SGIFF opens with crime thriller film The Assassin(s) despite South Korean political party pushback

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has stood by its decision to screen the controversial South Korean political thriller The Assassin(s) as its opening film, despite calls to withdraw it.

Source: IMDb website

Speaking before the screening on Wednesday (21 Oct), SGIFF chairperson Boo Junfeng said the festival had received numerous messages opposing the film, alongside messages of encouragement and support.

The film’s director, Hur Jin-ho, later received a standing ovation from the audience at the opening-night screening.

He thanked SGIFF for protecting creative freedom and said its decision would give courage to the film’s cast and crew.

The controversy follows calls from South Korea’s conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP) for the festival to drop the film over allegations that it distorts historical events.

Video courtesy of MS News

SGIFF says it will stand by decision to screen film

Addressing the audience before the screening at Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands, Boo said SGIFF had carefully considered the arguments surrounding the film.

“SGIFF has carefully considered the various arguments put forth, and we see the film as an artistic interpretation of historical events, and we respect the creative vision of the makers behind it,” he said.

“Therefore, we stand by our decision to have the film as our opening.”

Boo also thanked Hur and his team for travelling to Singapore despite the pressure they faced in South Korea.

Acknowledging that it was not easy to remain firm in the face of pressure, the festival chairperson said choosing the path of least resistance was not in the spirit of many filmmakers.

“On a serious note, it requires effort to hold on to principles, to struggle sometimes, to keep caring, and to bring our stories to screen,” he added.

SGIFF had announced on 7 Oct that it would proceed with the screening, saying the film was selected through its independent curatorial process for its artistic merit and contribution to contemporary Asian cinema.

Director thanks festival for defending creative freedom

During a stage interview before the screening, Hur spoke about the historical events that inspired The Assassin(s).

The director said the incident took place “when I was very young, when I was in 5th grade of elementary school”, and described the film as a story about people who tried to reveal the truth during a dark period in South Korea’s history.

“I’m very curious about the audience’s reaction, as this happened in 1974 when K-pop wasn’t very popular yet,” he said.

“So, even though it was a very sad era, what I hope to bring out is that the people who want to seek and expose the truth despite being in an oppressed society. That’s what I hope you’ll try to catch in watching my film.”

Hur also thanked Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for allowing the film to be screened.

After the film ended, Hur returned to the stage to a standing ovation from the audience.

He said he felt happy and honoured that the film had been selected to open SGIFF, before thanking the festival for rejecting calls to withdraw it.

Hur said the film had faced requests from South Korean opposition politicians to be removed from the opening programme, which the festival had rejected.

“I am truly grateful to the film festival for protecting the freedom of expression and creative freedom of cinema,” he said through an interpreter.

He added that the festival’s decision would give great courage to everyone involved in making the film, including himself, the crew and the actors.

Film revisits 1974 shooting that killed South Korea’s first lady

The Assassin(s) is a political thriller set around the 15 Aug 1974 assassination attempt on then South Korean President Park Chung-hee.

Park survived the shooting at a Liberation Day ceremony, but his wife, First Lady Yuk Young-soo, was fatally shot.

Source: IMDb website

Starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho, the film follows a detective, a reporter and a newspaper editor investigating inconsistencies surrounding the incident.

The movie blends historical events with fictional characters and situations. Its suggestion of possible involvement by figures within Park’s government has prompted accusations of historical distortion from conservative politicians and groups in South Korea.

The filmmakers have maintained that the film was not intended to distort historical facts or serve a political purpose. They have described it as a creative work combining historical events with cinematic imagination.

Source: IMDb website

The PPP previously called on SGIFF to withdraw the film, with all 109 of its lawmakers reportedly backing a letter to the festival, Variety reported.

The backlash has also affected the film’s promotional activities in South Korea, with cast and crew members withdrawing from scheduled appearances at the Busan International Film Festival amid safety concerns.

Actor Yoo Hae-jin was reportedly placed under police protection following threats, The Korea Times reported.

Source: IMDb website

SGIFF’s 37th edition runs from 21 Oct to 1 Nov, with The Assassin(s) opening the festival at Sands Theatre before a second screening at the National Museum of Singapore on Thursday (22 Oct).