Lee Jae-jung, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker and chair of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, criticized the controversy surrounding the film 'The Assassin(s)', stating, "It is not that the film distorted history, but rather that political circles distorted the film."
Chair Lee wrote on Facebook yesterday, "I had previously taken the position that political intervention should be avoided as much as possible. However, as excessive violent situations against the cast and creators continue, and realizing that the political circle's unreasonableness could no longer be tolerated, I went to the cinema alone."
Lee remarked, "The film did not even place the possibility of President Park's involvement within the scope of cinematic imagination. Who would dare sacrifice a beloved wife as a scapegoat for power? No matter how critical a stance I maintain toward President Park Chung-hee, within my memories and sentiments regarding President Park's family affection and their familial relationships, imagining such a thing while watching the film was simply impossible."
Lee also asked, "Be honest. Isn't there something else about the film that you find unpleasant and uncomfortable?", questioning further, "Could it be that you disliked bringing back to the surface the long-term dictatorship symbolized by the Park Chung-hee administration's emergency decrees, the abuses of the KCIA (Korean Central Intelligence Agency), the suppression of the press, and the hidden sides of the 1965 Korea-Japan Treaty?"
Regarding the People Power Party's demand to adopt witnesses related to the film for the parliamentary audit, Lee argued, "To the lawmakers intending to ask questions or comment on the film during the parliamentary audit, please watch the film first before speaking," adding, "If you join this lineup without even watching the movie and without any basis for judgment, you will feel ashamed of yourselves later."
Lee continued, "Dragging this film into the parliamentary audit hall is also a gag on creative expression and an outrageous act of violence. As chair of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, I will be resolute in upholding principles."
Released on September 23, 'The Assassin(s)' is based on the incident in which First Lady Yuk Young-soo was shot and killed during the National Liberation Day ceremony on August 15, 1974. The film has stirred controversy as some critics claim it distorts historical facts by portraying former President Park Chung-hee as if he were involved in his wife's death.
As the situation escalated, including hard-line conservative groups staging protest rallies in front of the residence of Yoo Hai-jin, one of the film's actors, his agency warned, "We plan to take all necessary measures for the actor's safety." Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young also stated, "We have requested that the National Police Agency and related authorities enforce the law strictly against illegal acts such as threats and intimidation toward film officials and cast members."
Reported by Lee Ho-geon | Video by Seo Byeong-uk | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
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