On October 7, the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee began its hearing on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which quickly escalated into a debate over the film 'Assassins.' The People Power Party demanded that director Heo Jin-ho and representatives from the production company be called as witnesses to address allegations of historical distortion, while the Democratic Party countered that "the hearing is not a place for ideological censorship."
Members of the People Power Party insisted on the inclusion of the film's production team as witnesses.
Representative Jo Eun-hee of the People Power Party stated, "We must not distort events like the May 18 incident, the Sewol ferry disaster, or the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun. Why should the death of First Lady Yuk Young-soo be treated differently?" She added, "The historical distortion has led to suspicions that former President Park Chung-hee was responsible for his wife’s death, and it is difficult to imagine the pain and suffering this causes the victims' families." She called for the inclusion of the CEO of Hive Media Corp, director Heo Jin-ho, the screenwriter, and the representative of Megabox as witnesses.
Representative Kim Seung-soo of the People Power Party also emphasized that "many citizens are curious about the malicious editing in 'Assassins,' yet not a single witness has been selected." He insisted that not only director Heo Jin-ho but also the production company’s representatives and screenwriters must be called as witnesses. Representative Kim Seok-ki added, "We need to question the director directly about why he created a misleading film that instills a false historical perception in the public."
The Democratic Party responded with objections.
Representative Choi Min-hee of the Democratic Party remarked, "The hearing is neither a venue for ideological censorship nor a place to suppress the freedom of cultural and artistic creation." She noted, "There is no content in the film that identifies the perpetrators of tragic events that any South Korean citizen would find painful," asserting that it is rather a film about freedom of the press.
Representative Noh Jong-myeon of the Democratic Party stated, "It appears that the director is trying to exclude the possibility of President Park Chung-hee being behind the events. This should be left to the viewer's judgment, and it is inappropriate to summon creators to the National Assembly for questioning." He added, "It is right to exercise restraint regarding matters related to culture and creation," firmly opposing the selection of witnesses.
During the hearing, issues regarding the Presidential Committee on Cultural Exchange and the trademark rights of 'Phenomenon' were also raised. Representative Jo Eun-hee requested, "Please provide all copies of the overseas trademark applications related to 'Phenomenon,' the application process, and all internal meeting records, as well as discussions with the four major planning companies by the morning."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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