The film follows the 2023 raid by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on investigative outlet Newstapa. Director Kim Yongjin, its former head, traces a pattern of political prosecutions against critical journalists—from reports on Yoon Suk-yeol to Cho Kuk and Kim Keon-hee. Combining on-site footage, journalist testimonies, and legal records, the film reveals how special funds were used to pressure the media, silence dissent, and manipulate public opinion. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect press freedom and democratic values in South Korea.

Search and Seizure: The Rise of Insurrection (2025)

★ 7.8/10 April 23, 2025 111 min

Documentary

Director: Kim Yong-jin  ·  Writer: Jung Jae-hong

The film follows the 2023 raid by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on investigative outlet Newstapa. Director Kim Yongjin, its former head, traces a pattern of political prosecutions against critical journalists—from reports on Yoon Suk-yeol to Cho Kuk and Kim Keon-hee. Combining on-site footage, journalist testimonies, and legal records, the film reveals how special funds were used to pressure the media, silence dissent, and manipulate public opinion. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect press freedom and democratic values in South Korea.

Trailer

Director

Kim Yong-jin

Cast

Kim Yong-jin Self Bong Ji-wook Self Han Sang-jin Self Yoon Suk-yeol Self (archive footage) Han Dong-hoon Self (archive footage) Kim Keon-hee Self (archive footage)