[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] As controversy surrounding the film *The Assassin(s)* continues to spread like wildfire, the film industry is also expressing concern over the situation. They view the ongoing criticism stemming from creative work as a situation that could stifle creators’ creative activities.

The Korean Cinematographers Guild (CGK) released a statement on the 2nd, saying, “While we are grateful for the immense attention this film has received, it is deeply distressing as colleagues in the industry to see that attention lead to conflicts outside the film and to witness the emotional distress suffered by the actors and crew who worked together to create it.”
The union explained, “Even if a film draws its story from real events, it is ultimately a work completed through the creator’s imagination and interpretation,” adding, “A dramatic film inspired by history is not intended to replace historical records.”
They continued, “All the thoughts you have after watching the film are valuable. Empathy, disappointment, and differing perspectives are all part of a meaningful conversation surrounding the film.” However, they expressed concern, saying, “If that conversation extends beyond the work itself to target the creators and actors personally, or if the audience’s evaluations are not conveyed as they are, we worry that it may gradually become more difficult for creators to take on new stories in the future.”
He emphasized, “Above all, I hope you will first experience this film simply as a movie,” adding, “Please feel free to share your diverse opinions about the work, but I would appreciate it if you could extend a generous spirit toward those who created it together. I also hope that an environment is maintained where the honest evaluations of each and every audience member can be conveyed exactly as they are.”
The Association pledged to continue working with colleagues in the film industry to foster a film culture where creators can freely unfold their stories and audiences can enjoy them from their own perspectives. “We ask that you watch over us with warm eyes so that films can fully connect with you as films,” they appealed.
The Korean Film Producers Association also issued a statement, saying, “We believe that the free exchange of diverse evaluations and critiques of films and cultural and artistic works is a natural and necessary process.” They added, “Particularly in the case of works based on historical events or real-life figures, different opinions may arise depending on the audience’s perspective and interpretation, and these diverse voices must be respected.”
They continued, “Regardless of evaluations of the work itself, we express concern over situations where unverified information regarding the production process or participating creators is spread, or where individual creators—such as production companies, directors, actors, and staff—face excessive criticism simply because they were involved in the project.” They added, “A film is a cultural creation completed through the long-term collaboration of numerous creators and production staff. Even feature films that deal with real events or historical subjects are created by combining dramatic structure and cinematic imagination, based on relevant records and materials. Therefore, we believe it is desirable for evaluations of a work’s expression and interpretation to focus on the work itself.”
The Association noted, “The production team of *The Assassin(s)* has also clarified that the film is a fictional work reconstructed by drawing on historical events as a motif and incorporating cinematic imagination into various records and materials, and has publicly stated that certain recent claims regarding production and investment are not factual,” adding "The Association clarified, ‘While we do not intend to pass judgment on specific historical interpretations or social claims, nor do we seek to support any one side through this discussion, we believe it is not conducive to a healthy production environment for Korean cinema if the debate surrounding a single work extends beyond the scope of evaluating the work itself and leads to attacks on individuals involved in the film’s production—such as the production company, director, actors, and crew—or the spread of unverified information.’"
It continued, “For Korean cinema to continue freely exploring diverse themes and stories in the future, it is necessary to ensure that audiences can freely evaluate and critique works, while also providing an environment where creators can engage in their work without fear of excessive external pressure,” adding, “We hope this discussion will proceed calmly and constructively within the realm of the work and creativity, while respecting differing opinions. Furthermore, I hope that criticism and evaluation of the film are based on facts, and that the creative activities of all members involved in the production—including the production company, director, actors, and crew—are also respected,” he emphasized.
“The Assassin(s)” is a mystery film inspired by the August 15, 1974, shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, which traces the truth behind the incident and those pulling the strings. Although investigative authorities at the time concluded that it was a lone act committed by Moon Se-kwang, a Korean resident in Japan, the film raises alternative suspicions through the characters investigating the case and on-site records. However, controversy has spread as critics argue that this narrative portrays former President Park Chung-hee or the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) as being behind the incident. Although the production team refuted the claims, stating, “This film was not produced with any political agenda,” the controversy over historical distortion continues to escalate.
In particular, the backlash has extended to the actors. Criticism has been directed at actors who watched the film or wrote recommendations for it, and attacks have also been leveled at the actors who appeared in it. Burger King and Kiwoom Securities—for which Yoo Hae-jin serves as a model—closed the comment sections on promotional videos featuring him, and the conservative group New Freedom Alliance recently reported a rally held in front of lead actor Yoo Hae-jin’s home in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, to the local police station.
As the controversy intensified, the production company ultimately canceled the scheduled stage greetings and also canceled events related to the Busan International Film Festival. The production company explained, “We considered the safety of audiences and attendees in light of the recent series of events surrounding the film,” adding, “We made this decision to ensure everyone’s safety and the smooth running of the events.”