The film 'Assassins' is at the center of a heated debate over historical distortion, with Kim Yoon-ji, head of the Korea Creative Content Agency, asserting that films do not necessarily need to be based on facts.
During a National Assembly audit held on October 12 in Yeouido, Seoul, lawmakers clashed over the film. The ruling People Power Party criticized the film's violence, potential historical inaccuracies, and the appropriateness of its investment valuation. In contrast, the opposition Democratic Party argued that labeling specific works by the political sphere infringes on creative freedom and the public's right to know.
In response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Gye-won about whether she agrees that creativity does not have to be fact-based, Kim stated, "Film is a space for imagination, and I believe it can contain various stories."
Kim also agreed with Jo's comment that personal attacks rather than critiques of the film could discourage creators from making future works, saying, "That's correct."
Additionally, Kim explained that the Korea Creative Content Agency awarded an A grade to director Hur Jin-ho in its 'Content Value Evaluation Report' for 'Assassins,' noting that evaluations consider the director's previous successful works. She added that directors of Hur's caliber typically receive good ratings.
Previously, the agency had prepared a content value evaluation report for 'Assassins' on October 27 of last year, granting A grades in 10 out of 12 evaluation categories, including directing ability, screenplay, and planning.
Meanwhile, Han Sang-jun, chairman of the Korean Film Council, who also attended the audit, expressed concern over repeated political scrutiny, stating, "It could stifle creative freedom, and there are genuine worries that the recovering film industry might be hindered."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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