'Assassin(s)' Surpasses 3.3 Million Despite Historical Distortion Controversy, Passing Break-Even

[Financial News] The film 'Assassin(s)' passed its break-even point, surpassing 3.3 million admissions within a month of its release despite controversy over historical distortion.
According to Newsis and other outlets on the 23rd, 'Assassin(s)' had recorded 3,306,283 cumulative admissions as of 8 a.m. that day, according to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC)'s integrated box-office system. That figure is above the film's break-even point of approximately 3.3 million admissions.
Directed by Hur Jin-ho, 'Assassin(s)' tells the story of a journalist and a detective tracking down those behind the shooting of Yuk Young-soo, which took place on August 15, 1974. The film was released in South Korea on the 23rd of last month.
However, controversy over historical distortion arose soon after the film's release, with critics saying it portrayed former President Park Chung-hee in a way that could be taken to suggest he was behind the incident or that it was planned within the halls of power. Conservatives, including the People Power Party, claimed the film depicted the facts of the incident differently from the established historical record, potentially misleading audiences, and some groups called for screenings to be halted.
In a statement issued on the 28th of last month, the production team explained that the film was a work of cinematic imagination combining a real historical event with fictional characters and situations, and that it had no intention of drawing a particular historical conclusion or distorting facts.
The controversy also spread to overseas film festivals. After 'Assassin(s)' was screened at the opening ceremony of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), its second screening on the 22nd (local time) also sold out.
On the 6th, 109 lawmakers from the People Power Party sent the festival a letter asking it to withdraw the opening screening of 'Assassin(s)'. In a statement issued on the 7th, the festival said, "We are aware of the various discussions surrounding 'Assassin(s).' The film was selected through SGIFF's independent programming process based on its artistic achievements and contribution to contemporary Asian cinema."
The festival added, "The filmmakers have described the work as a product of cinematic imagination combining a historical event with fictional characters and situations. They have also made clear that it was not produced to draw a historical conclusion, distort facts, or serve any political purpose."
The controversy also raised concerns about threats to the cast's safety, and police took protective measures for lead actor Yoo Hae-jin.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter