"Assassin(s), Controversy Over Distortion?"…Busan Film Commission Cancels Screening

[Dispatch=Lee Myung-joo] A press screening of the film 'Assassin(s)' for Busan citizens has been canceled.

The Busan Film Commission announced on the 1st, "After reviewing the recent circumstances surrounding the work and diverse opinions from citizens, we decided to cancel the press screening."

It appears the commission felt burdened as criticism of the film grew. The commission said, "We apologize for any confusion caused to citizens."

However, the commission stated that this decision is unrelated to judgment about 'Assassin(s)'. "It does not mean taking a specific stance or expressing support," the commission emphasized.

'Assassin(s)' was produced with location support from the Busan Film Commission. Busan Tourist Hotel, Hotel Nongshim, and the street of Jung-ang-dong 4-ga were used as filming locations.

The commission planned to hold a press screening for citizens following the release of location-supported films. Invitation tickets totaling 160 for 80 citizens were to be distributed.

However, 'Assassin(s)' became embroiled in a controversy over historical distortion. The film presented various hypotheses using the shooting incident of Yuk Young-soo as subject matter, but this sparked backlash.

Notable examples include the hypothesis that there may have been accomplices or the actual perpetrator besides Moon Se-gwang, and the hypothesis that the Central Intelligence Agency and others were involved in the incident for political purposes.

HIVE Media Corp. denied accusations of historical distortion. "The film was not produced to confirm a specific conclusion or deny existing facts," the company said.

Nevertheless, the controversy continues. Former Seoul City Council member Lee Jong-bae recently filed a complaint against four people from the production company and production team on charges of defamation through false statements.

YouTubers who posted related reviews are deleting their videos. YouTuber Jimuvi uploaded an introduction video for 'Assassin(s)' and took it down without any separate notice.

Kim Dan-gun also deleted his review of the film. Han apologized, saying, "I should have clearly distinguished between actual history and the fictional parts, and I am sorry for the confusion."