[Busan = E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) avoided answering questions regarding the controversy surrounding *The Assassin(s)* during its first press conference.

On the afternoon of the 6th, an official press conference for the opening film *Day and Night Belong to Each Other* was held at the Medium Theater of the Busan Cinema Center, where the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) kicked off, and the cast addressed the “Assassin(s)” controversy.

Director Kim Jong-kwan, along with actors Kim Min-ha, Joo Jong-hyuk, Han Sun-hwa, Jang Ryul, Shim Eun-kyung, Jeon So-young, and Kim Dong-hwi, attended the press conference that day. Toward the end of the event, a question was raised regarding the recent controversy surrounding *The Assassin(s)*. The questioner expressed curiosity about the BIFF’s stance on the *The Assassin(s)* controversy, noting that the festival holds an international standing as a representative of not only Korean cinema but also Asian cinema.

Jeong Ji-hye, a programmer for the Busan International Film Festival who was moderating the event, asked for understanding, stating, “You’ve asked questions about ‘Assassin(s)’ and Korean cinema in general, but since this is a press conference for the opening film, I’d like to focus on that film.”

She then sidestepped the question, adding, “Regarding *The Assassin(s)*, an official statement has already been issued, and that represents the festival’s position.”

Previously, the Busan International Film Festival had scheduled stage greetings featuring the lead actors of *The Assassin(s)*—Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho—as well as an “Actor’s House” event with Lee Min-ho; however, these were canceled due to recent controversy over allegations of historical distortion.

In response, the Busan International Film Festival announced, “At the request of the production company of *The Assassin(s)*, the scheduled attendance at the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival and the outdoor stage greeting have been canceled,” adding, “The Busan International Film Festival respects the production company’s decision, which was made with the safety of the audience and guests and the smooth running of the event in mind.”