[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] Director Jeong Ju-ri addressed the controversy surrounding the creative process and artistic expression in films based on historical facts, stating, “As a filmmaker, it’s true that I feel intimidated,” but added, “Nevertheless, I want to continue making films.”

At a press conference for the competition jury of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held on the 7th at BIFF Hill in the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, Director Jeong Ju-ri addressed the recent controversy over historical distortion surrounding the film *The Assassin(s)*, stating, “As someone who has also made a film inspired by real events and has shared it with audiences, I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately.”

The recent film *The Assassin(s)*, which is based on the shooting of the late First Lady Yuk Young-soo, has faced allegations of historical distortion. Some have claimed that the film portrays former President Park Chung-hee as the mastermind behind the assassination. In response, Director Jeong said, “Honestly, the feeling I have these days is exactly what the jury president said: ‘A movie is just a movie,’” adding, “It is a fictional story, and that has never wavered.”

Director Jeong previously told a story inspired by a real-life event in the film *The Next So-hee*. He candidly shared his feelings, saying, “What I’m feeling right now is that, even though it’s not my film, as a filmmaker, I feel incredibly intimidated.”

At the same time, he noted that observing the controversy has led him to reflect on the responsibilities of creators. Director Jeong said, “On one hand, I’ve come to realize that ‘there may be people who are hurt by the way this film is handled, and that pain could be expressed through the film.’ On the other hand, I find myself wondering, ‘What should I do next time?’”

Director Jeong stated, “Nevertheless, filmmakers bear full responsibility for what happens within that world,” adding, “Because it is a world we have created.”

He continued, “We make films expecting to meet audiences, hear criticism, and encounter a variety of opinions,” adding, “Lately, I’ve been hoping that I can continue this work.”

Director Jeong will serve as a juror in the competition section of this year’s Busan International Film Festival, alongside Director Zhang Yimou, to evaluate 13 competing films. Director Zhang Yimou, who has won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, serves as the jury president.

Other jury members include actress Choi Hee-seo, Chinese director Bi Gan, Kazakhstani actress Samal Yeslamova, Japanese director Kei Ishikawa, and Vietnamese producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.

The 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held throughout Busan until the 15th at venues including the Busan Cinema Center, CGV Centum City, Lotte Cinema Centum City, the Korean Film Council’s Standard Screening Room, the Sohyang Theater Woori Bank Hall, and the Busan Viewers’ Media Center Public Hall.