The Assassins set for Sept. 23 release, eyes Chuseok box office

〈The Assassins〉, which has drawn early attention for director Hur Jin-ho’s meticulous direction and the powerhouse performances of leading South Korean actors including Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho, has announced a Sept. 23 release and is taking aim at theaters during the Chuseok holiday.

〈The Assassins〉, which was officially invited to the gala section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival and has already demonstrated its artistic merit ahead of its release, is expected to carry on the box-office momentum of the polished blockbusters that filled theaters this summer and draw audiences during Chuseok. By adding cinematic imagination to a pivotal event in modern South Korean history, 〈The Assassins〉 promises a gripping story. The film is also expected to serve as an ideal bridge for parents and children to connect after watching it, making it the must-see movie of this year’s Chuseok season for audiences of all generations.

The film is also drawing attention with the promise of an extraordinary acting ensemble from some of South Korea’s finest performers, led by Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho. Yoo Hae-jin plays Cheol-gu, a detective who witnesses the shooting and pursues the forces behind it; Park Hae-il portrays Jae-hwan, the social affairs desk chief at a newspaper who digs into the truth; and Lee Min-ho stars as Young-il, a rookie reporter who throws himself into the middle of the case with passion and determination. The tightly woven story of these three men, who investigate the same case from different positions, is expected to leave a lasting impression on moviegoers. 

Meanwhile, veteran filmmakers led by director Hur Jin-ho—including cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, lighting director Lee Seong-hwan and production designer Kim Byeong-han—have meticulously recreated the look of the 1970s on screen. Their finely crafted sets and production design are set to fill Chuseok screens with a wealth of visual detail. 

With its compelling story, ensemble cast and highly polished production, 〈The Assassins〉 is expected to inject fresh energy into this year’s Chuseok box office, following films such as 〈Spider-Man: Brand New Day〉 and 〈The Odyssey〉, which dominated theaters this summer.