Why is a conservative civic group protesting Yoo Hae-jin over The Assassin(s)?

The group objects to what it sees as historical inaccuracies in the film, especially the claim that it maliciously implies Park Chung-hee was behind the 1974 assassination of Yuk Young-soo. That criticism has already triggered intense backlash from conservative groups and politicians.

When will the rallies outside Yoo Hae-jin’s home begin and how long will they last?

The New Freedom Solidarity plans to start the rallies on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. each day. The protests are scheduled to continue until the end of the month.

What has the production team said about the film The Assassin(s)?

The production team said the film was not meant to present a new historical conclusion or to deny or distort established facts. That response directly addresses the criticism over the movie’s portrayal of the 1974 killing of Yuk Young-soo.

Civic group to rally outside actor's home over film 'The Assassin(s)'

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Summary

A conservative civic group said Friday it will hold rallies outside actor Yoo Hae-jin’s home in northern Seoul starting Saturday over alleged historical inaccuracies in The Assassin(s). The group filed rally plans with police for daily protests at 4:30 p.m. until the end of the month. The film centers on the 1974 assassination of former first lady Yuk Young-soo and has faced backlash from conservatives and politicians. The production team said it was not intended to draw a new historical conclusion or distort established facts.

Key Facts

The New Freedom Solidarity said it submitted plans to police to stage rallies outside Yoo Hae-jin’s home in northern Seoul at 4:30 p.m. every day starting Saturday until the end of the month.
The film deals with the 1974 assassination of former first lady Yuk Young-soo, the wife of late former President Park Chung-hee.
Conservative groups and politicians argue that the film maliciously implies Park was behind the incident.
Kim Sang-jin, the leader of the civic group, said the group wants Yoo Hae-jin to appear in right-wing movies so there can be political balance.
The production team said the work was not intended to draw a new historical conclusion or deny or distort established facts.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 2, 2026 2:48 pm KST

Actor Yoo Hae-jin speaks during a press conference for the film 'The Assassin(s)' at COEX Megabox in Seoul, Sept. 8. Yonhap — Actor Yoo Hae-jin speaks during a press conference for the film "The Assassin(s)" at COEX Megabox in Seoul, Sept. 8. Yonhap

A conservative civic group said Friday it will hold rallies outside the home of actor Yoo Hae-jin to protest alleged historical inaccuracies in his film "The Assassin(s)."

The New Freedom Solidarity said it submitted plans to the police to stage rallies outside Yoo's home in northern Seoul at 4:30 p.m. every day starting Saturday until the end of the month.

The movie, which features Yoo in a leading role, deals with the 1974 assassination of former first lady Yuk Young-soo, the wife of late former President Park Chung-hee.

It has drawn intense backlash from conservative groups and politicians, who argue the film maliciously implies Park was behind the incident.

"We are asking the actor to also appear in right-wing movies so that there is a political balance," Kim Sang-jin, the leader of the civic group, told Yonhap News Agency. "There are many things we could raise suspicions about too, and we want him to appear in (films about them) too."

The film's production team has said the work was not intended to draw a new historical conclusion or deny or distort established facts.

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