Yoo Hae-jin's Agency Vows Strict Response to Safety Threats Amid Protests

[Anchor]

Controversy over historical distortion surrounding the film "Assassins" has led to protests outside the home of its lead actor and a boycott of products he endorses. Actor Yoo Hae-jin's agency has announced that it will take strict action against threats to his safety, stating it will take all possible measures to protect his rights and security.

Reporter Seo Donggyun has the details.

[Reporter]

A conservative civic group held a protest rally in front of the home of actor Yoo Hae-jin, the star of the film "Assassins".

They demanded an apology, claiming that the film distorted history by dealing with the fatal shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-su.

[Protesters: "Producers and actors of 'Assassins', apologize to the bereaved family and the deceased! (Apologize! Apologize! Apologize!)"]

A rally was also scheduled to request a change of models for a product for which Yoo serves as an advertising model.

In response, Yoo Hae-jin's agency released its first official statement.

Yoo's agency stated through its website, "We view all acts that infringe upon the actor's personal privacy, threaten his safety, and defame his character with the utmost seriousness."

It also emphasized, "We plan to take all possible measures to protect the rights and safety of our agency's actor from illegal acts."

The Filmmakers Association of Korea, comprising 19 organizations including the Korean Art Cinema Database and the Directors Guild of Korea, also issued a statement saying, "Criticism of a work and pressure on an individual must be distinguished," and "Discussions about a film must not lead to threats against individuals."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Whi-young stated, "While evaluation of a film is free, threatening the safety of creators is the destruction of democracy," and urged the police and other authorities to strictly enforce the law regarding protests in front of actors' homes.

(Camera: Joo Yong-jin, Choi Jun-shik | Video Editing: Yoon Tae-ho | Design: Park Tae-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.