Youngho Kang

Summary of issue:
This issue started as a personal argument, but not any more. Now I no longer care about whether the copyright legally belongs to someone or not. Now I am doubting the philosophy of Slovak Press Photo. I need to ask, "What is the morality of a photographer?"

The issue started when my short-term intern assistant (no contract created), Dorota Holubová without my permission photographed as she wished in my works. She submitted the pictures taken in my created scene to Slovak Press Photo (without notifying me), and she won. I discussed with Dorota about this issue and she acknowledged what was her fault (submit without permission), apologized and said that she would cancel the prize the very next day. However, the next day Dorota changed her thinking after talking with the director of the competition, Jana Garvoldtová, now they insist that clicking the shutter is enough to have the copyright and be the rightful author of a picture, in any case, even in a scene created by someone else.
This is why the issue now is concentrated on Slovak Press Photo.

I have to say, making good pictures and film is not my goal. My documentary works have been just tool for revealing the voiceless dark side. Absolutely it would be nice if in the end, her winning leads to further helping and bring interest in the children. I hope it is not just short-term casual interest in the children thanks to this prize. And I confess, this issue made me more serious about project for the street children. I feel thankful from this happening.

If you want to know the full story, follow the link: http://younghokangartist.tumblr.com/

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