Hong Joon-pyo Criticizes 'Assassins': If It Distorts History, It Is Not Freedom of Expression [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo indirectly criticized the historical distortion controversy surrounding the film 'Assassins.'

On the 2nd, former mayor Hong indirectly mentioned 'Assassins,' stating, "No matter how much it is a movie, if it distorts even historical facts, that is not freedom of expression but an abuse of freedom under the guise of freedom of expression."

He continued, "After liberation, there was a period when a distorted leftist historical perspective, which claimed the the 25th War was a northern invasion based on revisionist historiography, became prevalent. However, distorting history is an act akin to that of a traitor who commits a crime against history," adding sharply, "That is not artistic freedom."

'Assassins' is a film inspired by the 1974 assassination attempt on Lady Yoo Young-sook, which tracks the suspicions and masterminds behind the incident. Since its release on September 23, controversy has continued as political circles and related organizations have raised criticism of historical distortion over certain settings in the movie.

Subsequently, 'Assassins' was scheduled to hold meet-and-greet events in Seoul, Suwon, Incheon, and Busan to mark its second week of release, but the production company decided to cancel the schedule, concerned that the controversy surrounding the work was spreading to the cast and crew.

HYBE Media Cop stated, "We respect the various opinions and interest shown toward the work, while also expressing concern that the situation surrounding the film is placing excessive burdens on the cast and crew beyond the scope of the work itself." The company further explained, "This decision was made after careful consideration to protect those involved in the production and to take into account the impact it may have on audiences who visit theaters and theater staff."

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*This content was translated by AI.