(=Busan) Director Jeong Joo-ri expressed her concerns regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding her film 'Assassins' and the criticism directed at creators and actors.
On the morning of October 7, a press conference for the jury of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae. The event featured jury chair Zhang Yimou, along with directors Bikan, Jeong Joo-ri, Ishikawa Kei, actor Samal Yeslakhova, and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
Jeong, known for directing significant works inspired by real events such as 'Dohiya' and 'Next Sohee,' shared her candid thoughts on the current situation where criticism is directed at the cast and crew of 'Assassins.'
She stated, "I cannot avoid mentioning historical events and real incidents. I have also created films based on actual events and engaged with audiences. Honestly, my feelings lately align with what the jury chair (Zhang Yimou) said: 'Film is film.' Regardless, it is a fictional story with characters. My approach to filmmaking has never wavered."
Jeong continued, "Even though it’s not my film, I feel intimidated as a filmmaker. Furthermore, I realize that some individuals may be hurt because of this film and this story, and naturally, that hurt can be expressed. On one hand, I think about how to respond to such reactions in future projects."
Despite these challenges, she emphasized the responsibility and determination that creators must uphold, saying, "Nevertheless, regardless of where the film originated or how it was conceived, filmmakers bear full responsibility within that context. It is our created world. I hope to continue making films while anticipating various opinions, including criticism and empathy, on how audiences perceive our work."
Previously, 'Assassins' has faced severe backlash for its portrayal of the assassination attempt on former First Lady Yuk Young-soo on August 15, 1974, which has sparked intense debates over historical distortion. This controversy has escalated into a significant social issue, intertwined with criticism from political circles and conservative groups, leading to an influx of malicious comments targeting the lead actors and production team.
As a result, due to safety concerns raised by the production company, all scheduled official events for the Busan International Film Festival, including actor Lee Min-ho's solo event 'Actors House,' as well as the attendance of the director and lead actors at the opening ceremony red carpet, outdoor stage greetings, and free screenings for Busan citizens, were abruptly canceled.
On the morning of October 7, a press conference for the jury of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae. The event featured jury chair Zhang Yimou, along with directors Bikan, Jeong Joo-ri, Ishikawa Kei, actor Samal Yeslakhova, and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
Jeong, known for directing significant works inspired by real events such as 'Dohiya' and 'Next Sohee,' shared her candid thoughts on the current situation where criticism is directed at the cast and crew of 'Assassins.'
She stated, "I cannot avoid mentioning historical events and real incidents. I have also created films based on actual events and engaged with audiences. Honestly, my feelings lately align with what the jury chair (Zhang Yimou) said: 'Film is film.' Regardless, it is a fictional story with characters. My approach to filmmaking has never wavered."
Jeong continued, "Even though it’s not my film, I feel intimidated as a filmmaker. Furthermore, I realize that some individuals may be hurt because of this film and this story, and naturally, that hurt can be expressed. On one hand, I think about how to respond to such reactions in future projects."
Despite these challenges, she emphasized the responsibility and determination that creators must uphold, saying, "Nevertheless, regardless of where the film originated or how it was conceived, filmmakers bear full responsibility within that context. It is our created world. I hope to continue making films while anticipating various opinions, including criticism and empathy, on how audiences perceive our work."
Previously, 'Assassins' has faced severe backlash for its portrayal of the assassination attempt on former First Lady Yuk Young-soo on August 15, 1974, which has sparked intense debates over historical distortion. This controversy has escalated into a significant social issue, intertwined with criticism from political circles and conservative groups, leading to an influx of malicious comments targeting the lead actors and production team.
As a result, due to safety concerns raised by the production company, all scheduled official events for the Busan International Film Festival, including actor Lee Min-ho's solo event 'Actors House,' as well as the attendance of the director and lead actors at the opening ceremony red carpet, outdoor stage greetings, and free screenings for Busan citizens, were abruptly canceled.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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