Kim Byeong-heon, the leader of the group advocating for the abolition of Comfort Women laws, has been arrested following allegations of defaming victims of Japan's wartime sexual enslavement, commonly known as Comfort Women. The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant after finding a flight risk during a hearing of the suspect's pre-arrest interrogation. Specifically, Kim faced charges under the Information and Communications Network Act for defamation, stemming from protest activities against the memorialization of Comfort Women, including actions to cover the 'Peace Girl' statue in black cloth or masks.

The prosecution's move to detain Kim comes after ongoing tensions surrounding the historical narrative of Comfort Women in South Korea, which has been a contentious issue between South Korea and Japan. President Lee Jae-myung publicly condemned Kim's actions on social media, labeling his statements as ridiculous defamation. The police's intensified investigation, based on the public outcry, led to Kim's arrest warrant application just days before the court's decision.

During his arrival at the court for the hearing, Kim declined to comment on the accusations when pressed by reporters about how he views the charges of defaming Comfort Women victims. He has consistently claimed that the Comfort Women were engaged in prostitution, a statement which has further inflamed public sentiments and debates surrounding the sensitive issue. This case not only highlights the ongoing struggle regarding historical recognition and respect for Comfort Women victims but also illustrates the broader societal divisions over how these historical events are portrayed and remembered in South Korea.