[Busan = E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] About 20 film industry professionals, including directors Jeong Ji-young and Lee Myung-se, urged that the film “The Assassin(s)” not be used as a tool for political strife.

About 20 filmmakers visiting Busan to attend the 31st Busan International Film Festival held an emergency press conference on the 8th at Haeundae Event Plaza in Busan. Attendees included directors Jeong Ji-young, Lee Myung-se, Kim Hong-jun, and Baek Jae-ho; Han Jae-deok, CEO of Sannai Pictures; Kim Dong-hyun, Executive Committee Chair of the Seoul Independent Film Festival; and film critics Yoon Seong-eun and Jeon Chan-il.

In a joint statement, they pointed out that the recent controversy surrounding *The Assassin(s)* “has expanded beyond criticism of the film itself to include political circles, public institutions, investment firms, and even screening decisions by theaters and film festivals.”

They went on to express concern, stating, “While criticism and discussion of films are open to everyone—and even more intense debates are to be expected for works dealing with historical events—this controversy is being misused as a tool for political strife, going beyond an evaluation of the film itself.”

The filmmakers also criticized the trend, stating, “We need to reconsider the practice of hastily defining a film’s political intent and nature before even fully watching it or verifying the facts, and the way in which the scope of accountability is continually expanding to include the director, actors, and production companies.”

Jeong Sang-min, Vice President of the Korean Film Producers Association, stated, “It is concerning that the debate over the film has reached the point where public resources are being mobilized to impose sanctions,” adding, “Filmmakers have come together out of concern that creative activities could be further stifled.”

Director Jeong Ji-young said, “While a film cannot speak for history, it is the duty not only of filmmakers but also of artists—including painters, poets, and novelists—to raise questions about the questions and mysteries left by history.”

She went on to criticize the move, saying, “It is excessive for the political sphere to take issue with this.”

They also expressed concern regarding the collective letter sent by lawmakers from the People Power Party urging the Singapore International Film Festival to withdraw its selection of *The Assassin(s)* as the opening film.

The filmmakers emphasized, “We must also exercise caution when extending domestic political debates to the independent selection and screening decisions of international film festivals,” adding, “Film selection and screening fall within the realm of a film festival’s independent judgment, and it is up to the audience to decide how to interpret them.”

Regarding threats against the safety of film industry professionals, they criticized the situation, stating, “Their personal information is being disclosed, their residences and daily lives are being invaded, and this is even leading to intimidation and threats to their safety,” and added, “Such acts are clearly distinct from criticism of a film or the expression of political opinions.”

They clarified, “We are not defending the authenticity or artistic merit of a specific film, nor are we demanding that people not oppose it,” adding, “Whether in favor or against, we are saying that politics should not take the place of a work’s meaning or the audience’s judgment.”

Due to this controversy, the official schedule for *The Assassin(s)* at the Busan International Film Festival has been completely canceled. This includes Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Min-ho’s attendance at the opening ceremony, as well as director Hur Jin-ho and the lead actors’ outdoor stage greetings and Lee Min-ho’s “Actors’ House” event. The production company, Hive Media Corp., explained that the decision was made with the safety of the audience and attendees, as well as the smooth running of the event, in mind.