'D-War' Director Returns Home Triumphant

Director Shim Hyung-rae of the controversial film "D-War" has finally made a public appearance in Korea. The 49-year old filmmaker, who had left for the U.S. after just a brief stage greeting on the opening day of his movie, came back to face the local press. He had refused to give any interviews until now. On Monday, however, Shim had something to show the press: a picture of him and a Sony Pictures executive signing a deal for the DVD distribution of "D-War" and a contract containing the signature of the company's chief executive.

"The contract materials alone amount to more than 800 pages. It just shows how fastidious they are about contracts. There's even a part saying there can be no sensational or bloody scenes in the movie if we want to receive PG-13, the rating known to attract the most viewers."

Shim said he has read every Internet post about "D-War." When asked about the heated debate over the movie's critical reception, he only smiled and said, "If people were bored by it, I have no defense. I think I should take in what I should, but there's one thing I just can't understand. That is when people say, 'Why is Shim trying to do something even Germany and France couldn't do?' That I simply cannot accept. I wonder why people are so negative and hostile. But what are they going to say now that I've actually come back with the deal?"

"I'm sure the critics were preoccupied with the film's artistic merits while I was busy trying to strike the contract. Now that the contract's signed, naysayers no longer bother me."

While there are many who consider Shim a hero, there are more than a few who criticize him. The problem of his forged academic record is also increasingly becoming an issue. "How can I respond to every single attack, especially now when stars claim their own lives precisely because of such negative opinions?" Shim asked.

As for the movie's astounding success, Shim has his own theories. "People keep saying that I only relied on Korean patriotism and sentiment for a 'great human success story', but that's not true. Do you think Sony is stupid? If my movie was garbage, AMC would never agree to play it. How about Mann's Chinese Theater? It's the best Hollywood theater there is and it's going to play my film. I'm no patriot but I think I made people laugh as a comedian in the past. And that passion is what's driving me to the international market. What's wrong with that?"

Shim suspects he will face a tough fight in the U.S. as major movies like "The Brave One" starring Jodie Foster and other big comedies are slated to be released at the same time as "D-War."

(englishnews@chosun.com )