[Parliamentary Audit] Historical Controversy Over 'Assassins' ... Why KOCCA Really Gave It A Grades in 10 Categories

Personal attacks that stifle imagination raise fears for K-content

Kim Yoon-ji, president of the 'Korea Creative Content Agency', took a firm stand in defense of creative freedom amid the recent controversy over alleged 'historical distortion' in the film 'Assassins'. Her position was that films do not necessarily have to be bound by historical facts alone.

At the National Assembly's 'parliamentary audit' of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on Oct. 12, Rep. Jo Gye-won of the Democratic Party asked, "Do you agree that creation is simply creation and does not necessarily have to be based on facts?" Kim replied, "Film is a space where imagination can run free, so it can contain a wide range of stories," throwing her support behind creative freedom.

They also agreed that indiscriminate attacks on individual creators that go beyond fair criticism of a work should be avoided. When Jo said, "Blanket condemnation of individuals can sap a creator's motivation to make the next work and ultimately weaken the entire K-content industry," Kim voiced her strong agreement.

Kim also clearly explained why the agency's earlier 'content value assessment' report awarded an A, its highest rating, to director Heo Jin-ho, who directed the film. "When evaluating a director's abilities, we use an outstanding past filmography as a key criterion," Kim said. "Given Heo's level of direction and career, an excellent rating would normally be assigned."

Heo, who made his debut with 'Christmas in August' in 1997, widely regarded as one of the finest Korean melodramas, is a veteran director who has earned praise from critics and audiences alike over more than 26 years, from 'One Fine Spring Day' (2001) and 'The Last Princess' (2016) to his latest film, 'Love in the Big City' (2024).

On Oct. 27 last year, the agency assessed 'Assassins', which was still in the early stages of production, across 12 detailed criteria. It awarded A grades in 10 categories, including the director's ability, the screenplay's quality and the strength of the planning. The 'content value assessment' objectively analyzes a work's marketability and quality and provides the findings to major investment institutions, serving as a key indicator that helps attract investment smoothly.