Choi Hui-young, Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, delivers sharp remark: "Threats to 'The Assassins' cast? Destruction of democracy" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Hui-young, Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has taken strong action in response to threatening behavior directed at the cast members over historical distortion issues surrounding the film "The Assassins."

On the 5th, Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister) stated, "Today, I strongly requested the National Police Agency and other relevant authorities to take safety measures for film industry personnel and cast members, and to strictly enforce the law against illegal acts such as threats and intimidation in front of their residences." He added, "While criticism and debate regarding the historical interpretations or perspectives addressed in a film are natural and healthy in a democratic society, it is absolutely unacceptable if such criticism crosses the line, leading to protests at cast members' homes, infringement on their daily lives, and threats to their personal safety. Freedom of evaluation of films is guaranteed, but threats to creators' personal safety constitute a destruction of democracy."

Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister) stated, "We have adhered to the 'arm's length principle,' which means supporting without interfering. Demanding that the government intervene in advance or make judgments using administrative power simply because one dislikes the content of a work is a dangerous request to return to the era of 'prior censorship' prohibited by the Constitution." He continued, "A film is an artistic creation completed through the creator's imagination and interpretation. If there are issues of defamation or legal problems with a work, it should be resolved by seeking strict judgment from the judiciary through civil litigation or criminal procedures after its release. That is the rule-of-law order agreed upon in our society."

He further stated, "Actors must not be subjected to fear-mongering or harm at their homes simply because they appeared in a work they do not agree with. Leave the evaluation of works to audiences and critics. If you judge that the issues raised by the film have crossed the line, seek judgment from the judiciary. As the Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, I will fulfill my duty to ensure that cultural and artistic professionals can engage in creation and performance without being intimidated by any external pressure or threats."

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

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*This content was translated by AI.