At a recent press conference held by the May 18 Memorial Foundation, legal advocates discussed the continuing distortions of the May 18 Democratic Movement and the barriers to legal action against them. Kim Jeong-ho, a member of the May 18 Task Force, noted that the financial gains from distorting this history frequently outweigh any legal penalties, highlighting a systemic issue in the legal framework. Following a recent court victory against former president Chun Doo-hwan's memoir, which was deemed a significant source of distortion, Kim called for more robust measures to prevent future discrepancies regarding this historical event.

The discussion also pointed to the significant challenge posed by platforms such as YouTube, where misinformation generates profits for those who propagate it, often allowing them to sustain or even thrive despite legal repercussions. Despite a judgment that ordered Chun's memoir to be restricted, the pervasive nature of misinformation remains a crucial concern, as some commentators continue to profit while facing minimal consequences. Kim's remarks reflected a broader call for comprehensive reforms within the legal context that address the financial incentives for historical distortion.

Kim proposed that in addition to recognizing the May 18 spirit in constitutional law, there should be institutional mechanisms to reclaim profits derived from misrepresentation. He highlighted the efficacy of punitive damages in the United States as a deterrent against the dissemination of intentional falsehoods and suggested that similar measures in South Korea could help balance the scales of justice, ensuring that those who commit harm through misinformation face serious financial consequences. This holistic approach aims to safeguard historical accuracy and uphold the integrity of significant events like the May 18th movement against ongoing distortion.