Korean Film Producers Association Requests Healthy Discussion on the Film ‘The Assassin(s)’ Controversy

The Korean Film Producers Association has stated that evaluation of a work and criticism of its creators should be distinguished in response to the controversy surrounding the film ‘Assassins’. In a statement released on the 1st, the association said that works dealing with historical events or real people can be interpreted differently by each audience member, and that a variety of criticism and expressions of opinion are in themselves a natural and necessary process. However, it expressed concern over situations in which unverified information spreads or excessive criticism continues toward the production company, director, actors, and staff on the grounds of their participation in the work. The association emphasized that, since a film is completed through the collaboration of many creators, evaluation and criticism should be centered on the work itself. It also added that it hopes this discussion will lead not to support for or judgment of a specific historical interpretation, but to a calm, factbased debate. ‘Assassins’ is a film about tracking the suspicions and masterminds behind the August 15, 1974 shooting of the First Lady. As political interpretations and starrating attacks have recently continued around the film, voices from inside and outside the film industry are emerging, saying that the creative environment must be protected.