'The Birth of Korea' Director Accuses Leftists of Favoring Exhuma, Influencing Box Office Battle

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In a recent and stirring development within the South Korean film industry, Kim Deug Young, the director of the documentary "The Birth of Korea," voiced a provocative critique against the box office sensation "Exhuma." Taking to social media, Kim expressed his concern, stating that "leftists were flocking" to the thriller, which he perceives as a deliberate attempt to overshadow his film's narrative and significance.

Since its release on February 22, "Exhuma" has captivated audiences, swiftly amassing over 2 million viewers in just four days. This surge in popularity relegated "The Birth of Korea" to third place in box office rankings, sparking Kim's outspoken remarks. He accused "Exhuma" of harboring anti-Japanese sentiments, intertwining traditional Korean elements such as geomancy and shamanism with the historical context of Japanese occupation. Kim links this portrayal to philosopher Kim Yong Ok's controversial stance on exhuming former president Rhee Syng Man’s remains, asserting, "That’s why the left is so enthusiastic about ‘Exhuma.'"

Image Credit: SBS

The director's apprehensions extend beyond ideological clashes, touching upon the competitive dynamics of cinema space allocation. With the anticipated release of Hollywood's "Dune 2," starring Timothée Chalamet, Kim fears a further reduction in visibility and accessibility for "The Birth of Korea." He stated, "If viewers choose Exhuma and Dune 2, the biggest blow will be the decline in theaters and screens for 'The Birth of Korea.'"

In a bid to rally support for his documentary, Kim urged various entities, including companies, social organizations, and Christian churches, to endorse his project. He passionately appealed to the public, seeking to surpass the viewership of "Our President," which attracted an audience of 1.85 million. "The only way to overcome this is together," Kim emphasized, advocating for communal backing to ensure his film's success and impact.

Kim Deok Young's assertions have sparked debate among netizens, with many questioning the accuracy of his claim regarding the political inclinations of "Exhuma's" audience. Some argue that the film's thematic focus aligns more with conservative or nationalist ideologies, challenging Kim's characterization of it as a leftist endeavor. A netizen reflected, "I haven’t seen the movie yet, but it doesn’t seem like a leftist movie. If I had to categorize it, I would say it’s closer to a nationalist movie... But in Korea, conservatives tend to prefer Japan over their own country, so it’s kind of ironic that a nationalist movie would be considered a leftist movie."

Source: SBS

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