Hwang Hyun-pil: "Yuk Young-soo's Death Was a National Tragedy... The Same Goes for May 18"

[Financial News] Progressive-leaning history lecturer Hwang Hyun-pil has pointed out the double standards of conservatives who criticize the recently released film "Assassin(s)," citing the movie "The Birth of Korea" as an example.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel on the 1st, lecturer Hwang said, "I do not personally agree with the claim that former President Park Chung-hee was behind the assassination of Yuk Young-soo," expressing his views on the controversy surrounding the film "Assassin(s)."
He added, "I mourn Mrs. Yuk Young-soo's death, and the grief felt by the public at the time, as well as the atmosphere of mourning, was profound. Since it was a major political event, it can be made into a film, but I sincerely understand that it may be uncomfortable for surviving family members."
However, lecturer Hwang pointed out that "Assassin(s)" did not defend Mun Se-gwang or make light of Mrs. Yuk Young-soo's death. He strongly criticized conservative figures who had praised "The Birth of Korea" but were now criticizing this film.
He criticized the film, saying, "The Birth of Korea followed Syngman Rhee, who led state violence through the Bodo League Incident, the Yeosu–Suncheon Rebellion, and the Jeju April 3 Incident, massacring thousands of children, women, and elderly people. With tens or hundreds of thousands of their bereaved family members still alive, who is more anti-human and inhumane?"
Lecturer Hwang continued, "If the people who distorted history by branding as rioters the citizens who took up arms when the forces behind the December 12 military coup came down to crush democracy want to loudly call 'Assassin(s)' a distortive film, they should first stop distorting the May 18 Democratization Movement." He was targeting past remarks by People Power Party figures in the opposition who had disparaged the May 18 Democratization Movement.
Finally, lecturer Hwang urged, "When people lose their lives to violence, their deaths must not be made light of, and everyone should be humble before death." He called for a solemn attitude toward tragic events and deaths, regardless of whether one is progressive or conservative.
[email protected] Kim Hee-seon Reporter