Korean filmmakers urge politicians to let audiences judge amid 'The Assassin(s)' row

BUSAN — Renowned Korean directors and film industry officials on Thursday called for an end to attempts to politicize the historical film "The Assassin(s)" amid a controversy over its historical inaccuracies. Some 20 people, including directors Chung Ji-young and Lee Myung-se, made the call at a press conference in the southeastern city of Busan where the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is under way. "We are concerned over the situation in which evaluation of the movie is expanding into a tool for political feuds," they said in a statement. "Audiences, not politicians, should judge." They expressed concerns over presuming the intention of a film without thoroughly watching it and holding directors, actors and production companies accountable, saying such an attitude could hinder creative freedom. Thursday's press conference came a day after the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) said its plan to screen "The Assassin(s)" at the upcoming film fest remains unchanged. "SGIFF respects the creative vision of the filmmakers behind 'The Assassin(s),' which remains the Festiv