In an official statement released on October 4, the Directors Guild of Korea said, “What we are facing now is no longer criticism or condemnation of a film, but personal attacks that have crossed the line.”
The guild continued, “Some may say the reactions to The Assassin(s) are unfair and excessive, while others may consider them reasonable and appropriate, but who can precisely draw that line?” It added, “The situation has moved beyond questioning the film’s content and the creators’ choices. It is now targeting the daily lives and livelihoods of those who participated in the project, with some even demanding that they never be allowed to make a film like this again.”
“An evaluation of a single film is turning into an attack intended to prevent those involved from creating their next work,” the guild said. “Even those who have faced controversy and criticism must be able to embrace another story, stand by their choices, and make another film.”
The guild also stressed that criticism of creative work must be distinguished from attacks on individuals. “Creators can be criticized for their work, but that criticism should not develop in a way that destroys the creator’s personal life and livelihood,” it stated.
It continued, “The creative environment we seek to protect also includes standing beside creators when they try to begin again after such moments. The opportunity to start telling their next story should not disappear simply because one film faced controversy and criticism.”
“We will offer our support and solidarity so that filmmakers can tell their stories in a freer and safer environment,” the guild said. “We believe protecting an environment in which creators can continue creating despite criticism is an essential foundation for protecting the future of Korean cinema.” It added, “Cinema must continue to exist as a place where different ideas and voices meet and sometimes create debate. If that freedom disappears, it will become difficult for new films and new stories to emerge.”
The guild reiterated that it would stand in solidarity with filmmakers seeking to create in a freer and safer environment, emphasizing that creators must be able to continue their work even after facing criticism. “Protecting such an environment is an important foundation for the future of Korean cinema,” it said, once again stressing that films should remain a space where different ideas and voices can coexist and generate debate.
Finally, the guild appealed to audiences, saying, “We ask you to join us so that your support and solidarity for creative freedom can give filmmakers the strength to make films again. We will also continue standing beside creators so that Korean cinema can keep producing new stories.”
The Assassin(s) is a film inspired by the 1974 shooting that killed First Lady Yuk Young Soo, exploring questions surrounding the incident and the possibility of forces operating behind it. Since its release on September 23, some political figures and related organizations have criticized certain fictional elements in the film as historical distortion, fueling an ongoing controversy.
The backlash has also spread to members of the cast. A representative of a conservative organization said a protest had been registered outside the home of lead actor Yoo Hae Jin and signaled plans for a strong response, triggering further controversy. After reviewing the escalating situation, the production company canceled events connected to the Busan International Film Festival as well as scheduled stage greetings. The company explained, “This decision was made after careful consideration in order to protect those who participated in the film while also taking into account the potential impact on audiences attending the events and theater staff.”
As the controversy has continued to spread across the Korean film industry, organizations including the Korean Film Producers Association and the Producers Guild of Korea have also issued statements expressing concern over what they described as excessive attacks targeting creators and other film industry professionals.
Sources: Daum