An association of 22 writers and artists organizations denounced the government on Friday for allegedly oppressing the people's freedom of expression, and vowed to take action against the government.

Arguing that President Lee Myung-bak and his Grand National Party continues to turn a deaf ear on the people's call for renegotiation of the Korea-U.S. beef agreement over mad cow concerns, the group warned that the people will turn their back on the government if it continues to crack down on candlelight protests and alleged attempts to control the media.

They also vowed to join candlelight protests until democracy is fully restored.