Even as controversies surrounding the film "The Assassin(s)" intensify, audiences continue to flock to theaters.

According to integrated computer network data released by the Korean Film Council on October 6, "The Assassin(s)" drew 590,853 moviegoers across the country from October 2 to October 5 during the National Foundation Day extended weekend, maintaining its position atop the box office. Its cumulative audience has now reached 2,412,804. Released on September 23 of last month, "The Assassin(s)" held the number one spot at the weekend box office for two consecutive weeks and drew the largest crowd over the National Foundation Day weekend, following the earlier Chuseok holiday.

During its second week of release, "The Assassin(s)" briefly yielded the top spot to "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" for one day and to the newly released animated feature "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" for two days. However, the film recaptured first place starting Sunday and through the substitute holiday for National Foundation Day.

Notably, on the Sunday and Monday when it reclaimed the throne, the film was screened approximately 180 and 400 fewer times, respectively, than its competitor "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island". It also maintains the highest seat occupancy rate among all running films at 37.6%.

"The Assassin(s)" became embroiled in accusations of historical distortion by raising suspicions and questions surrounding its subject matter, the assassination of former First Lady Yuk Young-soo. Several lawmakers from the People Power Party claim that the film distorts history by implying that President Park Chung-hee was behind the assassination of his wife, arguing that this constitutes defamation of the deceased.

Consequently, they have demanded that the film's director, Hur Jin-ho, be summoned as a witness or reference person to the National Assembly audit, while calling for an injunction against the film's screening and the forfeiture of its profits. In addition, the People Power Party decided to send a letter signed by all of its affiliated lawmakers to the Singapore International Film Festival, which opens on October 21, requesting that "The Assassin(s)" be withdrawn as the opening film.

The controversy surrounding the film has also spilled over to its cast. On October 4, around 50 members of conservative civic groups staged a protest outside the residence of actor Yoo Hai-jin, denouncing both the production company and the actors. In response, Yoo Hai-jin's agency released an official statement, saying, "We take a very serious stance against any actions that generate or distribute false information regarding our actor, inflict malicious personal attacks and insults, infringe upon the actor's private life, threaten his personal safety, or damage his reputation. We are continuously gathering related posts and materials, and we plan to take all possible measures to protect our actor's rights, interests, and safety from such unlawful acts."

As the backlash surrounding the film escalates into organized political and conservative movements, public curiosity about the title has only surged. While the controversy initially prompted polarizing debates during its opening week, the protracted, multifaceted confrontation has fueled a sentiment among the public to see the movie firsthand and judge for themselves, directly translating into robust ticket sales. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)