A poster for "The Interview," a farcical comedy about a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is displayed on the marquee of a theater in Los Angeles, on Dec. 25. / AFP-Yonhap



By John Redmond

The much-debated political satire, "The Interview," will be screened at the Bull and Barrel Bar and Grill in Itaewon, Seoul, followed by a discussion on New Year's Day.

The Seth Rogen and James Franco movie, about an assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has stirred much controversy over Sony Pictures' decision to pull the film from theaters following threats from North Korea.

Even U.S. President Barak Obama weighed into the debate saying the free world should not back down to threats, while many saw the Sony move as a publicity stunt.

Then Sony Pictures retracted its decision, allowing the move to be screened from Christmas Day in U.S. cinemas.

The movie was eventually given a global release on the Internet on Dec. 25 and has since been available for rent or purchase, but not in South Korea.

North Korea denounced the film as "dishonest and reactionary," "hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership" and "agitating terrorism."

On social media networks and in mainstream media, the film has received rave reviews from some people. But others have panned it heavily for "racist stereotypes."

"One thing is for sure, the buzz around the film makes it a must-see download for us in Asia who cannot see it in the theaters if for no other reason than as a cultural phenomenon," said an organizer of the Seoul screening.

He said a legally downloaded film would be screened free for a debate on media issues and had not encountered complaints from government authorities or Sony.