Minister Choi Hwi-young: "Criticism of 'Assassins' Is Free...Actor Safety Threats Are Unacceptable"

Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed "grave concern" about the situation in which criticism surrounding the film 'Assassins' has escalated to the point of threatening the personal safety of those involved. He emphasized that while freedom to criticize and debate works is essential, threats to the safety of the actors are unacceptable.

On October 5, Minister Choi stated on social networking sites (SNS), "While evaluations of a film are part of free expression, threats to the personal safety of creators represent a destruction of democracy." He continued, "If such criticism escalates to the point where protesters gather in front of actors' homes, disrupt their daily lives, and threaten their safety, this is deeply concerning and absolutely intolerable."

Minister Choi went on to say, "No one should visit an actor's private residence to intimidate or attempt to harm them simply because they participated in a work they disagree with." He added, "Today, I strongly requested that the National Police Agency and other relevant authorities take safety measures to protect those involved with the film, including actors, and enforce the law rigorously against illegal acts such as threats or intimidation in front of their residences."

However, regarding the broader societal controversy surrounding 'Assassins,' he stated, "It is natural and healthy in a democratic society for criticism and debate to arise over the historical interpretations or perspectives depicted in a film."

He further highlighted the Ministry's "arm's-length principle" toward culture and the arts, which means "support without interference," stating, "Demanding that the government intervene or restrict a work through administrative power simply because its content is disagreeable amounts to returning to an era of 'prior censorship,' which is explicitly prohibited by the Constitution."

Minister Choi also stated that if there are legal issues with the content of a work, they should be resolved through judicial review in accordance with due democratic process. He said, "A film is an artistic creation completed through the imagination and interpretation of its creator. If there are issues such as defamation or legal concerns regarding a work, these should be addressed after its release—through civil lawsuits or criminal procedures—by seeking an impartial judgment by the judiciary. This is the rule of law agreed upon in our society."

Minister Choi also said he is committed to fulfilling his responsibilities as the head of the relevant ministry, so that cultural artists can continue their work without being intimidated or discouraged.

He concluded, "The quality of a democratic society lies not in forcefully suppressing differing opinions, but in maintaining rational dialogue and conducting debate within the boundaries of the law. I will do my utmost as Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to ensure that our cultural and artistic professionals can confidently and bravely pursue their creative and performing work without fear of external pressure or threats."

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