Lee Dong-jin praised 'Hope' but was showered with malicious comments... finally spoke up: "A charming film" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Film critic Lee Dong-jin addressed the controversy over ratings surrounding the film 'Hope'.

On the 20th, Lee posted an article titled "I'm Writing Again" on his blog. He began by saying, "Even if I try to turn a blind eye, this is the world I live in, and even if I want to look only ahead, this is the profession I chose, so I decided it was better to keep writing despite how tired and weary I feel."

Previously, Lee gave the film 'Hope' by director Na Hong-jin a one-line review: "A bold charge through a bizarre mess, with the entire film building into a grand crescendo," and awarded it four stars.

However, some viewers who harshly criticized the film questioned his evaluation and left malicious comments on his blog and YouTube channel. Some even raised suspicions that he gave him generous ratings due to his personal relationship with director Na Hong-jin or out of consideration for the Korean film industry.

In response, Lee drew clear lines against various speculations about himself. Regarding claims of a close friendship with director Na Hong-jin, he stated, "We have only met at public events such as interviews and GV (Q&A sessions with audiences). We have never shared a cup of coffee, and I don't even know his phone number."

As for allegations that he gave high ratings due to the director's reputation or consideration for the Korean film industry, he countered, "If I had been swayed by names or prioritized personal relationships, could I have evaluated films like 'I Saw the Devil', 'Wonderland', 'Veteran 2', 'Alien + Human', and 'Byeon-san' in such a way?"

He also denied claims that financial interests or personal relationships influenced his evaluation. He said, "Of course, I earn money from work related to films. That's my profession." However, he added, "I do not receive payment for art films or independent films, but for large-scale popular films, I do receive a fee when conducting GV sessions. Still, the fee does not vary depending on whether it is a blockbuster or a major production. Therefore, there is no reason to specifically choose 'Hope' for GV due to financial motives."

Lee also explained directly why he gave 'Hope' four stars. He stated, "I believe the film is excellent. Despite its flaws, it has such powerful strengths that they outweigh them—a charming, original, and entertaining film."

Furthermore, Lee said, "Whether a critic or an audience member, there is no absolute objectivity in evaluating films (or art). We bring not only our own cinemas and worldviews but also our entire lives lived so far to watch the single film placed before us. Opinions can certainly differ. Different opinions can coexist peacefully. And by sharing diverse opinions, we can expand our experiences."

Meanwhile, 'Hope', released on the 15th, tells the story of Beom-seok (Hwang Jung-min), a branch office manager stationed in the Demilitarized Zone at Pohang, who learns from local youths that a tiger has appeared. As the entire town goes into alarm, he encounters an unbelievable reality. The film is noted as director Na Hong-jin's first new work in 10 years since 'The Wailing'.

Since its release, 'Hope' has seen sharply divided audience reactions. Despite this, it surpassed a cumulative total of 2 million viewers within five days of opening.

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*This content was translated by AI.