Yoo Hae-jin's Agency Vows Firm Response to Threats and Defamation Amid "Assassin(s)" Controversy

Agency: "Collecting Evidence of Illegal Acts... Will Take Action"


Conservative Groups Hold Rally in Front of Yoo's Residence

The controversy surrounding the film "Assassin(s)," which has faced criticism for historical distortion, has escalated to include a boycott of products endorsed by the cast, as well as protests in front of actors' homes. In response, the agency representing actor Yoo Hae-jin has announced stern countermeasures.

On October 5, VAST Entertainment, the agency of Yoo Hae-jin, released an official statement through its social media channels, saying, "We have confirmed that disparaging remarks and false information about our actor Yoo Hae-jin are being indiscriminately circulated and spread through online communities and social media." The agency also stated, "We take very seriously not only the creation and dissemination of false information, but also malicious personal attacks and insults, as well as any acts that infringe upon the actor’s privacy, threaten their personal safety, or damage their reputation." They added, "We are continuously collecting related posts and materials, and we will take all possible measures to protect the rights and safety of our actor from illegal activities."

Actor Yoo Haejin is giving a greeting at the premiere and press conference for the movie 'Assassin(s)' held on the 8th of last month at Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

This statement comes amid a wave of attacks directed at the cast due to the ongoing historical distortion controversy surrounding "Assassin(s)."

On October 4, members of conservative organizations held a rally in front of Yoo Hae-jin's residence in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, demanding the suspension of the film's screening and an apology from the production team and cast members.

On this day, Shin Jayu Alliance and Bellado held a rally in front of a single-family house in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, known as Yoo Hae-jin's residence, to condemn both the producers and actors of "Assassin(s)." Shin Jayu Alliance demanded the suspension of the film's screening and insisted that the production team and actors issue a public apology and pledge to prevent a recurrence. Bellado claimed that Yoo Hae-jin should also appear in films known as "right-wing films."

They have also announced plans to continue their activities by visiting the headquarters of companies such as Burger King and Kiwoom Securities, which have used Yoo Hae-jin as an advertising model, to demand contract cancellations. According to unofficial estimates by the police, about 50 people attended the rally.

Meanwhile, the Film Industry Solidarity Association also issued a statement expressing concern that dissatisfaction over "Assassin(s)" is being directed toward the actors. The group pointed out, "Debates surrounding the work are now extending beyond the content and interpretation of the film itself, affecting the daily lives and safety of individuals who participated in the project or expressed their opinions." They added, "If there are differences of opinion regarding the film's content or historical interpretation, those views can be shared through criticism, debate, and public discourse." However, they also stressed, "This process must not extend into private areas such as individuals' residences or personal information, nor should it impact their safety or livelihoods." They clarified that they were not taking a position on the evaluation or historical interpretation of "Assassin(s)," adding, "Judgment regarding the film ultimately belongs to the audience and society."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.