Korean Film Producers Guild Speaks Out on "Assassins" Controversy: "Spreading as Threats... Serious Concern"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korean Film Producers Guild (PGK) has also voiced its opinion amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the film "Assassins."

On the 2nd, the Korean Film Producers Guild issued a statement expressing concern that the current debate surrounding the film is spreading into threats against film industry professionals.

The guild stated, "Recently, debates have continued over the film 'Assassins.' Just as various interpretations exist regarding historical events, films based on historical events can also be subject to diverse interpretations and it is natural for them to receive evaluations accordingly." It added, "Empathy and criticism toward a film unfolding as a healthy debate—this will be the existential value of film as an art form. However, the current debate has expanded beyond criticism of the work into threats against those involved in the production, including the production company, director, actors, and staff, and the Korean Film Producers Guild expresses serious concern about this."

It further stated, "We do not support the position of either side in the debate surrounding 'Assassins,' nor do we seek to demand that audiences take a side. Freedom of creation and expression is a precious value that we have all fought for over a long period, and criticism should also be respected as part of freedom of expression." It continued, "However, actions such as exposing an individual's personal information and family relationships simply because they participated in the work, or pressuring the normal activities of related individuals, companies, and organizations, go beyond the scope of legitimate criticism and can never be justified. We hope that the debate and discussion regarding historical interpretations initiated by 'Assassins' will be conducted healthily on a mature foundation."

The guild added, "We request the following: Please stop defamation, threats, invasion of privacy, and actions threatening personal safety or livelihoods against film participants. Please cease the spread of unverified facts." It emphasized, "Evaluations of a film are clearly the domain of the audience. However, this must not become an attack that threatens creators and stifles film production and screening. The Korean Film Producers Guild opposes any action that threatens the freedom of expression and safety of film industry professionals, and we will stand with them in this effort."

The film "Assassins" has drawn intense reactions from the political sphere as focus has shifted to the assassination attempt on First Lady Yuk Young-soo, which served as the subject matter for the film. Amid this, the film's production team issued a statement saying, "As a work based on historical events and real people, various interpretations and criticisms may arise. The production team respects such opinions. However, we wish to clarify that the film was not produced with specific political intentions beyond its inherent creative intent and nature."

Additionally, regarding recent claims of so-called "Chinese capital inflow" related to "Assassins" through online communities and some media outlets, the team stated, "There is absolutely no fact that Chinese capital has flowed into the production or investment process of 'Assassins.' 'Assassins' is a work independently planned and produced with domestic capital under the leadership of domestic production teams and creators."

However, such criticism has extended beyond the film itself to actors who appeared in it, and even to actors who watched and supported the film, resulting in an influx of malicious comments. Consequently, events prepared for the upcoming Busan International Film Festival, including the "Assassins" open talk and Lee Min-ho's Actors House, have been canceled one after another.

The film production company also abruptly canceled the stage greetings by actors that had been scheduled for the National Foundation Day holiday.

General audiences appear curious about what content is causing such controversy, with reactions emerging calling for people to watch and evaluate the film directly. In response, "Assassins" surpassed 2 million cumulative viewers on the 3rd despite the controversy.

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*This content was translated by AI.