The Assassin(s) opens Singapore film festival despite withdrawal calls
SGIFF retained the South Korean political thriller after opposition politicians alleged that it misrepresented a 1974 assassination attempt.
South Korean director Hur Jin-ho said he was honoured to have The Assassin(s) open the 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), which kept the film despite political pressure for its withdrawal. He spoke at the opening gala at Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Theatre on Oct 21.
South Korea’s opposition People Power Party had urged the festival to remove the thriller, alleging historical distortion. SGIFF confirmed on Oct 7 that the screening would go ahead, pointing to its artistic value and contribution to contemporary Asian cinema.
Featuring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho, the film centres on an attempt to assassinate President Park Chung-hee on Aug 15, 1974. Park survived, but First Lady Yuk Young-soo was killed. The story mixes history and fiction as three characters — a detective, reporter and newspaper editor — examine discrepancies in the official account.
Conservative groups have protested against its suggestion that figures in Park’s government might have been involved in a conspiracy. Yoo reportedly faced threats and received police protection. Safety concerns also prompted the cast and crew to cancel promotional appearances at the Busan International Film Festival.
The production team has denied seeking to misrepresent history or pursue a political objective. Hur said directors needed creative freedom while acknowledging that their work would face scrutiny from audiences, investors and the public.
