'The Assassins' Surpasses 3.4 Million Break-Even Point; Truth of That Day in 1974 Resonates

Gravitas in its portrayal of a historical tragedy fuels its long run at the box office

Director Hur Jin-ho's film 'The Assassins' has surpassed its break-even point, comfortably crossing 3.4 million admissions despite the historical distortion controversy that erupted after its release. The milestone reflects the combination of assured direction and strong performances from the cast.

According to distributor Hive Media Corp., 'The Assassins' had drawn a cumulative 3,401,825 admissions as of the 29th. After surpassing 3 million admissions just 20 days after opening on the 23rd of last month, the film held onto the top spot among Korean films at the weekly box office for five consecutive weeks, cementing its status as a long-running hit.

The film is inspired by the assassination attempt on First Lady Yuk Young-soo at a Liberation Day ceremony on August 15, 1974. It vividly portrays the tragedy that marked a major turning point in modern Korean history and the intense effort to uncover the forces behind the events.

The cast's commanding performances heighten the film's immersion. Yoo Hae-jin anchors the story as Cheol-gu, a detective doggedly pursuing the truth, while Park Hae-il exudes quiet authority as Jae-hwan, a newspaper social affairs editor investigating the case. Lee Min-ho adds tension as Young-il, an impassioned rookie reporter.

The film is also earning recognition overseas alongside its success at home. Following its invitation to the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, it was selected as the opening film of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival, capturing the attention of audiences around the world. It has also been invited to prominent festivals including the 28th Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the 21st Paris Korean Film Festival and the 46th Hawaii International Film Festival, demonstrating its global appeal.