An online game that distorts and belittles the May 18th Democratic Uprising while featuring a photo of former President Chun Doo-hwan has emerged, sparking controversy.
According to Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women's University, this game is 'Gwangju Running Man' on the game platform Steam, operated by the American company Valve Corporation.
Set against the backdrop of Gwangju in May 1980, it portrays citizens as heinous criminals and gangs, and it is problematic because it is designed to make the military's violent actions seem justified.
Due to this, access has been blocked domestically, but it remains available overseas.
Currently, the comments section of users displays opinions written in various languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and German.
Professor Seo Kyung-duk noted, "Recently, bags and T-shirts featuring the face of Chun Doo-hwan were sold on China's representative online shopping platform 'Taobao,' which caused controversy." He continued, "Making light of the painful history of another country is a grave mistake," and criticized, "It is unacceptable to use online games as a means of generating revenue from this. "
In addition, he added, "A prompt response from government agencies, such as the Game Rating and Administration Committee, is needed at this time."
[Photo] A scene from the online game featuring a photo of Chun Doo-hwan.
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