[Full Text] Aftermath of the "Assassin(s)" Controversy… SNS Event Ended Early in the End: "Our Hearts Are Heavy"

*This content was translated by AI.

The production team behind the film "Assassin(s)" will end its "Clue Tracking Screening" SNS-linked event early.

On the 5th, HYBE Media Corp., the production company for the film "Assassin(s)," announced via its official social media accounts, "The 'Clue Tracking Screening' SNS-linked event was planned with a separate kit to allow audiences to immerse themselves more deeply in the process of tracking events within the film."

It further explained, "However, as interpretations that deviated from the content and intent of the event spread, the event prepared for our audiences has been placed at the center of controversy unrelated to its original intention."

In response, the production company stated, "After carefully reviewing this situation, we have decided to end the SNS-linked event early due to unavoidable circumstances," adding, "We are deeply sorry that we could not live up to the expectations of the audiences who took time to participate and waited for the results."

Previously, the team behind "Assassin(s)" arranged a "Clue Tracking Screening" last month where viewers could directly experience settings from the work. Audiences participating in the screening were given merchandise called "Profiling Folders," which featured a concept of collecting clues from the film, and an SNS-linked event utilizing these items was also conducted.

However, since its release, "Assassin(s)" has been engulfed in controversy over historical distortion and is facing strong backlash. The film is based on the 1974 assassination attempt on Park Chung-hee Jeon (President) and the fatal shooting of Lady Yoo Young-soo. Criticisms have arisen that it distorts historical facts, particularly regarding scenes where some characters raise the possibility that "upper echelons" of the Central Intelligence Agency at the time were behind the incident. The production team has previously stated that the film was not made to newly establish specific historical conclusions or to deny or distort existing facts.

The controversy has spread to the cast as well. On the 4th, members of some conservative groups held a rally in front of lead actor Yoo Hae-jin's residence, demanding the suspension of the film's screening and apologies from the production team and actors. Movements demanding the cancellation of contracts with companies where Yoo Hae-jin has served as an advertising model have also continued.

In response, Yoo Hae-jin's agency announced on the 5th that it is taking seriously actions such as defamation and false statements directed at the actor, malicious personal attacks and insults, invasions of privacy, threats to personal safety, and acts of defamation. Minister Choi Hwi-young of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also stated on the same day that he has requested relevant authorities to take safety measures for film-related personnel and cast members, as well as to strictly enforce the law against illegal activities.

Meanwhile, despite the controversy, "Assassin(s)" recorded 188,468 audience members on the 4th, taking the top spot at the daily box office, and its cumulative audience count has surpassed 2.33 million.

Hello.

We are HYBE Media Corp., the production company for the film "Assassin(s)."

The "Clue Tracking Screening" SNS-linked event was planned with a separate kit to allow audiences to immerse themselves more deeply in the process of tracking events within the film.

However, as interpretations that deviated from the content and intent of the event spread, the event prepared for our audiences has been placed at the center of controversy unrelated to its original intention.

After carefully reviewing this situation, we have decided to end the SNS-linked event early due to unavoidable circumstances.

We are deeply sorry that we could not live up to the expectations of the audiences who took time to participate and waited for the results.

We thank you for your interest and support for the work and the event, and we ask for your understanding regarding the sudden termination.

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*This content was translated by AI.