Over 70% of respondents in their 30s call 'The Assassin' historically distorted, poll finds

A majority of respondents in a new poll said they believe "The Assassin," a film depicting the shooting of first lady Yuk Young-soo, constitutes a distortion of history.

The Reform Party's think tank, the Reform Research Institute, surveyed 1,017 people aged 18 and older nationwide on Wednesday about the controversy surrounding the film's historical interpretation. Some 58.2 percent of respondents said the film amounted to "historical distortion," while 27.6 percent called it an exercise of "creative freedom." Another 14.2 percent said they were unsure.

The "historical distortion" response was high across all age groups, particularly among those in their 30s, where it reached 73.8 percent — the highest of any group. Those aged 18 to 29 followed at 65.7 percent.

Among respondents in their 40s and 50s, the "creative freedom" response was relatively higher than in other age groups, at 37.7 percent and 37.1 percent, respectively.

Among those aged 70 and older, 45.7 percent said the film was a historical distortion, 21.5 percent called it creative freedom, and 32.8 percent said they were unsure.

When asked whether they had been aware of the film before taking the poll, 35.9 percent said they had known its content and 38.7 percent said they had known of its existence — meaning 74.5 percent had some prior awareness. The remaining 25.5 percent said they had not heard of it.

On whether some politicians' consideration of legal action — including seeking an injunction to ban the film's screening — was appropriate, 35.2 percent said it was excessive, 25.7 percent said it was appropriate, and 31.2 percent said politicians should be even more aggressive. Some 7.9 percent were unsure. Combined, those who found the legal push appropriate or insufficient reached 56.9 percent, a majority.

Asked whether politicians apply consistent standards when challenging depictions of historical figures or events, 58.3 percent said the standards were inconsistent, 23.1 percent said they were consistent, and 18.6 percent were unsure.

On how much latitude films based on historical events should have to include hypothetical or imagined elements that differ from the facts, 46.0 percent said such content should be permitted only when it does not damage the reputation of real individuals. Another 22.9 percent said it should be allowed as long as the fictional nature is disclosed, 19.4 percent said it should not be permitted at all, 7.8 percent said it should be allowed without restriction, and 3.9 percent were unsure.

Directed by Hur Jin-ho, "The Assassin" is based on the 1974 shooting of first lady Yuk and follows characters tracing the forces behind the attack. Since its opening, the film has been embroiled in controversy over the way it reconstructs the historical event.