Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young Calls for Strict Law Enforcement Over Threats Against ‘Assassin(s)’ Cast

Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST)

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young called for strict law enforcement over threats and intimidation directed at actors and others involved with the film

In a statement posted on social media, Choi said that criticism and debate over a film’s historical interpretation or perspective are natural and healthy in a democratic society. However, he said the situation becomes unacceptable when protesters go to an actor’s home, intrude on their private life, or threaten their safety.

Choi emphasized the government’s “arm’s-length principle” toward culture and the arts—supporting artistic activity without interfering in its content. He argued that demanding government intervention simply because someone dislikes a work would amount to a dangerous return to the kind of prior censorship prohibited by the Constitution.

He added that films are artistic works shaped by their creators’ imagination and interpretation. If a work raises legitimate legal concerns, including defamation or other violations, Choi said those issues should be addressed through civil lawsuits or criminal procedures after release rather than through threats against individual performers.

Choi said he had formally asked the National Police Agency and other relevant authorities to provide safety measures for the film’s cast and staff and to strictly enforce the law against illegal acts such as threats and intimidation outside their homes.

He concluded by urging people to leave judgments about the film itself to audiences and critics, adding that disputes should be handled through rational debate and the legal system rather than physical intimidation.

Netizen Reactions

The sampled comments overwhelmingly supported Choi Hwi-young’s statement and calls for legal action against people accused of threatening or intimidating actors. Several users also argued that criticism of a film should not escalate into protests at performers’ homes, although some comments used extremely hostile language toward the protesters themselves.

1. For real, he’s absolutely right.

2. Those far-right bastards never answer when you ask why they don’t throw the same kind of fit over Unanswered Questions or Story Untold. They’re the perfect example of acting tough toward the weak and weak toward the strong. And why do they keep dragging Baejae High and Starbucks into this when those are completely different issues? Are a dictator and actual victims the same thing?

3. When I look at what the far right does, there are so many times I wonder if they’re even human. I don’t think there’s any need to treat them decently when that’s how they behave. At their level, they need to be cracked down on like Indian police do ㅉㅉㅉ

4. The Culture Minister stepped in because this is forced intimidation against a movie and filmmakers. Baejae High was a clear case of wrongdoing where the school and education office apologized and promised education and measures to prevent it from happening again. How are these situations the same?

5. I don’t know how much this will get through to people that stupid, but I seriously hope they understand!

6. Exactly. It feels like basic common sense is being denied, so please take active measures.

7. For real, now that there’s justification, let’s use this opportunity to take legal action against the far right.

8. Seriously, he’s right. Why the hell are you going to an actor’s house, you crazy bastards?

9. Someone needs to come down hard on these crazy bastards. People keep avoiding them because they’re disgusting, and now they’re just spreading that shit everywhere.

10. For real, use this opportunity to show them that pulling this kind of bullshit has serious consequences.

Source: TheQoo