Profiting from tragic history
Controversies are not always bad for filmmakers. When debate over their work intensifies, public curiosity often grows, prompting people to seek out the film and form their own conclusions. Filmmakers can benefit commercially from such controversies, as viewers flock to theaters. But increased public attention does not always guarantee a film’s commercial success. The more attention a work…
Controversial filmmaking can be financially advantageous, as heightened debate and curiosity surrounding a film's content often drive viewers to theaters. However, increased public attention paradoxically exposes a movie's shortcomings, potentially undermining commercial success. Renowned director Hur Jin-ho's latest film, "The Assassin(s)," is currently embroiled in such scrutiny.
Released for the Chuseok holiday, the movie has been dogged by controversy since its debut. It presents an alternative narrative of the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo on August 15, 1974. Yuk, the spouse of former President Park Chung-hee and mother of the current President Park Geun-hye, was killed by Moon Se-gwang, a Korean Japanese individual believed to have connections with North Korea.
This occurred during a ceremony marking Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule over five decades ago.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Profiting from tragic history koreatimes.co.kr
