Netflix's 'I Am a Survivor' Director Faces Personal Struggles Amidst New Documentary Release

The family of director Cho Sung-hyun is enduring significant distress.

On the 13th, a press conference for the Netflix documentary series 'I Am a Survivor' was held at CGV I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Cho Sung-hyun, known for his work on 'I Am God', 'PD Notebook', 'DMZ The Wild', and 'Human Documentary Love', attended the event.

'I Am a Survivor' is the follow-up to the 2023 release 'I Am God'. The series, consisting of eight episodes, delves into four harrowing incidents that shocked South Korea and is set to premiere on the 15th.

During the event, Director Cho shared, "I found my name listed as a suspect in a lawsuit. When my son overheard my wife and me discussing it, he asked, 'Dad, are you going to jail?' It broke my heart," he said. "However, I felt I had to persevere because many survivors trusted me and my team to share their stories in front of the camera. They testified about their hellish experiences and revealed societal tragedies."

Cho, who has requested police protection, added, "My wife said, 'While other parents worry about their kids getting hurt at the playground, we have to check who's around. Does that make sense?' It pained me," he continued. "My child, who's in elementary school, asked, 'When can I see you?' I told him, 'Maybe in about 10 years.' I believe that when my children grow up, they'll understand that what I did was not in vain and that it was a meaningful choice."

Meanwhile, 'I Am a Survivor' is set to be released on the 15th.

Reported by Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr