Following the cancellation of its scheduled appearances at the Busan International Film Festival, the film "The Assassin(s)" has now cancelled all theatrical stage greetings for its second week of release.
On October 2, production company Hive Media Corp announced the decision through a statement titled "Notice of Cancellation for Second-Week Stage Greetings," stating, "After careful consideration and discussions regarding the various circumstances surrounding the film, we have inevitably decided not to proceed with the stage greetings scheduled from October 3 to October 5."
The production company explained, "While we respect the diverse opinions and interest shown toward our film, we are deeply concerned that the situation surrounding the project is placing an excessive burden on the cast and crew even beyond the work itself." They continued, "This decision was reached after extensive deliberation to protect those who participated in the film, while also taking into account the potential impact on audience members planning to visit theaters and on theater staff."
They added, "Our hearts are heavy to cause disappointment and inconvenience through this abrupt cancellation to the moviegoers who took the time to reserve tickets and prepare their visits in anticipation of meeting us. As the production company, we will look after the cast, crew, and all those who worked on the film with great care, and we will fulfill our responsibilities regarding audience guidance and follow-up measures."
The cancelled stage greetings were scheduled to take place across 12 theaters in the Seoul metropolitan area and Busan over three days. Director Hur Jin-ho alongside actors Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, Lee Minho, and Choi Yu-ri were scheduled to attend all three days, with Ryu Hyeyoung also planning to join them on October 3.
Earlier the same day, organizers of the 31st Busan International Film Festival also announced, "We inform you that, at the request of the production company of 'The Assassin(s)', the scheduled attendance at the opening ceremony and outdoor stage greetings of the 31st Busan International Film Festival have been cancelled." The "Actors' House: Lee Minho" event had already been cancelled prior to this notice.
"The Assassin(s)" is a film inspired by the August 15, 1974 assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, tracking the suspicions and forces behind the incident. Since its premiere on September 23, criticism directed at the cast has mounted, primarily led by conservative organizations. A demonstration notice was also filed to stage protest rallies outside the private residence of actor Yoo Hai-jin from October 3 to October 30. The scheduled start date of the protests coincided with the first day of the cancelled stage greetings.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)