The controversy surrounding The Assassin(s) has intensified, with a protest taking place near a property reported to be the home of lead actor Yoo Hae Jin.
On October 4, conservative groups New Freedom Solidarity and Bellado held a demonstration outside the Seoul property. Police unofficially estimated that around 50 people participated.
The groups criticized The Assassin(s) and called for the film to stop screening. They also demanded a public apology from the production team and cast.
Bellado additionally said it plans to approach companies where Yoo Hae Jin works as an advertising model, including Burger King and Kiwoom Securities, to request that they end their contracts with him.
However, there is currently no indication that those companies have canceled Yoo Hae Jin’s advertising deals. The groups have only announced plans to make such requests.
The protest marks a further escalation of criticism surrounding the film, which has now expanded from debate over its content to demonstrations near an actor’s reported residence and pressure related to his commercial activities.
Another group also announced plans for a separate protest outside production company Hive Media Corp., calling for an apology from the filmmakers.
The Assassin(s), starring Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, and Lee Min Ho, is inspired by the 1974 assassination attempt that resulted in the death of South Korea’s then-first lady.
Some political figures and conservative groups have accused the movie of distorting history, particularly over fictional elements involving possible forces behind the incident.
The production team previously rejected claims that it was attempting to rewrite history, stating, “The film was not made to establish a new historical conclusion or deny or distort existing facts.”
As the controversy grew, comments were reportedly disabled on some advertisements featuring cast members, while some audience events were canceled. Film industry organizations have also urged people to avoid excessive attacks against the filmmakers and actors.
Despite the dispute, The Assassin(s) has continued to perform strongly at the box office, surpassing 2 million admissions just 11 days after its release and ranking No. 1 among Korean films.
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