The Birth of Korea

Director of ‘The Birth of Korea’ Points Fingers at Leftists, Blaming Them for Exhuma’s Box Office Triumph

Explore the recent controversy in South Korean cinema as director Kim Deug Young raises concerns about his documentary “The Birth of Korea” being overshadowed by the box office hit “Exhuma.” Uncover the clash of ideologies, competitive dynamics, and Kim’s plea for support against the backdrop of Hollywood’s upcoming release, “Dune 2.
In a recent development in the South Korean film industry, Kim Deug Young, the director behind the documentary “The Birth of Korea,” has taken to social media to express his concerns about the success of the thriller “Exhuma.” According to Kim, he believes that the popularity of “Exhuma” is overshadowing his film deliberately. He stated that “leftists were flocking” to “Exhuma,” and he sees it as a move to diminish the narrative and significance of his documentary.
“Exhuma” has gained immense popularity, reaching over 2 million viewers in just four days since its release on February 22. This surge in success pushed “The Birth of Korea” to the third position in box office rankings, prompting Kim to voice his concerns. He accused “Exhuma” of carrying anti-Japanese sentiments by incorporating traditional Korean elements and historical context related to Japanese occupation. Kim linked this portrayal to the controversial stance of philosopher Kim Yong Ok on exhuming former president Rhee Syng Man’s remains, suggesting that this is why the left is enthusiastic about “Exhuma.”
Kim Deug Young’s worries go beyond ideological clashes and touch on the competition for cinema space. With the upcoming release of Hollywood’s “Dune 2,” featuring Timothée Chalamet, Kim fears a further decline in visibility and accessibility for “The Birth of Korea.” He emphasized that if viewers choose “Exhuma” and “Dune 2,” it would negatively impact the theaters and screens available for his documentary.
To garner support for his documentary, Kim called on various entities, including companies, social organizations, and Christian churches, to endorse his project. He passionately appealed to the public, aiming to surpass the viewership of “Our President,” which had an audience of 1.85 million. Kim emphasized the need for communal backing to ensure the success and impact of his film.
Kim Deok Young’s statements have sparked debate among netizens, with some questioning the accuracy of his claim regarding the political inclinations of “Exhuma’s” audience. Some argue that the film’s focus aligns more with conservative or nationalist ideologies, challenging Kim’s characterization of it as a leftist endeavor. One netizen suggested that the movie seems closer to a nationalist movie, and it’s ironic that a nationalist movie would be considered leftist in Korea where conservatives tend to prefer Japan over their own country.
Insights from SBS
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