The 37th Singapore International Film Festival Confirms ‘The Assassins’ as Opening Film

SGIFF stands by creative vision amid controversy over historical distortion

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) will screen “The Assassins”, directed by Hur Jin-ho, as the opening film of its 37th edition as scheduled. Despite intense fallout, including calls from South Korean politicians to cancel the screening and threats against the lead actor, festival organizers have reaffirmed their commitment to the film while stressing the importance of artistic independence.

In an official statement on the 7th, SGIFF said it was aware of the series of controversies surrounding “The Assassins” but would screen it unchanged as the opening film out of respect for the filmmakers’ creative vision. The festival said the film was selected through its independent programming process based on its “artistic achievement and contribution to contemporary Asian cinema.”

The festival cited the filmmakers’ intent and cautioned against political interpretations. The filmmakers have made clear that the film is a product of cinematic imagination that combines a historical event with fictional characters and situations, and that it was not intended to reach any particular historical conclusion or distort facts. SGIFF also cited data from the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network, emphasizing that the film had become a popular cultural talking point after drawing about 2.5 million moviegoers following its domestic release and recording a high seat-occupancy rate of 47% during the Chuseok holiday period.

“The Assassins” is based on the Aug. 15, 1974, shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-soo and follows a reporter and detective in a fierce pursuit of those behind the incident. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last month, it received a formal theatrical release in South Korea on the 23rd of the same month.

But soon after its release, the film faced intense controversy over its cinematic reconstruction of a historical tragedy. The ruling People Power Party went so far as to send a formal letter to Jeremy Chua, executive director of the Singapore International Film Festival, strongly urging him to withdraw the film as the opening selection. The controversy also spread to the cast and escalated into a broader social issue after lead actor Yoo Hae-jin received threats, prompting police to immediately put protective measures in place.

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young said during a National Assembly audit that “there should be no restrictions whatsoever on imagination and creative work,” expressing a firm commitment to respond strictly to physical and psychological threats against creators.

Founded in 1987, the Singapore International Film Festival has established itself as a key hub for Asian cinema and has discovered meaningful works from around the world. The 37th edition will run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1, and the screening of “The Assassins” is expected to introduce global audiences to a range of stories and perspectives.