Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho’s ‘Assassins’ races to No. 1 among Korean films at the box office

〈Assassins〉 got an early start at the box office by taking the No. 1 spot among Korean films in advance ticket sales.

The film 〈Assassins〉 recorded 33,141 advance ticket reservations as of Aug. 31, according to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network, ranking No. 1 among Korean films. It also ranked No. 2 overall in advance ticket sales, surpassing high-profile domestic and international releases including 〈Spider-Man: Brand New Day〉.

Set against the mystery surrounding the Aug. 15, 1974, assassination attempt on South Korea’s first lady — an incident that shocked the nation — 〈Assassins〉 follows the search for the truth and those behind it. The film is the latest work from Director Hur Jin-ho, who helmed 〈One Fine Spring Day〉 and 〈The Last Princess〉. Hive Media Corp., which made its mark with period dramas including 〈12.12: The Day〉 and 〈The Man Standing Next〉, is handling production and distribution.

The film is also generating expectations for a solid story shaped by the chemistry among its three leads — Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho — as well as the cast’s ensemble performances and cinematic imagination built around a powerful mystery from Korea’s modern history. 〈Assassins〉 opens in theaters Sept. 23.