Hwang Hyun-pil: "Yuk Young-soo's Death Was a Matter of National Grief... The Same Goes for 5.18"

[Financial News] Progressive-leaning history lecturer Hwang Hyun-pil has called out what he described as the hypocrisy of conservatives who criticize the recently released film 'Assassin(s)', citing the film 'The Birth of Korea' as an example.

Hwang said on his YouTube channel on the first, "I personally do not 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's death, and the grief felt by the public and the atmosphere of mourning at the time were profound. Since it was a major political event, it is possible to make a film about it, but I sincerely understand that it may be uncomfortable for the surviving family members."
However, Hwang stressed, "The film 'Assassin(s)' did not defend Mun Se-gwang, nor did it make light of Yuk Young-soo's death." He strongly criticized conservative figures who had praised 'The Birth of Korea' for criticizing the latest film.
He criticized the film, saying, "'The Birth of Korea' idolized Syngman Rhee, who led state violence through events such as the Bodo League massacre, 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?"
Hwang continued, "If the people who distorted history by branding as rioters the citizens who took up arms when the forces of the 12·12 military coup came down to trample democracy want to loudly call 'Assassin(s)' a film that distorts history, they should first stop distorting the May 18 Democratization Movement." He thereby took aim at past remarks by opposition figures from the People Power Party who had disparaged the May 18 Democratization Movement.
Finally, Hwang urged, "When people lose their lives to violence, their deaths must not be made into a subject of ridicule, and everyone should become humble in the face of death." He called for a solemn attitude toward tragic events and death, regardless of whether one is progressive or conservative.
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