Film 'Assassin(s)' Tops 3 Million Amid Political Controversy and Canceled Stage Appearances

〈Assassin(s)〉 has surpassed 3 million viewers amid controversy.

The film 〈Assassin(s)〉 announced that it surpassed 3 million viewers on the morning of Oct. 13. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for theater admissions, 〈Assassin(s)〉 had drawn 2.99 million viewers through Sept. 12. With about 8,000 viewers still needed, the film officially crossed the 3 million mark based on attendance figures recorded the morning of Oct. 13.

Set against an assassination attempt targeting the first lady during a 1974 Liberation Day ceremony, 〈Assassin(s)〉 follows a detective who witnessed the incident, a rookie reporter and a social affairs desk reporter as they pursue the undisclosed forces behind it. The film crossed 3 million viewers 20 days after its Sept. 23 release, but it also came under fire for historical distortion and insulting the deceased. Conservatives, including the People Power Party, called it a disgraceful affront to the president at the time and continued to direct especially vulgar attacks at the cast. The production company responded that the film does not directly identify that person as the mastermind, while the film industry eventually issued a statement calling for the protection of creators.

As attacks on the actors continued, 〈Assassin(s)〉 canceled all plans to attend the Busan International Film Festival and participate in stage greetings. Even so, the film drew about 400,000 viewers during the three-day Hangeul Day holiday weekend that began Oct. 9, generating intense buzz.