Lawmakers from the People Power Party representing Daegu and Gyeongbuk called for an immediate halt to the screening of the film 'Assassins' and urged the withdrawal of its selection as the opening feature of the Singapore International Film Festival on October 6.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, lawmakers including Kim Seung-soo and Lee In-sun stated, "The tragic events of modern Korean history should not be distorted for political or commercial purposes."
They acknowledged the importance of creative and expressive freedoms but criticized the notion that such freedoms justify unlimited distortion of historical facts. They expressed particular outrage over the distribution of 'bullet hole tickets' designed to evoke the scene of the actual shooting incident, stating, "This crosses the line from creative expression to an act of moral depravity."
The lawmakers also raised concerns about the film's funding from multiple government and public institutions and its selection as the opening film for the Singapore International Film Festival. They demanded the following actions: an apology from the production company, an immediate halt to the film's screening, an explanation regarding the creation and distribution of the bullet hole tickets, an apology from the distributor and screening venues, a request for the withdrawal of the film's selection at the Singapore International Film Festival, and an investigation into any undue external pressure during the film's production and investment process.
They also reacted sharply to comments from Minister of Culture Choi Hwi-young regarding the need for strict law enforcement related to protests outside the homes of cast members. They pointed out the stark contrast in responses from President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party during the Starbucks 'Tank Day' controversy and the Baejae High School incident, where students faced bullying.
After the press conference, Kim stated to reporters, "It is not appropriate to threaten the safety of the actors, but responsible actors should recognize the significant distortions in the script and apologize to the public if necessary."
The People Power Party also expressed concern over the film's selection as the opening feature of the Singapore International Film Festival, with one lawmaker stating, "The domestic evaluation of former President Park Chung-hee could be completely distorted abroad." They plan to communicate this position to the festival's executive committee on behalf of all party members and intend to respond similarly whenever the film is submitted to other international film festivals.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, lawmakers including Kim Seung-soo and Lee In-sun stated, "The tragic events of modern Korean history should not be distorted for political or commercial purposes."
They acknowledged the importance of creative and expressive freedoms but criticized the notion that such freedoms justify unlimited distortion of historical facts. They expressed particular outrage over the distribution of 'bullet hole tickets' designed to evoke the scene of the actual shooting incident, stating, "This crosses the line from creative expression to an act of moral depravity."
The lawmakers also raised concerns about the film's funding from multiple government and public institutions and its selection as the opening film for the Singapore International Film Festival. They demanded the following actions: an apology from the production company, an immediate halt to the film's screening, an explanation regarding the creation and distribution of the bullet hole tickets, an apology from the distributor and screening venues, a request for the withdrawal of the film's selection at the Singapore International Film Festival, and an investigation into any undue external pressure during the film's production and investment process.
They also reacted sharply to comments from Minister of Culture Choi Hwi-young regarding the need for strict law enforcement related to protests outside the homes of cast members. They pointed out the stark contrast in responses from President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party during the Starbucks 'Tank Day' controversy and the Baejae High School incident, where students faced bullying.
After the press conference, Kim stated to reporters, "It is not appropriate to threaten the safety of the actors, but responsible actors should recognize the significant distortions in the script and apologize to the public if necessary."
The People Power Party also expressed concern over the film's selection as the opening feature of the Singapore International Film Festival, with one lawmaker stating, "The domestic evaluation of former President Park Chung-hee could be completely distorted abroad." They plan to communicate this position to the festival's executive committee on behalf of all party members and intend to respond similarly whenever the film is submitted to other international film festivals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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