[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] The film “The Assassin(s),” which has been embroiled in controversy over historical distortion, has canceled its stage greetings for the second week of its release and its schedule to attend the Busan International Film Festival. The production company stated that the decision was made in consideration of the burden placed on the actors and production staff, as well as the safety of audiences and attendees.

On the 2nd, the production company, Hive Media Corp., announced via its official social media channels, “After carefully reviewing and discussing the various situations surrounding the film recently, we have decided, regrettably, not to proceed with the scheduled stage greetings from the 3rd to the 5th.”
The production company explained, “We respect the diverse opinions and interest shown toward the film,” but added, “We are concerned that the circumstances surrounding the film are placing an excessive burden on the cast and crew even outside of their professional roles.”
They added, “This decision was made after careful consideration, taking into account both the protection of those involved in the production and the potential impact on audience members visiting the venue and theater staff.”
The production company apologized to audiences for the sudden cancellation. “We are deeply sorry to have caused disappointment and inconvenience to the audience members who made time to book tickets and prepare for their visit while looking forward to this event,” the company stated, adding, “We will fulfill our responsibility in providing guidance to the audience and taking follow-up measures.”
Schedules related to the Busan International Film Festival were also canceled. HYBE Media Corp. announced in a separate notice that it was canceling attendance at the film festival’s opening ceremony and the outdoor stage greeting event scheduled for the 7th.
The production company explained, “We considered the safety of the audience and attendees in light of a series of recent circumstances surrounding the film,” adding, “We made this decision to ensure everyone’s safety and the smooth running of the event.”
Originally, Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, Lee Min-ho, and Director Hur Jin-ho were scheduled to attend the stage greeting during the film’s second week of release. Following earlier reports that Ryu Hye-young, Jang Ryul, and Choi Yu-ri would not be attending, the event itself was canceled, thereby preventing the lead actors and director from meeting the audience.
Released on the 23rd of last month, *The Assassin(s)* is a film inspired by the 1974 assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, depicting the story of detectives and journalists investigating the suspicions and forces behind the incident. Since its release, controversies over historical distortion have arisen, and the backlash has spread beyond the film itself, with critical comments flooding the actors’ personal social media accounts and promotional videos.
The production team had previously stated that the film is a fictional drama that adds cinematic imagination to historical records and was not produced with any specific political purpose or intent.