The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has confirmed that Hur Jin-ho’s “The Assassin(s)” will remain its opening feature, rejecting calls from South Korean conservative politicians for its removal. The decision comes a day after all 109 members of the People Power Party (PPP) wrote to the festival demanding the film be dropped.
In a statement released Wednesday, the festival declined to mention the PPP by name but acknowledged the ongoing controversy. “The film was selected through SGIFF’s independent curatorial process for its artistic merit and contribution to contemporary Asian cinema,” the festival stated.
SGIFF emphasized that the filmmakers have described the project as a fictional narrative that blends historical events with invented characters, explicitly denying any intent to misrepresent facts or advance a political agenda. Citing data from the Korean Film Council, the festival noted the film’s commercial success in its home market, with approximately 2.5 million admissions and a 47% seat occupancy rate during the Chuseok holiday.
The PPP letter, addressed to SGIFF executive director Jeremy Chua and signed by floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik, expressed deep regret over the selection. The lawmakers argued that the film’s suggestion of a link between then-President Park Chung-hee and the assassination of his wife distorts history and contradicts public sentiment in South Korea. They cited a survey indicating that 58.2% of respondents viewed the film as a historical distortion, alongside objections from Park Ji-man, the president’s son, and various foundations.
While asserting respect for artistic freedom, the letter warned that showcasing the film at a prestigious opening gala could export the resulting damage to international audiences unfamiliar with modern Korean history.
The dispute has already disrupted the film’s domestic festival circuit. On Oct. 1, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) cancelled a career conversation with star Lee Min-ho, and distributor Hive Media Corp. withdrew the cast and crew from all BIFF appearances on safety grounds. Additionally, a conservative group announced plans to picket actor Yoo Hae-jin’s residence throughout the month.
Industry bodies have pushed back against the escalating tension. The Producers Guild of Korea (PGK) condemned the actions as threats against the entire production team, stating that exposing personal details and pressuring individuals goes far beyond legitimate criticism. The Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) also defended the filmmakers, arguing that cinema must remain a space for debate and that suppressing such freedom would hinder the creation of new stories.
Released in Korea on Sept. 23, “The Assassin(s)” follows a police inspector investigating the 1974 shooting of Yuk Young-soo at the National Theater. While the official inquiry blamed lone gunman Mun Se-gwang, the film’s ambiguous ending has drawn criticism from detractors who believe it implies involvement by Park Chung-hee or his government. In a prior statement, producers maintained that no specific individual is identified as responsible and that dramatic hypotheses are not presented as historical fact.
Former PPP Seoul city councilor Lee Jong-bae has requested a police investigation into Hur, Hive Media CEO Kim Won-kuk, and the screenwriters for defamation. Meanwhile, a attempt by PPP lawmakers to summon Hur for a parliamentary audit was blocked by the Democratic Party on grounds of creative freedom.
“The Assassin(s)” is set to open SGIFF on Oct. 21, with Hur and cast members Shim Eun-kyung and Park Sung-hoon expected to attend. The film previously world-premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, where it was the second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award.
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