A promotional display for "The Assassin" at a movie theater in Seoul [Yonhap]
A promotional display for "The Assassin" at a movie theater in Seoul [Yonhap]

The Yuk Young-soo Memorial Foundation on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to screenings of "The Assassin," a film depicting the shooting of former first lady Yuk Young-soo.

In a statement released Tuesday, the foundation said it "strongly demands an official apology for the distortion of historical facts and the immediate suspension of screenings of the film."

The foundation said investigation and trial records "clearly show" that Moon Se-gwang was recruited by associates of Chongryon, the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, and carried out the attack on Yuk. It said the film's claim that the Central Intelligence Agency or former President Park Chung-hee orchestrated the assassination of the first lady for political purposes "differs from historical fact and obscures the true nature of the incident."

The foundation said it "expresses deep regret over the act of exploiting a national tragedy as entertainment, thereby sowing division in public opinion." It added that regardless of the film format, "it is clear that the intent conveyed to moviegoers is far removed from artistic merit and instead serves to defame the deceased and advance political aims — and those responsible cannot escape legal liability."

The foundation also said it would "join the public in condemning the intent of certain forces seeking to achieve political ends through such distortions of history, and will hold them accountable accordingly."

"The Assassin" is a mystery thriller based on the shooting of Yuk Young-soo at a Liberation Day ceremony on Aug. 15, 1974.

The film has drawn criticism from some quarters for historical distortion, as some characters hint at the possibility that the incident was planned by associates of former President Park Chung-hee or the Central Intelligence Agency.


min3654@heraldcorp.com