[Anchor]

Controversy over historical distortion surrounding the film "The Assassins" is spreading uncontrollably. As protests even reached in front of lead actor Yoo Hae-jin's home, his agency announced that it will take strict action against threats to the actor's safety.

Reporter Seo Donggyun has the details.

[Reporter]

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

They demanded an apology, claiming the film distorted history while dealing with the fatal shooting of First Lady Park Chung-hee's wife, Yuk Young-soo.

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

Tomorrow, October 6, another rally is scheduled to demand a change of model for a product for which Yoo serves as an advertising model.

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 the actor's personal privacy, threaten his safety, and defame his character with utmost seriousness."

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

The Association of Korean Independent Film and Video and the Directors Guild of Korea, along with the Solidarity of Korean Filmmakers comprising 19 organizations, also issued a statement declaring, "Criticism of a work and pressure on an individual must be separated," and "Discussions about a film must not lead to threats against individuals."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Whiyoung stated, "While evaluation of a film is free, threatening creators' safety is a destruction of democracy," and demanded strict law enforcement from the police regarding protests in front of actors' homes.

(Camera Reporter: Joo Yong-jin, Choi Jun-shik | Video Editor: Yoon Tae-ho | Designer: Park Tae-young)