Filmmakers, including directors Jeong Ji-young and Lee Myung-se, condemned the political manipulation surrounding the film 'Assassins' during an emergency press conference on October 8. The event took place in front of Haeundae Beach, where over 20 filmmakers gathered to voice their concerns.
In a joint statement, they expressed dismay that the recent controversy over 'Assassins' has escalated beyond criticism of the work itself to involve political parties, public institutions, investors, and issues regarding screenings at theaters and film festivals.
They criticized the rush to label the film's political intent and nature without fully viewing the work or verifying facts, noting that the filmmakers, cast, and production companies have become targets of unfounded blame. This situation highlights the blind criticism directed at the lead actors and production team.
The filmmakers expressed concern that this incident could infringe upon the freedom of creation in the cultural and artistic sectors. Jeong Sang-min, vice president of the Korean Film Producers Association, stated, 'The fact that the debate over the film has reached a point where public resources are being mobilized for sanctions is alarming. If this continues, creative activities may become increasingly stifled.'
Director Jeong Ji-young added, 'While film cannot replace history, it is the duty of artists, including filmmakers, painters, poets, and novelists, to pose questions about the inquiries and mysteries left by history. It is absurd for the political sphere to challenge that.'
The press conference also addressed recent attempts by lawmakers to interfere with the selection of 'Assassins' as the opening film of the Singapore International Film Festival. On October 6, the People Power Party sent a letter to Jeremy Chua, the festival's executive director, urging the withdrawal of the film's selection. However, the festival maintained its commitment to an independent selection process.
Filmmakers emphasized the need for caution in extending domestic political debates to the independent selection and screening decisions of international film festivals, asserting that the choice of what to screen falls within the festival's independent judgment, and it is up to the audience to decide how to receive it.
They also voiced concerns over serious personal threats faced by the production team and actors, stating, 'Personal information of film industry professionals is being disclosed, and their residences and daily lives are being invaded, leading to threats and intimidation. This is clearly a different issue from criticism of the film or expressing political opinions.'
Finally, they reiterated, 'We are not demanding that the truth and integrity of a specific film be defended or opposed. Whether in favor or against, we urge that politics should not replace the meaning of the work or the audience's judgment.'
Meanwhile, this year's Busan International Film Festival has seen significant backlash and safety concerns surrounding 'Assassins,' leading to the cancellation of audience events, including the red carpet and outdoor meet-and-greet for actor Lee Min-ho's 'Actors House.' Kim Hong-jun, former director of the Korean Film Archive, noted, 'This is not the first time a film has sparked political controversy at the Busan Film Festival. If discussions among filmmakers continue after the festival, it could lead to constructive and democratic outcomes.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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