Exhumation Sparks Controversy Claiming It Fuels Anti-Japanese Sentiment
"The Director Himself Is the Most Political," Netizens Criticize
Director Kim Deok-young of the documentary film 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' (The Founding War), which reexamines President Rhee Syngman, posted on social media that "leftists are flocking" to the film 'Pamyoh,' which surpassed 2 million viewers just four days after its release. On the 26th, Kim posted on his Facebook page the cumulative audience numbers of 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng,' stating, "This week seems to be the biggest hurdle. Anti-Japanese independence? Leftists are flocking to 'Pamyoh,' which stirs up anti-Japanese sentiment again," and claimed, "Those who feel threatened by 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' are taking it out on 'Pamyoh' to cover up 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng.'"
Director Kim Deok-young is giving a greeting at the stage greeting event for the movie "Geon-guk Jeonjaeng" held at CGV Yeouido, Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
He also recalled an incident in 2019 when Kim Yong-ok, a distinguished professor at Hanshin University, said on KBS's 'Do-ol Ain Obang-ganda' that "Rhee Syngman is a puppet of the United States and should be exhumed from the National Cemetery," adding, "I think this is why leftists are enthusiastic about the film 'Pamyoh'." Kim further wrote, "Who are the ones leading people to close their eyes to the film of truth and go all-in on a film where insanely evil spirits appear?" He added, "Isn't it time to think about where the Republic of Korea came from, thanks to whom we are living so well, and where we should go? I believe this is a situation where everyone should think about how to prevent the 'catastrophe' of the Republic of Korea."
Additionally, Kim mentioned the Hollywood action blockbuster 'Dune: Part 2,' which is leading the box office and about to be released, expressing concern that "the tough battle of the 300 million won documentary film 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' is expected amid hundreds of billions worth of blockbuster films." He continued, "If audiences flock to 'Pamyoh' and 'Dune: Part 2,' the biggest damage will be the reduction in the number of theaters and screens. The only solution to overcome this is 'unity.' I urge meaningful companies, social organizations, and Christian churches to muster their last strength," emphasizing, "Only by overcoming this hurdle can we surpass 'I Am Roh Moo-hyun,' which attracted 1.85 million viewers."
Movie posters for 'Pamyo' and 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' [Photo by Showbox (Pamyo), Documentary Story Production (Geon-guk Jeonjaeng)]
The documentary film 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' attracted 42,852 viewers on the 24th and about 112,000 viewers on the 25th, and is expected to surpass 1 million soon. The film reexamines the life of former President Rhee Syngman and was created over three years with the purpose of "conveying the founding of the Republic of Korea and the history of President Rhee Syngman, which was not taught in schools," restoring the past through recorded footage and testimonies.
In response to Director Kim Deok-young's remarks, netizens commented, "People who are excessively biased toward political ideology seem to view even the fun, subject matter, and box office success of films politically," "The moment the director mentioned leftists, anti-Japanese sentiment, and 'I Am Roh Moo-hyun,' 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' looks even more political," "Is this blatant promotion to watch 'Pamyoh'?" and "Director Kim Deok-young keeps showing political moves despite saying it's not a political film."
Meanwhile, the film 'Pamyoh' is a mystery occult story set in Los Angeles, USA, where a shaman named 'Hwarim' (played by Kim Go-eun) and 'Bonggil' (played by Lee Do-hyun), who received a large commission, meet the eldest grandson of a family plagued by a strange hereditary illness, leading to bizarre events. The film stars Choi Min-sik, Yoo Hae-jin, Kim Go-eun, and Lee Do-hyun, and is directed by Jang Jae-hyun, who established a unique worldview with films like 'The Priests' and 'Svaha.' Released on the 22nd, it surpassed 1 million viewers in 3 days and 2 million in 4 days. This pace is two days faster than 'Seoul Spring,' the highest-grossing film of 2023, which attracted 2 million viewers in 6 days.
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