Korean Movie Starring One Of The Biggest Hallyu Actors Pulls From Busan Film Festival Filming, What’s Happening?

All of film “Assassins”‘ scheduled appearances at this year’s Busan International Film Festival have been cancelled following backlash over allegations of historical distortion.

Production company HIVE Media Corp stated on social media on October 2, “We have decided to cancel our planned attendance at the Busan International Film Festival’s opening ceremony as well as the outdoor stage greeting event scheduled for October 7,” adding, “We ask for the understanding of the audience who were looking forward to these events.”

The production company explained, “Given the recent circumstances surrounding the film, we took the safety of audiences and attendees into consideration,” and added, “After carefully reviewing the current situation related to the film, we made this decision for the safety of everyone and the smooth running of the event.”

The Busan International Film Festival also announced the same day that the “Assassins” events had been cancelled at the production company’s request.

“Assassins” stars Yoo Hae Jin and Lee Min Ho had been scheduled to attend the 31st Busan International Film Festival’s opening ceremony at the Rooftop Theater of Busan Cinema Center on October 6.

An outdoor stage greeting with director Huh Jin Ho and stars Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, and Lee Min Ho had also been planned for October 7.

The “Actors House” talk program that Lee Min Ho was set to take part in at the festival has also been cancelled. Actors House is a session where actors look back on their filmography and share their acting philosophy and behind-the-scenes stories; Lee Min Ho had been scheduled to appear alongside Kim Go Eun, Kim Min Ha, Shin Min Ah, Ryu Seung Ryong, and Joo Ji Hoon.

“Assassins” is based on the motif of the August 15, 1974 shooting of First Lady Yuk Young Soo, following journalists who investigate the suspicions and the forces behind the attack.

Since its release, the film has drawn controversy as some viewers and political figures have claimed the film suggests former President Park Chung Hee or the Korean Central Intelligence Agency may have been involved behind the scenes in the shooting.

Source: (A)