PPP Lawmakers Condemn "Assassin(s)" Film for Absurd Conspiracy Theories... Vow Accountability for Outrageous Defamation

On September 28, lawmakers from the People Power Party strongly criticized the film 'Assassin(s),' which depicts the attempted assassination of former President Park Chung-hee, stating, "The filmmakers are spreading absurd conspiracy theories under the guise of freedom of expression," and adding, "We will hold those responsible to account to the end for such serious distortion of history and immoral conduct."

Representatives Koo Jaguen and Kang Myeonggu held a press conference at the National Assembly's briefing room that afternoon, stating, "Certain scenes and narratives in the film strongly suggest to viewers that former President Park Chung-hee or the government in power at the time may have been involved in the shooting of Mrs. Yuk Young-soo." They emphasized their stance accordingly.

Yonhap News Agency

Representative Koo said, "Mrs. Yuk became a victim of a shooting by Mun Se-gwang, who acted under orders from the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), and after investigations and a trial, there was an official conclusion regarding the crime." He added, "Even Kim Jong Il of North Korea expressed his apologies to former President Park in 2002."

Representative Koo continued, "Despite such clear evidence, spreading baseless conspiracy theories like an infectious disease can only be described as a vicious criminal act," and added, "The defamation of the late President Park and Mrs. Yuk is truly unspeakable."

Representative Kang also stated, "This film combines two historically unrelated events—the assassination of Mrs. Yuk and the Declaration for the Practice of Free Press," and continued, "It is misleading viewers by portraying Mrs. Yuk's case as the cause of press suppression and by depicting former President Park as if he orchestrated Mrs. Yuk's assassination to strengthen his dictatorship."

Representative Kang further said, "Freedom of expression or artistic freedom does not guarantee the right to maliciously distort historical facts," and asserted, "If the production company used conspiracy theories for sensational marketing purposes, that would be an immoral act that violates the ethics of fair business practice."

The lawmakers called on the production company, the director, and relevant investigative authorities to: ▲ clearly disclose the basis and factual accuracy of the historical suspicions raised in the film; ▲ immediately issue an apology and take necessary corrective measures regarding any false or baseless content in the film that could damage the honor of former President Park, Mrs. Yuk, or their bereaved families; and ▲ ensure a thorough investigation by the police and other agencies into whether there have been any legal violations such as defamation of the deceased.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.