Park Geun-hye releases 1974 letter to counter film controversy

Former President Park Geun-hye has released a 50-year-old letter written by her father, the late President Park Chung-hee, in response to controversies surrounding the film ‘Assassins’. The film, which depicts the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, has faced accusations of historical distortion for suggesting government involvement in the incident.

The letter, dated August 17, 1974, was written two days after the assassination. In it, Park Chung-hee expressed profound grief, stating, “Mother took the bullet meant for me. I have thought many times how good it would have been if I had been hit and Mother had lived.” He also urged his eldest daughter, then a student in France, to remain strong and take on her mother’s responsibilities.

Representative Yu Young-ha of the People Power Party released a copy of the letter during a press conference, stating it would serve to correct “left-wing historical distortions” and conspiracy theories. Yu has called for the film's production team to apologize and cease screenings, threatening legal action if they do not comply.