Seoul’s Jongno Police Station called in former Seoul Metropolitan Council member Lee Jong Bae on October 13 at around 1 PM to question him regarding a criminal case filed against the film’s production team.
On September 29, Lee lodged a criminal complaint against four individuals linked to the movie, alleging defamation through the spread of false information. The accused include Kim Won Guk, CEO of Hive Media Corp and the film’s producer; director Hur Jin Ho; and screenwriters Kwon Ki Joon and Lee Ji Min.
Lee’s main contention is that The Assassin(s), showcasing the shooting of former First Lady Yuk Young Soo, hints at a possible government role in the assassination. He believes the film could lead viewers to suspect former President Park Chung Hee’s involvement in the incident despite the lack of concrete evidence to support such a claim.
Before his police inquiry, Lee addressed the media outside Jongno Police Station, explaining his rationale behind the complaint. He questioned whether a film like this should be tolerated by society, emphasizing the official conclusion that Mun Se Gwang acted alone in the assassination of Yuk Young Soo. Lee criticized the film for insinuating the presence of an unknown orchestrator, which he perceives as defamation against the deceased former First Lady.
Upon its release on September 23, The Assassin(s) sparked controversy for its portrayal of the historical event. Critics accused the film of implying involvement from parties other than Mun Se Gwang, the individual officially identified as the assassin. The movie also faced backlash for potentially suggesting ties to the ruling government. Amid rising tensions, threats were allegedly made against cast members, including actor Yoo Hae Jin, predominantly from conservative groups. In response, police began implementing protective measures on October 6 following a request from the actor’s agency.
The film’s production team refuted claims that the movie pointed to a specific mastermind behind the assassination. They clarified that The Assassin(s) is a work of fiction that reimagines historical events through cinematic creativity rather than presenting a factual retelling. Despite the ongoing dispute, the film has seen commercial success in South Korea, exceeding 3 million admissions.
Sources: Daum