Yoo Hae-jin’s Agency Warns of 'Strict Response' to Protests Outside His Home

[Anchor]

Controversy over historical distortion surrounding the film "Assassins" is spreading rapidly. With protests even reaching the home of lead actor Yoo Hae-jin, his agency has announced a strict response to threats against the actor's safety.

Reporter Seo Donggyun has the details.

[Reporter]

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

They demanded an apology, claiming the film distorts history by dealing with the shooting and death of First Lady Yuk Young-su.

[Protesters: Producers and actors of Assassins, apologize to the bereaved family and the deceased. Apologize. Apologize. Apologize.]

Tomorrow, October 6, a protest is scheduled to demand a change of model for a product endorsed by Yoo Hae-jin.

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

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

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

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

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hui-yeong stated, "While evaluations of a film are free, threatening the safety of creators is the destruction of democracy," and requested that police and other authorities strictly enforce the law regarding protests in front of actors' homes.

(Video recording: 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.