This documentary, comprised of four video pieces, a radio piece, and a participant's journal, presents an unfiltered exploration of the deeply personal and survival-driven reasons behind residents' support or opposition to a proposed nuclear power plant. Unlike other discussions that focus on theoretical frameworks, this film delves into the raw emotions and lived experiences of those directly affected by the project. By capturing their voices, the documentary offers a nuanced perspective on the complex and often divisive issue of nuclear power. The filmmakers also share their own reflections, providing further insight into the challenges and rewards of documenting such a sensitive topic. 

Act as a Media is a collaborative production and distribution project that unites media activists from across South Korea to document and support specific regions and causes. Launched in 2014 with the residents' referendum on a nuclear power plant in Samcheok, the project has expanded to address various issues in places like Miryang, Chungbuk, Gimcheon/Seongju, Pyeongchang, and Jeju Island. The topics covered are diverse, including environmental destruction, erosion of communities, labor oppression, and resistance to developmentalism and militarism. In Samcheok, the project captured the residents' voices on the nuclear plant bid through four videos and one radio segment. When the Election Commission blocked the official referendum, citizens organized their own vote, demonstrating strong civic engagement. Media activists documented these voices—often ignored by mainstream outlets—and connected this struggle to a long history of opposition to nuclear power since 1983. This project marked the beginning of the Act as a Media initiative, which continued annually until 2019. 

In August 2014, Samchuk City Council unanimously passed a resolution for a local referendum on a new nuclear power plant. When the election commission ruled this beyond local jurisdiction, residents organized their own referendum. Media activists from the video podcast Hwajuckdan for Desiring Welfare joined to document this event. Together with residents, they embarked on a 5-day project to capture and share the community's desires, highlighting the importance of local voices in national decisions. 

KIM Seolhae

snowsun211@gmail.com