Korean film guilds urge debate without threats

Major Korean film guilds urged criticism of "The Assassin(s)" to stay focused on the movie after debate over the film escalated into threats and personal attacks, The Korea Times reported.

The dispute centers on a fictional plot tied to the 1974 assassination attempt on then-President Park Chung-hee, a subject that has prompted political conflict and a defamation probe, according to The Korea Times.

The Producers Guild of Korea and the Cinematographers Guild of Korea issued separate statements Friday night after criticism of "The Assassin(s)" turned toward the production company, director, cast and crew, The Korea Times reported.

"While historical events invite diverse interpretations, the current controversy has escalated beyond criticism of the work itself into direct threats against the production company, director, cast and crew," the Producers Guild of Korea said.

The guild also said pressure on people involved in the film crossed a line. "Exposing the personal details and family relationships of individuals who participated in a project, or exerting pressure on their normal activities, goes far beyond legitimate criticism and can never be justified," the Producers Guild of Korea said.

The film, directed by Hur Jin-ho, centers on the 1974 assassination attempt on then-President Park Chung-hee, which resulted in the fatal shooting of first lady Yuk Young-soo, The Korea Times reported. Its fictional plot suggesting government officials were involved has led to political conflict and a legal probe for defamation.

A conservative activist group announced plans to hold daily protests in front of lead actor Yoo Hae-jin's home through the end of October, according to The Korea Times. Hive Media Corp. canceled all scheduled cast and crew appearances at the following week's Busan International Film Festival because of safety concerns.

The Cinematographers Guild of Korea warned that attacks on people involved in the movie could affect future filmmaking. "If discussions about a movie go too far and attack individual creators and actors, it could discourage filmmakers from trying new stories in the future," the Cinematographers Guild of Korea said.

"We ask audiences to treat this simply as a film first and show kindness to everyone who made it," the Cinematographers Guild of Korea said.