‘The Assassin(s)’ Continues Its Global Run to Rave Reviews! Paris Korean Film Festival Sells Out in 3 Minutes!

〈The Assassin(s)〉 is earning recognition at film festivals around the world, showcasing the outstanding quality and influence of Korean cinema. The film 〈The Assassin(s)〉 follows the investigation into the questions and forces behind the shooting of the First Lady that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974. The film’s tightly woven narrative, the cast’s powerful performances and the characters’ courage in pursuing the truth have reached audiences overseas through film festivals, leaving a deep impression.

After being selected for the Gala Presentations section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, 〈The Assassin(s)〉 kicked off its global run with sold-out public screenings and news that it had been named an International People’s Choice Award runner-up. It was subsequently selected for the 28th Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the 37th Singapore International Film Festival, the 21st Paris Korean Film Festival, the 46th Hawaii International Film Festival and the 29th Philadelphia Film Festival, drawing international attention. Notably, it was chosen as the opening film of the Paris Korean Film Festival and sold out all seats within three minutes of tickets going on sale, generating a major buzz. With selections at a range of festivals and strong audience responses, 〈The Assassin(s)〉 is making its global presence unmistakable.

The Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival described 〈The Assassin(s)〉 as “a film with exciting direction and the potential to become a box-office hit,” while anticipation for its opening at the Singapore International Film Festival turned to praise after the screening. The festival programmer said, “We wanted an opening film that was a blockbuster with an overwhelming scale, but also one that brought to life the distinctive sensibility and personality of an auteur director. Judging by the audience’s response, I think 〈The Assassin(s)〉 more than lived up to those expectations.” Amir Khan, the actor and director beloved by Korean audiences for 〈3 Idiots〉 and 〈Dangal〉, also shared his heartfelt reaction after seeing the film. “I was deeply moved. It’s an incredibly powerful film, and I think the message it seeks to remind us of is very important. My sincere congratulations to the director, producer and entire crew for creating such a wonderful film,” he said, praising it highly. The response shows how a story about the choices and convictions of those seeking to reveal the truth has resonated across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

The Paris Korean Film Festival also praised the film, saying, “〈The Assassin(s)〉 belongs to the tradition of great crime and journalism thrillers in cinema history. This relentlessly unfolding investigative drama grips audiences and keeps them on the edge of their seats throughout its runtime, never letting go for a moment. The film takes us back to a turbulent era to underscore the importance of freedom of expression for the press and the people, and to shed sharper light on the realities of today.” Chief programmer David Tredler praised the festival’s significant opening film, saying, “Director Hur Jin-ho’s 〈The Assassin(s)〉 is a breathtakingly immersive investigative thriller that masterfully weaves together multiple storylines. This fast-paced film sustains the tension for its entire 2 hours and 10 minutes and will launch the 21st Paris Korean Film Festival with a bang.” With a string of festival selections, sold-out screenings and acclaim from audiences, 〈The Assassin(s)〉 is bringing the appeal of Korean cinema to the world through the powerful ensemble performances of Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho, alongside director Hur Jin-ho’s nuanced, suspenseful direction, building anticipation for the film’s continued, unflagging global run.