Movie ‘The Assassin(s)’ Reclaims Box Office Top Spot in Just One Day

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater admissions, ‘The Assassin(s)’ took first place at the box office on the 30th, drawing 61,496 viewers the previous day. The cumulative number of viewers was tallied at 1,695,104. It reclaimed the lead in just one day, overtaking ‘Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub’.

Released on the 23rd, ‘The Assassin(s)’ takes as its motif the shooting incident of Yuk Young-soo during the National Liberation Day of Korea commemorative event on August 15, 1974. According to media reports, the film has recently become embroiled in controversy surrounding historical interpretation, with the point of contention being the ending.

At the time, the special investigation headquarters concluded the case as a solo crime committed by Moon Se-gwang, who received instructions from North Korea and the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon). In contrast, the film concludes with an open ending that does not specify the mastermind behind the incident.

Some viewers criticized the film, suggesting it implies the possibility of former President Park Chung-hee or the regime at the time being behind the incident. The controversy has also spread to political camps.

In an official statement released on the 28th, the production team stated, “‘The Assassin(s)’ is a creative work reconstructed by adding cinematic imagination,” and “it does not define a specific person as the mastermind behind the incident, nor does it present the hypotheses and dramatic settings in the film as historical facts.” They added, “Beyond the unique creative intention and character of the work, this is not a film produced with a specific political purpose. Please view it solely as a product of creation.”

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