Singapore Film Festival Stands by The Assassin(s) After Korean Conservatives Demand It Be Dropped

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Published: 2026-10-07T08:35:33.873Z • Permanent link

Singapore's decision to stand by its film "The Assassin(s)" has sparked controversy after a group of Korean conservatives demanded its withdrawal from the festival. The controversy revolves around the film's portrayal of a romantic relationship between a North Korean and a South Korean, which some have deemed insensitive and anti-North Korean. The festival's organizers, however, have maintained that the film is a work of art and a reflection of the complexities of human relationships, regardless of nationality or ideology.

The film, directed by Singaporean filmmaker Tan Pin Min, premiered at the Singapore International Film Festival in 2022 and was later screened at various film festivals around the world. The controversy surrounding the film gained momentum in February 2023, when a group of Korean conservatives filed a complaint with the festival organizers, accusing the film of promoting anti-North Korean sentiments. The festival organizers, however, refused to withdraw the film from the festival, citing its artistic value and the importance of free expression.

The controversy has sparked a heated debate in Singapore, with some calling for greater sensitivity towards Korean sentiments and others defending the film's right to exist. The Singaporean government has also weighed in, with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth stating that the film is a reflection of Singapore's commitment to artistic freedom and cultural diversity.

The controversy surrounding "The Assassin(s)" has significant implications for the cultural and linguistic landscape of Singapore. The film's portrayal of a romantic relationship between a North Korean and a South Korean challenges traditional notions of national identity and loyalty, and raises questions about the role of art in shaping public opinion. For researchers and scholars of cultural studies, the film presents a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of human relationships in the context of national identity and ideology.

The controversy also has practical implications for companies and institutions involved in the film industry. The Singaporean government has been actively promoting the country as a hub for film production and distribution, and the controversy surrounding "The Assassin(s)" may impact the country's reputation as a tolerant and open society. Companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have been known to withdraw films from their platforms if they are deemed to be insensitive or inflammatory, and the controversy surrounding "The Assassin(s)" may raise questions about the role of corporate responsibility in shaping cultural narratives.

The controversy surrounding "The Assassin(s)" is part of a larger pattern of increasing tensions between Singapore and South Korea over cultural and ideological differences. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents of cultural sensitivity gone wrong, including the infamous "K-pop controversy" in 2020, in which a group of Korean pop stars were accused of cultural appropriation by some Singaporean critics. The controversy surrounding "The Assassin(s)" is also reminiscent of the "LGBTQ+ controversy" in Singapore in 2019, in which the government was accused of being homophobic and intolerant.