Sony Pictures has recently fallen victim to hackers. These hackers have leaked Sony employee’s personal emails, financial information, and passwords as well as Sony-produced films such as a remake of Annie as well as Fury, starring Brad Pitt, on illegal websites for anyone to view for free. These attacks come just days before Sony’s highly anticipated film, The Interview, is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day. The Interview, starring James Franco and Seth Rogan, follows two talk show hosts and their sudden recruitment by CIA agents to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The North Korean government is calling the movie an “undisguised act of terrorism”. Because of the recent denouncement of the movie, Sony believes that it is probable that North Korea is behind the recent data breech.

Despite Sony’s accusations, North Korea has denied any part in the hacking scandal. The hackers that refer to themselves as the “Guardians of Peace” have gone much farther than disclosing personal information and releasing Sony movies that have yet to hit theaters. The hackers have sent an email to a large number of past and present Sony employees telling them that “Removing Sony Pictures on Earth is a very tiny work for our group”. They went on to say that if they do not “behave wisely” then “your family will be in danger”. Law enforcement has deducted that this threat is directed towards the release of The Interview and the consequences for Sony if they release the movie. Sony responded by saying, “We understand that some of our employees have received an email claiming to be from GOP. We are aware of the situation and are working with law enforcement.” This specific data breech is the worst of its kind on U.S. soil. The disclosure of personal information and movies will cost Sony millions because of the money that they will lose when people view their films illegally online instead of seeing them in theaters. North Korea called the hackers’ actions “righteous” after they have repeatedly condemned the film. North Korean officials went on to say that they greatly appreciate those who sympathize with the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea).

Many Americans are showing concern for the well-being of Sony employees as well as those who were involved with the creation of the film. Kim Jong-un has threatened to take “merciless countermeasures” against the United States if the movie is released as planned later this month. The North Korean Dictator has been known to imprison or even executed anyone who crosses him. Last year Kim ordered that his uncle, second in command, be put to death because of acts of “treason” that were never proven. Because of his violent nature, many are worried specifically for Seth Rogan, star of The Interview and co-director of the film. Rogan has tweeted, “Apparently Kim Jong-un plans on watching #TheInterview. I hope he likes it!!” Many are calling this comment, directed at the North Korean leader, unsafe and dangerous because Rogan is obviously playing with fire when it comes to Kim Jong-un and this movie. Although this high profile situation is well-known throughout the U.S., the average North Korean citizen has no idea that it exists. North Korean officials are obviously well aware of the film’s existence and plans to keep its citizens in the dark because of the potential uproar it could cause. It is still unclear if Kim Jong-un himself has seen the trailer that was released earlier this year. This “act of war” that North Korea claims the U.S. has committed is still on track to arrive in theaters on December 25^th.