Political controversy surrounding the South Korean film Assassination(s) has triggered public backlash against actor Yoo Hae-jin, with conservative groups filing complaints and calling for boycotts over the movie’s historical framing, hankyung.com reported.
Historical Controversy Surrounding Assassination(s)
Released on August 23, the film Assassination(s) uses the 1974 National Liberation Day shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-su as its central motif. While the original government investigation concluded that Mun Se-gang acted alone, the movie features an open ending that leaves the mastermind unspecified. Critics and some members of the People Power Party argue that the ambiguous ending suggests the involvement of former President Park Chung-hee or his administration, condemning the project as historical distortion.
The debate has divided audiences between those defending artistic expression and those labeling the film excessive. Amid online protests, critics targeted actor Yoo Hae-jin, who serves as an advertising model for Burger King, prompting calls for consumer boycotts of the fast-food chain. Meanwhile, conservative groups escalated the dispute by filing formal complaints and staging protests outside Yoo’s residence.
Parallels to the Starbucks Boycott and Cultural Backlash
The intense public reaction echoes a similar controversy from May, when Starbucks Korea used the phrase “Tank Day” during a tumbler promotion on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. That corporate misstep quickly spilled over into the cultural sphere.
Musical actor Jeong Min-chan faced severe online criticism after posting a photo of his Starbucks visit on social media. Despite posting two apologies and explaining that he was unaware of the ongoing boycott, Jeong stepped down from the musical Diaghilev following discussions with production company Showplay.
Baejae High School Baseball Players Mock Gwangju Uprising
The fallout also affected high school athletics. During a June 29 game at the Blue Dragon Flag tournament against Gwangju Jeil High School, members of the Baejae High School baseball team shouted toward the opposing dugout, “Let’s go to Starbucks.”
The remark was widely interpreted as mocking the Gwangju uprising, drawing intense public condemnation. The school’s entrance became the site of rival floral wreaths expressing anger and support. To protect students from outside harassment, Baejae High School permitted students to wear civilian clothes, leading half the student body to ditch their uniforms. In August, the two student leaders who initiated the chant withdrew from the school’s baseball team entirely, following an apology visit by the entire squad to the May 18 democratization movement cemetery.
Public Outrage Transforms into Targeted Harassment
Political figures have expressed concern that public outrage has crossed acceptable boundaries, transforming into targeted harassment against private citizens. Observers note that when consumer boycotts and online stigmas escalate into political warfare, individuals bear the heavy personal cost.