The documentary “Founding War 2,” which explores controversial aspects of Korea’s modern history, including the Jeju April 3 Incident, has been denied certification as an independent film by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). The review committee officially cited the film’s “biased expression style skewed toward emphasizing a specific perspective” and a “lack in completion” as the reasons for its rejection.
However, a closer look at the committee’s internal discussions reveals that the primary reason for the denial was a perception that the film’s content is “dangerous.” This decision has ignited a fierce debate, with critics accusing the council of ideological screening and censorship, especially when compared to the approvals granted to documentaries about liberal presidents.
“Founding War 2” is the sequel to last year’s surprise box-office hit, “Founding War,” which re-evaluated South Korea’s first president, Rhee Syng-man, and drew over 1.17 million viewers. The sequel, directed by Kim Deok-young, was released last month and has so far attracted just over 51,000 viewers.
The rejection is statistically significant. Of the 444 films that applied for independent film certification this year, only 29 (or 6.5%) were denied.
The poster for the controversial documentary “Founding War 2.”
Behind the “Dangerous” Decision
According to the minutes from KOFIC’s subcommittee meeting, seven of the nine committee members voted against certifying “Founding War 2.” One member who supported the film argued that “the director’s conviction in presenting newly uncovered documents and records was well-captured within the documentary format.”1
In contrast, those who opposed it repeatedly used the vague term “dangerous.” One committee member stated, “I thought it cleverly packaged historical aspects, and that part is very dangerous.” They criticized the film for highlighting the economic achievements of former President Park Chung-hee while omitting his authoritarian Yusin system, effectively “glorifying him.” This has led to accusations of a double standard, as documentaries about former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in, which also focused primarily on their achievements, were both granted independent film status.2
The same committee member also expressed concern that “the current generation of 10–30-year-olds may not critically accept historical aspects, [making the film] dangerous.” Another member argued that it was “dangerous to distort and present a biased view of South Korea’s current reality… to a wide audience.”3 This reasoning stands in stark contrast to the 2017 documentary “The Plan,” which used unverified conspiracy theories to frame the 18th presidential election as rigged, yet was still recognized as an independent film.
Director Kim Deok-young’s film has been at the center of a censorship controversy.
Accusations of Ideological Screening
According to KOFIC’s own regulations, the criteria for independent film certification focus on a film’s artistic merit, its exploration of non-commercial topics, and its ability to offer new perspectives. The potential reception of an audience or whether a film is deemed “dangerous” are not official review criteria.
Gaining independent film status is crucial for a movie’s survival, as it directly impacts its access to dedicated theaters and its entry into secondary markets like IPTV. By denying certification based on a perceived inability of audiences to “critically accept” the content, the committee is effectively limiting public access to the film.
Critics argue this amounts to censorship. Ahn Tae-geun, the former president of the Korean Documentary Association, stated in an interview, “Blocking citizens from watching a film because the director’s perspective does not suit their taste is a classic example of ideological screening and film censorship.4 The fact that such decisions are still made reveals how skewed our film industry has become.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ‘Founding War 2’
Q1: What is the movie ‘Founding War 2’ about?
“Founding War 2” is a South Korean documentary directed by Kim Deok-young. It is the sequel to “Founding War” and explores controversial aspects of Korea’s history before and after liberation, with a specific focus on the Jeju April 3 Incident.
Q2: Why is ‘Founding War 2’ controversial?
The film is controversial because the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) denied it “independent film” certification, citing that its content was “dangerous.” Critics of the film claim it presents a biased, right-leaning historical perspective, while supporters argue the denial is a form of ideological censorship.
Q3: What does ‘independent film certification’ mean in South Korea?
Independent film certification from KOFIC is crucial for non-commercial films. It grants them access to dedicated screening venues and helps with distribution on secondary platforms like IPTV, allowing them to reach a wider audience.
Q4: Who was Rhee Syng-man, who was featured in the first ‘Founding War’?
Rhee Syng-man was a pivotal figure in modern Korean history who served as the first President of South Korea from 1948 to 1960. The “Founding War” films aim to re-evaluate his legacy.
