'Assassin(s)' Second-Week Stage Greetings Abruptly Canceled... What About the Third Week?

[Financial News] Amid controversy over historical distortion, 'Assassin(s)' has abruptly canceled its stage greetings scheduled for October 3–5, during the second week after its release. Its attendance at the opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which opens on October 6, as well as an outdoor stage greeting, has also been canceled. The film festival's talk program 'Actors' House,' which Minho was scheduled to attend, has likewise been canceled.
Hive Media posted a notice in Korean and English on its official social media accounts announcing the cancellation and stated, "After careful consideration, we have decided not to proceed with the stage greetings scheduled for October 3–5."
It added, "This decision was made to ensure the safety of the cast, production staff, audiences and theater personnel," and continued, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who had planned to attend in anticipation of meeting the actors." The production company asked for the public's understanding regarding the schedule change.
However, stage greetings during the third week after the film's release appear likely to go ahead. According to the CJ CGV website on October 3, a stage greeting with Park Hae-il, Minho and director Hur Jin-ho is scheduled for October 9. Yoo Hae-jin is also expected to join on October 11 and 12.
Meanwhile, some observers have pointed out that the controversy reflects deep divisions in Korean society. A film industry official said, "Regardless of whether the film is right or wrong, it seems that the situation of people blaming and clashing with one another is growing more intense."

[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter