On the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the Sabuk Incident, the citizens' screening of the film '1980 Sabuk' is underway in various locations both in South Korea and abroad, advocating for a national apology. The event is organized by the 1980 Sabuk Citizens Screening Committee, which has scheduled multiple screenings in Seoul at CGV Yeonnam on the 23rd, 26th, and 28th of this month, themed around 'Echoes of Seoul Citizens Calling for Spring in Sabuk.' Special discussions featuring artists and the film's director will follow the screenings, highlighting the significant cultural and historical context surrounding the incident.

The Sabuk Incident, which occurred in April 1980, involved coal miners and local residents in Jeongseon County clashing with police and army forces while demanding the resignation of pro-government union leaders. The committee plans to hold larger screenings in March across Jeju, Gwangju, and Seoul in collaboration with democracy organizations and the media to further urge the national government for an apology, reflecting on the atrocities faced by the miners and civilians during the uprising.

Notably, international screenings have also gained momentum, with events held in Berlin and Los Angeles, further amplifying the call for recognition and justice for the victims. The screening initiative emerged from a special screening held in December 2022 in South Korea's National Assembly, aiming to awaken public consciousness regarding the Sabuk miners' plight, which has been largely overlooked for over four decades. Through this campaign, organizers hope to not only raise awareness but also gather signatures pushing for a formal apology and compensation for the victims' suffering during the harrowing events of the Sabuk Incident.