Film industry groups issue official statement over 'Assassins' controversy: "Discussion of a film must not threaten personal safety"

Film Industry Solidarity, a coalition of 19 film organizations, issued an official statement on Oct. 5 expressing deep concern over threats directed at people involved in the film 〈Assassins〉 and at individuals connected to the controversy surrounding it.

The statement was endorsed by major organizations representing film production, directing, cinematography, art direction, screenwriting, distribution, exhibition and labor, including the Korean Film Producers Association, the Korean Film Directors Guild, the Korean Film Producers Guild, Women in Film Korea, the National Film Industry Workers' Union and the Korean Independent Film Association.

In the statement, Film Industry Solidarity said, "Discussion surrounding the film has moved beyond its content and interpretation and is now affecting the daily lives and safety of individuals who participated in the film or expressed their opinions about it." The coalition pointed to notices of planned protests targeting an actor's residence and the cancellation of film-related events.

The coalition said, "When a work deals with actual historical events, a range of questions and social discussions may arise over its interpretation and representation, and the pain and concerns felt by the bereaved and those who remember that era must also be respected." But it stressed, "Criticism of a work and pressure on individuals must be clearly distinguished." Any disagreement, it said, should be expressed through criticism and public debate, and must not escalate into threats to people's privacy and livelihoods, including through targeting their homes or personal information.

The coalition also made clear that the statement did not represent a position on the film itself or on interpretations of history. "Judgment of the work belongs to audiences and society," it said, adding, "Film Industry Solidarity will stand with those involved in the film or those who expressed their views so that no individual has to face threats and pressure alone simply for those reasons."

The full statement follows.

[Statement] Discussion of a Film Must Not Become a Threat to Individuals' Daily Lives and Safety

Film Industry Solidarity expresses deep concern over the series of developments surrounding the film 〈Assassins〉.

Discussion surrounding the film has moved beyond its content and interpretation and is now affecting the daily lives and safety of individuals who participated in the film or expressed their opinions about it. Protests targeting an actor's residence have been announced, and film-related activities and events are being canceled.

Film is a medium encountered through the judgment and choices of its audience. Audiences have the freedom to watch or not watch a film, to form their own judgments about it and to criticize it. When a work deals with actual historical events, a range of questions and social discussions may arise over its interpretation and representation. The pain and concerns felt by the bereaved and those who remember that era must also be respected in that process.

However, criticism of a work and pressure on individuals must be clearly distinguished. If people disagree with a film's content or historical interpretation, they can express their views through criticism, debate and public discussion. That process must not expand into the private sphere, including individuals' homes or personal information, or affect their safety and livelihoods.

Film Industry Solidarity is not taking a position on the film 〈Assassins〉 or on interpretations of history. Judgment of the work belongs to audiences and society, and different assessments and criticisms must be free to coexist. Film Industry Solidarity's position is that no individual should face threats to their daily life or safety simply because they participated in the film or expressed an opinion.

To the public:

Judgment of a film belongs to its audience. We ask you to recognize that differing opinions can coexist and to help ensure that debate does not target people.

To our fellow film professionals:
Film Industry Solidarity will stand with you so that no individual has to face threats and pressure alone simply because they participated in a film or expressed an opinion.

Film Industry Solidarity respects the public's right to freely discuss and criticize films while protecting the lives and safety of film professionals and doing everything necessary to ensure that film activities are not chilled.

Oct. 5, 2026
Film Industry Solidarity 

Association of Korean Art-House Cinemas, Korean Film Producers Guild, Korean Society of Cinematographers, Korean Film Producers Association, Korean Film Art Directors Guild, Korean Film Directors Guild, Korean Association for Visual Media Education, Korean Cinematheque Network, Korean Screenwriters Association, Korean Independent Film Association, Korean Independent Animation Association, Community Cinema Network Social Cooperative, Regional Film Network, National Film Industry Workers' Union, Film Festival Policy Group, Film Importers and Distributors Association, Film Marketing Association, Women in Film Korea, Busan Film Industry Solidarity (listed in reverse Korean alphabetical order)