"Criticism vs. Excessive Attacks on 'The Assassins'": Korean Directors Guild Speaks Out Amid Controversy [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korean Directors Guild has issued a statement regarding the historical distortion controversy surrounding the film "The Assassins" (directed by Heo Jin-ho).

On the 4th, the Korean Directors Guild posted on its official social media account, "Just as praise always exists for made films, so does criticism. While some argue that the reactions to 'The Assassins' are unfair and excessive, who can precisely draw the line between what is appropriate and what is not?"

It continued, "However, what we are facing now is not criticism or condemnation of the film, but attacks that cross the line into personal assault. The evaluation of a single film is expanding into an attack aimed at breaking the creator's next work."

Additionally, the Korean Directors Guild stated, "We will send our support and solidarity so that filmmakers can create their stories in a freer and safer environment. Film must continue to be a space where different thoughts and voices meet, sometimes generating debate. If that freedom disappears, it will be difficult for new films or new stories to be born."

It added, "Please join us so that your support and solidarity for free creation can become the strength for filmmakers to make films again."

Meanwhile, "The Assassins," released on September 23, is a film that traces the suspicions and masterminds behind the 1974 assassination attempt on Lady Yoo Young-soo. Since its release, controversy has continued as political circles and related organizations have raised criticism of historical distortion over certain settings in the film.

The film "The Assassins" recently met with audiences.

Just as praise always exists for made films, so does criticism. Just as there have been praises and high acclaim, condemnation and harsh reviews are nothing new. While some argue that the reactions to "The Assassins" are unfair and excessive, who can precisely draw the line between what is appropriate and what is not?

However, what we are facing now is not criticism or condemnation of the film, but attacks that cross the line into personal assault. Moving beyond questioning the content of the film and the creator's choices, these attacks target both the daily lives and livelihoods of those involved, even demanding that such films never be made again. The evaluation of a single film is expanding into an attack aimed at breaking the creator's next work.

Those who have experienced debate and criticism must also be able to hold onto their stories, stake their choices, and make another film. Creators may be criticized for their works, but that criticism should not lead to a way that destroys the individual life and livelihood of the creator.

The creative environment that DGK seeks to protect includes standing by the side of creators who are trying to start over in such moments. The opportunity for a person to begin their next story should not disappear simply because one film has experienced debate and criticism.

DGK will send its support and solidarity so that filmmakers can create their stories in a freer and safer environment. We believe that protecting an environment where creators can continue to create, even while bearing criticism, is an important foundation for safeguarding the future of Korean cinema. Film must continue to be a space where different thoughts and voices meet, sometimes generating debate. If that freedom disappears, it will be difficult for new films or new stories to be born.

Please join us so that your support and solidarity for free creation can become the strength for filmmakers to make films again. We, too, will stand by the side of creators so that Korean cinema can continue to create new stories.

Korean Directors Guild (DGK)

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*This content was translated by AI.