Seoul:Controversy over the film "The Assassin(s)," which portrays the 1974 assassination of Yuk Young-soo, the wife of then-President Park Chung-hee, has entered the political arena. The film suggests a hypothesis that individuals close to Park or the Korean Central Intelligence Agency might have been involved in the shooting on August 15, 1974. Although the filmmakers have claimed they did not explicitly identify the perpetrators, the film implies that Park may have exploited or been involved in the incident to handle a political crisis. This insinuation is particularly offensive to Park's children, who are appalled by the suggestion that their father could have orchestrated their mother's death for political gain.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the historical record does not support the film's theory. A Special Investigation Headquarters concluded that Moon Se-kwang, following orders from North Korea and Jochongnyeon, attempted to assassinate Park but instead accidentally killed the first lady with a stray bullet. Despite ongoing questions, no evidence has surfaced to prove Park's involvement in Yuk's assassination.

The film has drawn criticism from Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the opposition People Power Party, who accused it of distorting history by suggesting Park's involvement rather than implicating North Korea. Joo called for punishment for those responsible for the film. Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok urged a boycott, and Rep. Shin Dong-uk demanded screenings be stopped. A former Seoul city council member even filed a criminal complaint against some production staff, alleging defamation of Park.

Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea has remained silent, possibly due to the film's alignment with the party's historical criticism of Park. The party has previously enacted laws imposing penalties for spreading false information about events like the May 18 Democratization Movement. However, it has not addressed this film's speculative portrayal of Park's involvement in his wife's assassination, highlighting a perceived double standard.

The controversy is reminiscent of a previous incident involving the Paichai High School baseball team's "Let's go to Starbucks" chant, which led to backlash and a boycott against Starbucks Korea, as well as public apologies. Critics argue that the film's creators should similarly apologize to Park's family and clarify that the film is not based on verified historical facts.

The debate emphasizes the potential danger of presenting unverified theories as hidden truths through film. While artistic expression is important, it should not compromise the distinction between fact and fiction, particularly in depicting national tragedies. The filmmakers and distributors are urged to apologize to Park's family and make it clear to audiences that the film is not an accurate historical account.