Actor Park Hae Il attended his scheduled event at the 31st Busan International Film Festival despite reported security concerns surrounding his latest film.
On October 8, Park Hae Il appeared at a Community BIFF event at Megabox Busan Theater for *Waikiki Brothers* alongside director Yim Soon Rye.
The event was organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Yim Soon Rye’s feature-film directing debut.
Greeting fans in a relaxed mood, Park Hae Il joked, *“I even went to see Boocangi,”* referring to BIFF’s mascot.
He also expressed affection for *Waikiki Brothers*, saying, *“I’m happy that ‘Waikiki Brothers’ was my debut film.”*
His attendance drew attention because promotional activities connected to his more recent film *Assassin(s)* had reportedly been canceled over concerns about the safety of the cast and production team.
*Assassin(s)* reimagines events surrounding the 1974 assassination of then-First Lady Yuk Young Soo through fictional elements. After its release, the film faced criticism and debate over its historical portrayal.
The controversy later intensified after some conservative groups and online commentators publicly protested the film. Reports said demonstrations were also held outside actor Yoo Hae Jin’s residence, with protesters demanding an apology.
Because of the escalating situation, the *Assassin(s)* team reportedly canceled several related appearances, including planned Busan International Film Festival activities, citing safety considerations.
Yoo Hae Jin also did not attend the Buil Film Awards despite winning Best Actor for *The Man Who Lives with the King*.
Park Hae Il, however, still traveled to Busan for his separate *Waikiki Brothers* commitment and completed the scheduled event, drawing attention for honoring his BIFF appearance despite the reported security concerns surrounding his other project.
