The controversy surrounding the historical distortion in the film 'Assassins' has sparked criticism of film critic Lee Dong-jin, who attempted to clarify his comments. However, backlash from internet users continues to grow.
On October 2, a post titled 'A Relatable Comment on Lee Dong-jin's Blog' appeared on an online community.
The post included a lengthy comment responding to Lee Dong-jin's explanation of his remarks. The commenter stated, “I saw that Lee Dong-jin gave the film 'Assassins' a rating of three stars, describing it as 'a perspective that delves deeply into the flow and gaps of events.' From my viewpoint as a viewer, this seems like a very complacent and irresponsible review that turns a blind eye to the film's clever 'fabrications' and 'distortions' while being absorbed in the aesthetics of the screen.”
The commenter continued, “The filmmakers and their defenders argue, 'We did not directly assert that the Park Chung-hee regime was behind it. We merely raised suspicions during the investigation.' However, this is merely a cowardly excuse that shows a complete lack of understanding of the impact of popular culture,” adding that Lee Dong-jin's 'gaps in the record' are the result of a confirmation bias designed to implant a specific conclusion in the audience's mind.
They further claimed, “The film staged falsehoods that are the exact opposite of actual history as signs of a grand conspiracy to incite the audience,” citing various elements such as the sudden change in security policy allowing Mun Se-gwang to enter, the depiction of security personnel abruptly withdrawing before a speech, and the portrayal of a sudden switch to a bulletproof podium just before the speech.
The commenter asserted, “None of this is true. To be frank, it borders on fabrication,” explaining that the confusion and technical limitations of the time could easily account for these events, which the film misrepresents as a grand power conspiracy.
They specifically criticized the film's use of actual footage at the end, stating, “After pouring out all sorts of falsehoods and suspicions throughout the narrative, the film places real footage at the conclusion. This leads the audience to mistakenly believe that the distorted hypotheses presented by the film are verified historical facts. I can't tell if this is a movie or propaganda.”
The commenter added, “From start to finish, the film is laced with dialogue, editing, and audio direction suggesting that the Central Intelligence Agency or security office of the Park Chung-hee regime was hiding and manipulating something. To then slyly say 'the judgment is up to the audience' at the end is not a matter of creative freedom but a very cowardly way to evade responsibility.”
They also remarked, “If we grant immunity simply because they did not make a definitive statement, then all conspiracy theories and propaganda films should be acquitted.” They criticized the idea that the film, using various directorial techniques to implant the notion of 'the Park Chung-hee regime being behind it' in the audience's mind, could then backtrack at the end by saying 'that was not the intention,' calling it a cowardly excuse that the critic defends under the guise of an open hypothesis.
Following this comment, other users in the online community also expressed their criticism. One highly upvoted comment read, “This really hits the mark. It seems unrefutable, especially regarding the propaganda aspect. Critics should be the ones most opposed to media like films becoming tools for ideology and regime promotion.”
Another user noted, “If Lee Dong-jin's argument is to be believed, then the Gwangju May 18 incident was caused by the commander firing, not by Chun Doo-hwan. I wonder if he realizes how illogical that is.”
Others expressed disappointment, stating, “This explanation has completely ruined the value of his usual journalism-focused critiques. I see this as the worst kind of evasion for someone who makes a living with words. Perhaps he has always been this way.”
Another user commented, “The decision to include actual footage at the end, rather than ending with the film alone, is indeed malicious. That’s where the intent is confirmed. They ask us to view it as a film while employing documentary-style direction and using various celebrities to shape public opinion about the truth.”
One user remarked, “The comment is spot on; this film should have been criticized even if it had a right-wing slant. It throws out all its messages and propaganda, then adds real footage at the end and says, 'The judgment is up to you?' That attitude is disgusting. I was appalled when I watched this film.”
Another user stated, “If Lee Dong-jin had maintained the stance of viewing the film as just a film, even if it were a conspiracy theory, he wouldn’t have faced such backlash. It feels like watching someone who has lost to political beliefs treat the public as ignorant. I’ve decided I won’t watch any videos featuring Lee Dong-jin again.”
Another user expressed, “Honestly, I’m really disappointed. He might end up being labeled as 'Cowardly Lee' for real.”
One user added, “If he genuinely couldn’t grasp the intent of the film, he should retire. It’s like failing to reach base in 100 consecutive at-bats.”
Another user reflected, “Film criticism was something he loved throughout his life, and he gained wealth and fame from it, but was that more important than the political beliefs he should have upheld? Politics can be that terrifying.”
Another user criticized, “Critics want recognition and use all sorts of flowery language to show off, but when controversy arises, they say, 'It’s just my personal critique?' I find that so frustrating.”
One user concluded, “I can’t believe he would issue a statement saying, 'You all misinterpreted it.'”
Meanwhile, Lee Dong-jin clarified that his comment about not being able to dismiss it as merely a conspiracy theory arose during an explanation of how the film addresses questions surrounding the whereabouts of the bullets fired on August 15, 1974, at the National Theater, which cannot be easily resolved by official announcements alone. He also stated that not all hypotheses raised by the film are factual and that the claim regarding President Park Chung-hee's involvement in the assassination of Yuk Young-soo is unrelated to his review. The review video has since been made private.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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