All 49 Stage Greetings for "The Assassin(s)" Canceled; Production Company Cites "Excessive Burden Beyond the Film"

Following the cancellation of its schedule at the Busan International Film Festival, the film "The Assassin(s)" has also called off all theater stage greetings scheduled for its second week of release.

The production company Hive Media Corp announced on October 2 through a statement regarding the cancellation of second-week stage greetings, "After carefully reviewing and discussing the various circumstances surrounding the film recently, we have inevitably decided not to proceed with the stage greetings scheduled from October 3 to October 5."

The production company stated, "While we respect the diverse opinions and interest sent toward the work, we are simultaneously concerned that the circumstances surrounding the film are placing an excessive burden on the cast and production crew even outside the work." They explained, "This decision was made after deep deliberation, taking into consideration the need to protect those who participated in the project, as well as the impact it would have on the audience members and theater staff visiting the sites."

They added, "We have a heavy heart for causing disappointment and inconvenience to the audience members who took the time to book tickets and prepare to visit with expectations of meeting them. As the production company, we will carefully look after the actors, production crew, and everyone who has been with the project, and we will fulfill our responsibilities regarding audience guidance and follow-up measures."

The canceled stage greetings were originally planned to be held across 12 theaters in the Seoul metropolitan area and Busan over three days. Director Hur Jin-ho and actors Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, Lee Minho, and Yuri were scheduled to attend all three days, while Ryu Hyeyoung was also planned to join on October 3.

Earlier the same day, the 31st Busan International Film Festival also announced, "We inform you that, upon the request of the production company of 'The Assassin(s)', the scheduled attendance at the opening ceremony and outdoor stage greeting events of the 31st Busan International Film Festival have been canceled." The "Actor's House: Lee Minho" event had already been canceled prior to this.

"The Assassin(s)" is a film that tracks the suspicions and masterminds behind the incident, taking inspiration from the shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-su on August 15, 1974. Following its release on September 23, criticism directed at the cast members has continued, led by conservative-leaning groups. A report was also filed to hold a protest rally in front of actor Yoo Hai-jin's home from October 3 to October 30. The starting date of the rally coincides with the first day of the canceled stage greetings.

(Photo: Yonhap News) (Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon, SBS C&M)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.