Obama happy for ‘The Interview’

US President Barack Obama declined Wednesday to say whether he would watch “The Interview,” but he said he’s happy Sony Pictures changed its mind and is releasing the comedy film about a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“I’m glad it’s being released,” Mr. Obama told reporters as he walked off the 18th hole at a golf course here, according to WSJ Blogs.

Before leaving for holiday vacation in Hawaii last Friday, Mr. Obama publicly criticized Sony executives for shelving the film amid threats of violence and a US government statement identifying North Korea as behind a hacking attack on Sony last month.

Sony announced Tuesday it would permit a limited release of the movie in theaters and online.

Obama’s comments Wednesday on the golf course marked his first appearance in front of reporters since he arrived on the island of Oahu, where he is spending Christmas and New Year’s with his family and close friends.

The White House allowed reporters to observe the president on the 18th green because he was golfing with Prime Minister Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia.