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Seoul (AFP)
There were mixed reactions in South Korea on Saturday to the death of acclaimed director Kim Ki-duk, whose film legacy was marred by allegations of sexual assault.
Kim, who gained world fame with his bold portrayal of extreme violence and human brutality, died nine days before his 60th birthday in Latvia on Friday.
He faced a series of allegations of assault and sexual abuse from actresses who worked on his films, as well as other staff members in recent years, all of which he denied.
“‘Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter … and Spring’ directed by Kim is a masterpiece. I wish him peace in heaven,” wrote a user on Naver, South Korea’s largest web portal.
“I have seen many of his movies. May he rest in peace,” said another user.
But many on social media criticized the controversial director, pointing to the abuse allegations against him.
“A great loss and pain for Korean cinema,” read the headline of the report on Kim’s death in South Korean daily The Financial News.
Some responded to the article saying that such praise was not deserved.
“Kim does not and should not represent Korean cinema,” read one comment.
“Directors who respect actors on set and entertain audiences in theaters are the ones who represent the industry, not Kim.”
Another user said, “I hope the victims of Kim’s abuse will overcome their struggles and live a happy life.”
Coverage of his death in other South Korean media reflected the conflicting views on the director.
“Kim Ki-duk: Golden Lion winner, alleged abuser and deceased from the coronavirus … a life full of ups and downs,” read a headline from News 1, a local news agency, in reference to the jackpot at the Venice Film Festival.
In 2017, a South Korean actress accused Kim of physically abusing her the previous year on the set of “Moebius.”
Soon, another actress accused him of rape, and a series of other accusations from employees and artists followed.
Kim denied the allegations.
© 2020 AFP
