Megabox Apologizes Over Film Collectible Criticized as Referencing Former First Lady’s Assassination
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South Korean theater chain apologizes over controversial movie collectible
South Korean cinema chain Megabox has apologized after a promotional collectible for the film “The Assassins” drew criticism for appearing to reference the 1974 assassination of former first lady Yuk Young-soo. The company said it would discard all remaining copies of the collectible and apologized to people who felt hurt by the design.
Megabox said in a statement that it had failed to fully consider the seriousness and historical weight of a tragic event. The apology was also posted on the company’s official social media accounts.
Design featuring bullet marks sparks backlash
The item was part of Megabox’s “Original Ticket” series, a free collectible given to moviegoers on the film’s opening day on Sept. 23. The design used a transparent layer marked with bullet holes placed over an image resembling a ceremonial venue from the 1974 shooting incident involving Yuk.
When the two layers were combined, the bullet marks appeared over elements including a podium, seating area and the South Korean flag. Critics argued that the design used a national tragedy as entertainment merchandise.
Political criticism followed public debate
The controversy grew after Lee Ki-in, a member of the Reform Party’s emergency leadership committee, shared images of the ticket and criticized the design. He questioned whether a deadly shooting should be turned into a collectible item.
Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party called for all remaining tickets to be destroyed, while Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also criticized the design.
Megabox explains production process and announces changes
Megabox said the Original Ticket was created through discussions with the film’s distributor and production company. The company explained that the production schedule was tight, preventing staff from previewing the film, and that the design was based on limited images provided through coordination with the film’s partners.
The company said its intention was to reflect the film’s themes through imagery from the movie and its promotional materials. However, it said it would establish additional internal review procedures for future collectibles involving historical events or figures to better consider social and ethical concerns.
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