[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Actor Yoo Hae-jin’s agency stated that it “plans to take all possible measures” against online defamation, invasion of privacy, and threats to his personal safety. As the controversy over historical distortion surrounding the film *The Assassin(s)* escalated into protests outside the actor’s home and demands to cancel advertising contracts, the agency took action to protect his rights and safety.

In a statement released on the 5th, his agency, VAST Entertainment, said, “We have confirmed that defamatory remarks and false information regarding our actor Yoo Hae-jin are being indiscriminately disseminated and spread through online communities and social media (SNS) recently.”
The agency went on to emphasize, “We take a very serious view of any acts—including the creation and dissemination of false information, malicious personal attacks, and insults—as well as any actions that infringe upon an actor’s privacy, threaten their personal safety, or defame their reputation.”
The agency noted that it is continuously collecting relevant posts and materials, adding, “We plan to take all possible measures to protect our actor’s rights, interests, and safety from such illegal acts.” It stated its policy is to continue monitoring the situation and take necessary action on any issues that come to light. The agency did not disclose specific response measures or whether it would file a criminal complaint.
This statement comes as criticism of the film *Assassin(s)* has escalated into pressure directed at the actors personally. Yoo Hae-jin played a detective investigating the case in the film, which was released on the 23rd of last month. The film, inspired by the 1974 assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, explores the suspicions and hidden motives behind the incident but has been embroiled in controversy over historical distortion regarding certain plot elements and the ending.
On the 4th, conservative groups New Freedom Alliance and Bellado held a rally near Yoo Hae-jin’s home, demanding the suspension of the film’s screenings and an apology from the production team and cast. They also announced plans to campaign for the termination of contracts with companies for which Yoo Hae-jin serves as a brand ambassador. Previously, protest comments had flooded the video of a commercial featuring Yoo Hae-jin, leading to the comment section being disabled.
In the wake of the controversy, meet-and-greet events with audiences were also canceled. On the 2nd, the production company, Hive Media Corp., canceled the on-stage greetings scheduled for the 3rd through the 5th, citing the need to protect the actors and production staff. The decision was also made not to hold the opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival or the outdoor meet-and-greet scheduled for the 7th, out of consideration for the safety of the audience and attendees.
Film industry organizations, such as the Film Industry Solidarity, expressed concern that criticism of the film should not escalate into threats against the creators themselves. They argued that while scrutiny and criticism of films dealing with historical events are necessary, acts that infringe upon an actor’s privacy and safety are a separate issue.