Singer JK Kim Dong-wook. [Newsis]
Singer JK Kim Dong-wook. [Newsis]

Singer JK Kim Dong-wook, 50, has drawn attention after posting what appears to be a pointed dig at the film "The Assassin(s)."

According to Star Today, Kim posted a brief message on his social media Sunday reading "cancer causer(s)," a phrase that closely mirrors the Korean title of the recently released film. The wordplay was widely interpreted as a deliberate reference to the movie.

"The Assassin(s)," which opened Wednesday, is a mystery thriller based on the shooting of first lady Yuk Young-soo at a Liberation Day ceremony on Aug. 15, 1974. The film uses cinematic imagination to explore the questions and suspected forces behind the incident.

The film follows characters who seek to uncover the truth surrounding the historical event. Because it draws on a real incident, its portrayal of the events and figures involved has prompted a range of reactions since its release.

Kim is a Korean Canadian who emigrated to Canada in high school and holds Canadian citizenship. He has consistently used social media to share his views on political and social issues.

When President Lee Jae Myung, then leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was acquitted on appeal of violating the Public Official Election Act, Kim wrote sharply: "Hope you keep meeting friendly judges even when you do wrong. A country with no law, overrun by political trash." Earlier, when former President Yoon was detained, Kim lamented, "The rule of law in South Korea is crumbling."


husn7@heraldcorp.com