With the rejection of the injunction against 'I Am a Survivor', it is set to be released on Netflix as scheduled at 4 PM on the 15th.
On the 14th, the Seoul Western District Court dismissed the injunction filed by the Christian Gospel Mission (JMS) and former members against the Netflix documentary 'I Am a Survivor'.
The court stated, "We reject both the main and preliminary applications in this case," and explained the reason for dismissal, saying, "The copyright and other rights to this video belong to Netflix, and it is difficult to see that the debtor has the right or authority to broadcast or transmit the video."
Additionally, it stated, "The necessity for the preservation of rights to prohibit the release of this video has not been sufficiently demonstrated," and ordered the debtor to bear the litigation costs.
Previously, on the 29th of last month, JMS and others filed for an injunction to prevent the release of 'I Am a Survivor', and the first hearing was held on the 12th.
At that time, JMS explained the reason for the injunction, stating, "The production team is raising false allegations and damaging the honor of JMS members and the denomination," while MBC and Netflix countered that "the documentary was produced based on facts for the public good."
Set to be released on the 15th at 4 PM, 'I Am a Survivor' is a sequel to the controversial work 'I Am God', which caused a significant stir upon its release in 2023. The previous work ranked 5th in global viewership and 1st in South Korea, and Director Cho Sung-hyun received the Presidential Commendation at the 2023 Korea Content Awards for contributions to the development of the broadcasting and video industry.
At the production presentation held on the 13th, Director Cho Sung-hyun expressed, "I have felt heavy-hearted throughout this time. I came to ask people to watch it when it is released on the 15th, but I was worried about what would happen if it couldn't be released that day," adding, "There are a total of three injunctions filed to prevent the broadcast. I don't understand why it has to be blocked to this extent. This is evidence that it is very uncomfortable for someone to have this released."
He further stated, "I believe everyone should know this. I trust the South Korean courts. I believe they will make a good judgment for the people," expressing hope for the dismissal.
'I Am a Survivor' will be released worldwide on Netflix at 4 PM on the 15th.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
