Korean Film Directors' Association, 'The Assassins' Controversy: "An Attack That Crossed the Line, Not Criticism"

"Filmmakers Support Free Environment""Spreading as an attack to break creativity"As the historical distortion controversy surrounding the film 'Assassins' has escalated to protests in front of the homes of its cast members, the Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) stated, "What we are facing now is not criticism and condemnation of the film, but an attack that has crossed the line against individuals." / Reporter Seo Ye-won[THE FACT|Reporter Jeong So-young] As the historical distortion controversy surrounding the film 'Assassins' has escalated to protests in front of the homes of its cast members, the Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) stated, "What we are facing now is not criticism and condemnation of the film, but an attack that has crossed the line against individuals."In a statement released on the 4th, the DGK said, "We will send our support and solidarity to filmmakers so that they can create their stories in a freer and safer environment."They added, "Moving beyond scrutinizing the film's content and the creator's choices, the situation has escalated to targeting the daily lives and livelihoods of those involved, and demands that such films not be made again." They commented, "The evaluation of a film is spreading as an attack to break the creator's future work."They further stated, "Even those who have faced controversy and criticism should be able to embrace their stories again and make another film by risking their choices." They added, "Creators can be criticized for their work, but that criticism should not lead to the destruction of the creator's personal life and livelihood."They also expressed their belief that "protecting an environment where creators can create again, despite facing criticism, is a crucial foundation for protecting the future of Korean cinema." They said, "Film should continue, even as different thoughts and voices meet and sometimes create controversy." They elaborated, "If that freedom disappears, it will be difficult for new films and new stories to be born."The DGK emphasized, "Please join us so that your support and solidarity for free creation can become the strength for filmmakers to make films again." They added, "We will also stand by the creators to ensure that Korean cinema can continue to create new stories."Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the film 'Assassins' is spreading to criticism targeting film industry professionals, including cast members, staff, and critics.Conservative civic groups and YouTubers held a rally in front of the home of actor Yoo Hae-jin in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on this day. They demanded that the film's production team and cast members apologize for the work.upjsy@tf.co.kr