Controversy surrounding South Korean political thriller ‘The Assassin(s)’ has moved beyond the cinema, with conservative civic groups protesting outside actor Yoo Hae-jin’s home in Seoul.
The protesters accused the film of historical distortion, demanded an apology from its team and called for its withdrawal from theatres. Hae-jin’s agency has vowed to protect the actor’s privacy and safety, saying it is collecting online material for possible legal action.
Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young also condemned the protest, saying criticism of a film should not extend to threats against its creators or intrusion into their private lives.
Directed around the 1974 assassination attempt on then-President Park Chung-hee, the film revisits the killing of his wife, Yuk Young-soo.
While the official investigation concluded that Mun Se-gwang acted alone, the film explores possible involvement by government and intelligence officials.
The filmmakers have rejected claims of distortion, describing the project as a fictionalised reconstruction based on historical records.
