Opposition parties, including the People Power Party and the Reform Party, have sharply criticized the film 'Assassins' for allegedly using freedom of expression to spread absurd conspiracy theories. Critics from the conservative camp argue that the film suggests a connection between former President Park Chung-hee and the assassination of his wife, Yuk Young-soo, distorting historical facts.
On September 28, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, expressed his disapproval on Facebook, stating, "During former President Park Geun-hye's visit to North Korea in 2002, Kim Jong-il personally apologized for the assassination of Yuk Young-soo. Yet, the left continues to produce such films."
Jang further remarked, "In the case of the Gwangju Uprising, one wrong word can land you in prison. If you touch on former President Roh Moo-hyun, you face lawsuits. However, claims about the North Korean invasion during the Korean War, the Cheonan sinking, and insults against former President Park are deemed 'freedom of expression.'" He also recommended the film 'Asura,' questioning whether the fictional city of 'Annam' is a blend of President Lee Jae-myung's hometown of Andong and Seongnam, where he served as mayor. Jang sarcastically added, "It's just cinematic imagination, so don't say anything else."
At a press conference in the National Assembly, lawmakers Koo Ja-geun and Kang Myung-koo, representing Gumi, the hometown of former President Park Chung-hee, condemned the film, stating, "Do not use historical tragedies as political marketing tools."
They emphasized that Yuk Young-soo was a victim of a shooting by Mun Se-gwang, who was directed by the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), and that an official conclusion was reached after investigations and trials. They criticized the film's creators for spreading absurd conspiracy theories under the guise of freedom of expression.
The Reform Party also joined the criticism. Lee Gi-in, the emergency committee chair, stated during a meeting, "While we respect creative freedom, it does not justify historical inaccuracies and problematic portrayals in works."
Lee added, "When dealing with the death of real individuals, there is a corresponding responsibility. We must explain to the audience where the line between fact and fiction lies. If it is art for our side and defamation for the other, it reflects loyalty to a faction rather than a belief in creative freedom."
On September 28, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, expressed his disapproval on Facebook, stating, "During former President Park Geun-hye's visit to North Korea in 2002, Kim Jong-il personally apologized for the assassination of Yuk Young-soo. Yet, the left continues to produce such films."
Jang further remarked, "In the case of the Gwangju Uprising, one wrong word can land you in prison. If you touch on former President Roh Moo-hyun, you face lawsuits. However, claims about the North Korean invasion during the Korean War, the Cheonan sinking, and insults against former President Park are deemed 'freedom of expression.'" He also recommended the film 'Asura,' questioning whether the fictional city of 'Annam' is a blend of President Lee Jae-myung's hometown of Andong and Seongnam, where he served as mayor. Jang sarcastically added, "It's just cinematic imagination, so don't say anything else."
At a press conference in the National Assembly, lawmakers Koo Ja-geun and Kang Myung-koo, representing Gumi, the hometown of former President Park Chung-hee, condemned the film, stating, "Do not use historical tragedies as political marketing tools."
They emphasized that Yuk Young-soo was a victim of a shooting by Mun Se-gwang, who was directed by the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), and that an official conclusion was reached after investigations and trials. They criticized the film's creators for spreading absurd conspiracy theories under the guise of freedom of expression.
The Reform Party also joined the criticism. Lee Gi-in, the emergency committee chair, stated during a meeting, "While we respect creative freedom, it does not justify historical inaccuracies and problematic portrayals in works."
Lee added, "When dealing with the death of real individuals, there is a corresponding responsibility. We must explain to the audience where the line between fact and fiction lies. If it is art for our side and defamation for the other, it reflects loyalty to a faction rather than a belief in creative freedom."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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