▲ A profile photo of filmmaker Ahn Gooc-jin, provided by Acemaker Movieworks. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, March 22 (Yonhap) -- Ahn Gooc-jin's film 'Troll Factory,' set to be released on the 27th, raises strong doubts that public opinions formed naturally in cyberspace may actually be manipulated results by someone.

 

At the center of the online opinion manipulation in the film are the "Team Aleppo," a group of commenters. They post provocative and malicious comments on social networking services (SNS) or online communities to boost views and sway opinions in a particular direction.

 

The power behind the commenters remains veiled till the end. Viewers are left with a chilling feeling that there might be an "invisible hand" dominating the cyber world.

 

"I would recommend watching with skepticism rather than feeling bad. It's better to enjoy while doubting everything," chuckled director Ahn during a meeting at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 22nd.

 

▲ A still photo of Ahn Gooc-jin's new film "Troll Factory," provided by Acemaker Movieworks. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

'Troll Factory' unfolds a story that seems to mix fact and fiction regarding the origins of candlelight protests. It also shows broadcast footage covering the candlelight protests.

 

"I wanted to make viewers doubt everything. I tried to incorporate points where viewers could wonder, 'Is that real too?' by including events that actually happened as much as possible," said the director.

 

Even the ending of the film raises new questions rather than resolving doubts. Ahn said, "By revisiting the entire story, viewers will doubt everything from beginning to end and feel the cinematic pleasure in that confusion."

 

The role of uncovering the truth in the film falls on protagonist Sang-jin (played by Son Seok-gu), a journalist from the social department of a newspaper.

 

Sang-jin, who went from exposing corruption in large corporations to becoming a 'hack' overnight due to the manipulations of the commenters, desperately tries to approach the truth for the sake of his honor but finds himself increasingly lost in the labyrinth.

 

Although Sang-jin may seem far from being a hero, director Ahn says there are human and somewhat endearing aspects to him.

 

"As we filmed, Sang-jin became more adorable. His efforts to uncover the truth while struggling and feeling unfairly treated were sometimes funny. Actor Son Seok-gu even joked, 'After watching the movie, many might want to become journalists,'" he said.

 

Scenes where Sang-jin argues with the social department head or the editor-in-chief over publishing his investigative articles, or where he proudly displays the newspaper with his exclusive article on the front page, closely resemble real-life journalists.

 

Ahn met various journalists to realistically portray Sang-jin. He said, " 'Troll Factory' is also a film that questions what journalists can do. I mainly met young journalists who would have a somewhat objective view on their profession."

 

While the film is based on the novel of the same name by Jang Kang-myeong, it diverges significantly in content. Jang is also a former journalist. Ahn met Jang directly along with actor Son Seok-gu.

 

Comparing it with the original work, Ahn said, "I added elements of ridicule and black comedy. I wanted to amusingly question what it means to uncover the truth in an uncertain world."

 

He explained his enjoyment of black comedy, saying, "I have a twisted personality, so I don't trust the news much and doubt everything. Even when watching entertainment programs, I mutter to myself, 'They're lying.' It's the same with societal systems. But instead of feeling uncomfortable about societal absurdities, I prefer to satirize them with humor."

 

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