Culture war targets films and dramas portraying Korea's path toward democratization

Political pressure is intensifying against films and television dramas that depict modern Korean history. The film "The Assassin(s)" has been criticized for allegedly misrepresenting history, particularly in its treatment of the assassination of the first lady, Yuk Young-soo. Additionally, the widely popular medical drama "Doctor X: Mafia in White" has faced backlash for its portrayal of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Experts believe that the criticism stems from a decrease in shared historical consensus across generations and a strategic move by political forces to capitalize on the growing divide as a means to broaden their base of support. These experts also express concern that such polarizing and unproductive debates could escalate into a "culture war," potentially eroding creative freedom and social cohesion.

On October 24, a petition was submitted to the National Assembly's National Consent Petition website, seeking the suspension of "Doctor X." This request followed the sixth episode of the drama, where the main character, Dr. Kye Su-jeong (played by Kim Ji-won), encounters a survivor who lost her older brother to military helicopter fire during the uprising.