Governor Oh Younghoon Claims, "The War of Independence Distorts the 4·3 Incident"
Director Kim Deokyoung Responds, "No Specific Evidence or Request for Correction"
Director Kim Deokyoung, who directed "The War of Independence 2," is giving a lecture on the theme "The War of Independence and the Yeosun Incident Truth" hosted by the Honam Alternative Forum in Gwangju on the 15th. Photo by Park Changwon
Director Kim Deokyoung, who directed "The War of Independence 2," has responded directly to Jeju Governor Oh Younghoon's claims of "historical distortion," stating, "If specific facts are raised as issues, I am willing to correct them at any time and participate in a public debate."
At a seminar lecture on November 15 in Gwangju, hosted by the Honam Alternative Forum under the theme "The War of Independence and the Truth of the Yeosun Incident," Director Kim addressed parts of the film's content and production process related to the Jeju 4·3 Incident, refuting the accusations.
During the lecture, Director Kim emphasized, "Governor Oh has repeatedly stated in various interviews that 'The War of Independence 2' distorts the history of the 4·3 Incident, but there has not been a single inquiry, confirmation call, or request for correction-no counterargument at all so far."
He continued, "If Governor Oh points out specifically which scenes are distorted and how, I am ready to discuss and debate the matter publicly based on facts. If the problem is clear, I welcome any legal action as well."
Director Kim also asserted, "'The War of Independence 2' was produced based on official records and data. While there may be differences in historical interpretation, if someone goes beyond interpretive debate and labels it 'distortion,' they must provide supporting evidence."
In his lecture, he further explained his perspective on the 4·3 Incident and shared additional background considered during the film's production process.
He reiterated, "All platforms for public debate, verification, and Q&A are open. Any discussion based on facts is always welcome."
Governor Oh Younghoon previously stated during a Jeju Provincial Council work report on June 10, 2025, "The War of Independence 2 contains content that damages the honor of Jeju residents and distorts the history of the 4·3 Incident." In a media interview in July, he also commented that "the film misleads the public about the 4·3 Incident by reconstructing false facts as cinematic expression."
With Director Kim Deokyoung's public rebuttal on this day, the controversy over the interpretation of the 4·3 Incident between the two sides is likely to intensify.
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