Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jeong blasts ideological litmus test for film ‘Assassin(s)’: “Questionable motives ... We’ll keep providing filming spaces to creators”

Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jeong has taken a firm stance on the recent political controversy over renting filming locations for the movie 'Assassin(s)'. He strongly criticized a flood of document-submission demands from National Assembly lawmakers affiliated with the People Power Party, calling them an attempt to impose an 'ideological litmus test' that suppresses the imagination of artists and creators. He disclosed that he watched the film himself during the holiday break and said, "The motives of politicians who are becoming excessively agitated over content already widely known to the public are highly questionable." He also noted that the former Chungnam Provincial Government Building was captured elegantly on screen and made clear that the city would continue to provide 'filming spaces' for creators.

As Heo marked his 100th day in office, he also highlighted the city’s achievements in attracting global mega-events. He cited Daejeon’s selection as the host city for the 2029 'Invictus Games', along with the successful hosting of the 2026 'League of Legends (LoL) Mid-Season Invitational' (MSI), a major international tournament that draws the attention of esports fans around the world, as key accomplishments of his administration.

Beyond major achievements, he has also brought about changes in 'hands-on administration' directly tied to residents’ daily lives. Policies with an immediate impact on everyday life followed one after another, including the launch of the local currency 'Ontong Daejeon 2.0' to boost the regional economy, the introduction of flexible speed-limit operations in child protection zones and the addition of '3,000 seats' at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark.

Heo said, "Going forward, city administration will be a time when residents can directly 'feel' positive changes in their daily lives." He added, "We will strengthen close cooperation with the city’s five autonomous districts and build a solid 'consultation system' between the city government and ruling party to complete Daejeon’s leap forward."