Film cancels Busan International Film Festival appearances
The South Korean film “Assassins” has canceled its planned appearances at the Busan International Film Festival and its second-week theater promotional events, citing concerns over the safety and pressure facing cast and attendees.
Production company Hive Media Corp. announced that it would not attend the festival’s opening ceremony on Oct. 6 or the outdoor stage event scheduled for Oct. 7. The company said the decision was made after considering “a series of recent situations surrounding the film” and the safety of audiences and participants.
The film had been scheduled to appear at the 31st Busan International Film Festival, one of South Korea’s major film events. Lead actors Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Min-ho were expected to attend the opening ceremony, while director Hur Jin-ho and actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho were scheduled to introduce the film during an outdoor audience event.
The festival also canceled “Actors House: Lee Min-ho,” a discussion program where actors talk about their careers, performances and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Second-week promotional events also called off
The production company also canceled theater stage greetings scheduled from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5. In South Korea, these events are a common part of film promotion, with directors and actors meeting audiences after screenings to discuss the movie.
The company said it was concerned that circumstances surrounding the film had created excessive pressure on the actors and production team beyond the movie itself. It said the decision was made after considering the protection of those involved in the production as well as the impact on audiences and theater staff.
Historical controversy surrounds the film
“Assassins,” which opened on Sept. 23, is based on the 1974 assassination attempt against South Korean first lady Yuk Young-soo. The film follows journalists investigating questions surrounding the incident and its possible background.
After its release, some viewers and political figures argued that the movie suggested possible involvement by former President Park Chung-hee or the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, leading to accusations of historical distortion.
The controversy has extended beyond the film itself. Advertisements featuring lead actor Yoo Hae-jin have faced criticism, with some brands disabling comments on related social media and video advertisements following complaints.
Film groups call for debate over works, not attacks on creators
South Korean film organizations have urged that criticism remain focused on the movie rather than individuals involved in its production.
The Korean Producers Guild said the debate had expanded beyond criticism of the work into attacks and pressure directed at producers, directors, actors and staff. The group warned that revealing personal information about creators or pressuring individuals and organizations connected to them went beyond legitimate criticism.
The Korea Film Producers Association also expressed concern over excessive criticism targeting individual creators involved in the film.
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