict.
The actress concluded her post by thanking her legal team and fellow artists who suffered similar persecution under the government's covert blacklist operation.
