"Rally in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home" amid threats… 'Assassin(s)' audience meet-and-greet also canceled → Film surpasses 2 million viewers [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As malicious comments continued against the actors in "Assassin(s)" and a rally protest was even announced in front of their homes, the film's weekend stage greeting event was abruptly canceled. Amid this, the film surpassed 2 million cumulative viewers on the first day of the National Foundation Day holiday.

"Assassin(s)" recently saw controversy over the film spread to the actors personally, with some actors feeling threatened to their personal safety, leading to the cancellation of the stage greeting event scheduled for the National Foundation Day holiday.

The film's production company, HYBE Media Corp, stated on the 2nd, the day before the holiday, "After carefully reviewing and discussing the various situations surrounding the recent work, we have decided not to proceed with the stage greeting schedule originally planned from October 3 to October 5 due to unavoidable circumstances. We respect the diverse opinions and interest shown in the work, while also expressing concern that the situation surrounding the work is placing excessive burdens on the cast and production staff beyond the scope of the film itself."

It further added, "This decision was made after much deliberation, taking into account the protection of those involved in the work and the impact it would have on audiences visiting theaters and theater personnel. We feel heavy-hearted for causing disappointment and inconvenience due to the sudden cancellation of the schedule," asking for understanding.

According to industry sources, the production company continued to deliberate repeatedly over the cancellation of the stage greeting right up until just before issuing its statement. While there was a significant burden regarding the sudden cancellation of an event meant to meet with audiences, they made the decision to cancel and announce it because the safety of the actors, director, and audiences visiting theaters was paramount.

In particular, on the 1st, Kim Sang-jin (CEO), who is the representative of the conservative group New Liberal Alliance and also the head of the Yoon Suk-yeol fan club "Yoon Jisa" (People Protecting Yoon Suk-yeol), announced a rally in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home through his personal account, further increasing the actors' fear. Kim Sang-jin (CEO) revealed on his account that he had completed the filing for a rally in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home and even published a photo of a house presumed to be Yoo Hae-jin's residence. This went beyond excessive criticism of the actors, exposing their place of residence, which is fundamental to their lives. The filing document disclosed by Kim Sang-jin (CEO) stated "Protest against Yoo Hae-jin, Protest against the production company of Assassin(s)," and noted that 20 people had filed for a rally from the 3rd to the 30th. He posted, "Rally filing completed in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home in Seongbuk-dong, where the lead actor of 'Assassin(s)' resides. I expect the agency will move Yoo Hae-jin's residence if I hold a rally. I will prove later that 'Yoo Hae-jin ran away from home.' Struggle on."

While everyone has the freedom to hold rallies and protests, Kim Sang-jin (CEO) sparked controversy by personally attacking an actor who appeared in the film and exposing his home address on social media. Beyond leaving malicious comments on videos of advertisements featuring Yoo Hae-jin and requesting the termination of advertising contracts, the appearance of harming the actor himself forced all film industry personnel to be more cautious.

The film "Assassin(s)" is drawing heated reactions from political circles as focus has shifted to the assassination attempt on First Lady Yuk Young-soo, which served as the subject matter for the film. Amid this, the film's production team issued a statement saying, "As a work based on historical events and real people, diverse interpretations and criticisms are possible. The production team respects such opinions. However, we wish to clarify that the film was not produced with specific political intentions beyond its inherent creative intent and nature."

Additionally, regarding recent claims of so-called "inflow of Chinese capital" related to "Assassin(s)" spread through online communities and some media outlets, they stated, "There is absolutely no fact that Chinese capital has flowed into the production or investment process of 'Assassin(s).' 'Assassin(s)' is a work independently planned and produced with domestic capital under the leadership of domestic production staff and creators."

However, such criticism extended beyond the film itself to the actors who appeared in it, and even to actors who watched and supported the film, resulting in a flood of malicious comments. Consequently, events prepared for the upcoming Busan International Film Festival, such as the "Assassin(s)" open talk and Lee Min-ho's Actors House, were canceled one after another.

The controversy surrounding "Assassin(s)" remains hot. Amid this, the general public appears curious about what exactly is causing such controversy, with reactions emerging that people should watch the film directly to evaluate it. Posts on various communities and social media expressing an intention to check out the film for themselves are also continuing.

In response, "Assassin(s)" surpassed 2 million cumulative viewers on the 3rd, its 11th day of release. Voices continue to emerge stating that people should watch the film directly to form their own evaluations amidst the heated controversy surrounding it.

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*This content was translated by AI.