The Gunshots of That Day in 1974: 'Assassin(s)' Break Through the Era of Silence [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

In an era where silence was forced, someone kept asking questions, recording events, and taking action until the end. 'Assassin(s)' depicts the intense pursuit by those who chased the mystery surrounding the 1974 assassination attempt on the First Lady and sought the truth behind it.

On the 8th, a press screening for the film 'Assassin(s)' was held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Director Heo Jin-ho and actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho attended the event.

'Assassin(s)' is a story that traces the suspicions and hidden orchestrators behind the assassination attempt on the First Lady that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974. The film reconstructs the grand mystery of the 1974 First Lady assassination incident that shook the nation, portraying it with cinematic imagination and narrative density.

Directed by Heo Jin-ho, known for deeply exploring characters caught in the whirlwinds of their times through works such as 'The Moon: The Emperor's Dream' and 'Princess Deokhye', 'Assassin(s)' continues his signature style.

Regarding evaluations comparing 'Assassin(s)' to Heo Jin-ho’s own 'Spring in Seoul', Director Heo stated, "I am grateful for the comparison with 'Spring in Seoul'. I did not consider 'Assassin(s)' as a film that arrives at any definitive conclusion. Even from the very beginning of this project, I did not approach it as a story aimed solely at uncovering hidden truths or figures. Instead, I wanted to express the emotions of people who lived through that era while tracing the clues. Since similar incidents occurred during that period, I thought we could incorporate an episode based on the Declaration for the Practice of Free Press."

He added, "When watching it together with reporters, I felt my focus wasn't as sharp. It seems many reporters were included because showing the social issues and questions that a journalist's profession must inevitably address is one way to depict the situation of that era."

Yoo Hae-jin plays Detective Cheol-gu, a senior detective from the Central District Police Station who witnesses the circumstances surrounding the First Lady assassination attempt Hyeon Jang-ui (수상) and pursues the truth with sharp intuition.

Yoo Hae-jin said, "When approaching this work, I viewed Cheol-gu as an individual who could be either a father living through a confusing era or a police officer. I hoped he would be portrayed as someone who has weathered the storm of that time with his entire being."

He further explained, "Rather than separating the roles of father and police officer, I believed both aspects naturally coexist within one person."

Yoo Hae-jin previously demonstrated his status as a 'million-viewer actor' again by drawing 16.9 million viewers with the film 'The King and the Clown', released during this year's Lunar New Year holiday. He will return to theaters this autumn with 'Assassin(s)' for the Chuseok holiday.

Regarding this, Yoo Hae-jin began by saying, "This year has been too special for me. I am grateful that so many people have loved and supported me because of 'The King and the Clown'."

He continued, "With another holiday approaching, 'Assassin(s)' is now set to be released. It feels like the time has come to cherish 'The King and the Clown' as a treasured work in my heart."

He expressed his affection by saying, "I hope this film survives well in theaters like a living organism," adding, "I also hope this work thrives healthily in this harsh world just like 'The King and the Clown' did."

Park Hae-il plays Jae-hwan, a newsroom section chief who refuses to yield despite countless instances of censorship and pressure, relentlessly investigating the truth behind the incident.

Park Hae-il explained, "At the center of this tragic event are individuals from various professions. While the film unfolds with a broad perspective from a detective's viewpoint, it also includes stories from journalists."

He added, "In my opinion, while reporters have occasionally appeared in Korean films or been used functionally, there haven't been many cases where they drive an entire work over a long narrative arc. In fact, when I was offered the role of a reporter, it sparked my curiosity."

He stated, "Just as the bow in 'The Last Princess' served not merely as a device but carried the entire film, this time my challenge was to see how deeply a reporter could carry the atmosphere and events of an era within a single work."

He further added, "To solve this challenge, I discussed extensively with the director and fellow actors and worked hard on the production."

Following his collaboration in 'Princess Deokhye', Park Hae-il reunites with Director Heo Jin-ho for the second time in 'Assassin(s)'.

Park Hae-il remarked, "I am grateful that the director reached out to me after ten years since 'Princess Deokhye'. I already knew the director's refined and restrained style. Since this is my second collaboration with him, my challenge was to show something different rather than simply repeating past patterns. After receiving the script, I had many conversations with the director alone. Listening to his insights helped me gradually move forward."

Additionally, Lee Min-ho portrays Yeong-il, a passionate rookie reporter who actively goes to the field and captures scenes on camera.

Lee Min-ho said, "I often think we live in an era where sensational content or titles are valued more than truth itself. Given that it is difficult to distinguish between what is true and what is false, I placed the greatest importance on the convictions of those who pursued the truth in a time I never personally experienced."

Regarding his approach to portraying the character, he revealed, "I had many discussions with the director about wanting the character to be as lively as a live fish."

He explained, "Even during filming, I continuously discussed with the director about maximizing physical movement and finding routes where I could run around actively. I put thought into ensuring the unique passion and energy of a rookie reporter would come alive on screen."

Meanwhile, 'Assassin(s)' is scheduled for release on the 23rd.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.