The 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has issued an official statement in response to a letter sent under the names of all 109 lawmakers from the People Power Party. The festival announced that it will screen the film as its opening selection as originally scheduled.
In an official statement released on October 7, the festival organizers stated, "The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is aware of the discussions surrounding 'The Assassin(s),' the opening film of the 37th edition." They added, "SGIFF respects the creative vision of the production team behind 'The Assassin(s),' and the film will proceed as scheduled to be screened as the opening film of the Singapore International Film Festival."
The statement continued, "The filmmakers have described the work as a product of cinematic imagination that combines historical events with fictional characters and situations. They have also clarified that it was not made to draw historical conclusions, distort facts, or serve any political purpose. SGIFF likewise intends to present this work as a single creative piece within this context. SGIFF looks forward to welcoming audiences to the 37th edition and presenting a diverse and rich lineup of films and experiences."
On October 2, People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jin-woo sent a letter under his own name to the organizers of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival demanding the withdrawal of the screening of "The Assassin(s)," which had been selected as the opening film. As more lawmakers expressed their intention to join, the individual-level response expanded into a party-wide action. On October 6, the People Power Party sent a second letter under the names of all 109 of its lawmakers, requesting the withdrawal of "The Assassin(s)" as the opening film of the Singapore International Film Festival.
In the letter, the People Power Party demanded, "Please immediately withdraw the selection of the film 'The Assassin(s)' as the opening film," urging them to "reconsider whether granting the special prestige of being an 'opening film' to a work that distorts a historical tragedy with real victims and bereaved families aligns with the values the film festival has pursued."
After reviewing the second letter sent by the People Power Party, the Singapore International Film Festival issued its official statement that day, announcing that it respects the filmmakers' creative vision and will proceed with the opening screening as originally planned.
- Below is the full text of the official statement from the 37th Singapore International Film Festival -
Singapore, October 7, 2026 — The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is aware of the discussions surrounding "The Assassin(s)," the opening film of the 37th festival.
SGIFF respects the creative vision of the production team behind "The Assassin(s)," and the film will proceed as scheduled to be screened as the opening film of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival.
The film was selected through SGIFF's independent programming process based on its artistic achievements and contributions to contemporary Asian cinema.
The filmmakers have described the work as a product of cinematic imagination that combines historical events with fictional characters and situations. They have also clarified that it was not made to draw historical conclusions, distort facts, or serve any political purpose. SGIFF likewise intends to present this work as a creative piece within this context.
"The Assassin(s)" previously premiered as a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. According to data from the Korean Film Council, it has drawn approximately 2.5 million moviegoers in South Korea since its release to date, recording a seat sales rate of about 47% during the Chuseok holiday period.
SGIFF's role is to provide a platform for meaningful films from Singapore, Asia, and across the globe, and to help audiences experience diverse stories and perspectives.
SGIFF looks forward to welcoming audiences to the 37th festival and presenting a diverse and rich lineup of films and experiences.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)