The upcoming Korean film “Assassins” brings together three of South Korea’s most respected actors. Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, and Lee Min Ho star in this political thriller set against one of the country’s most shocking historical events. The movie follows their characters as they dig into the truth behind a real-life assassination attempt that changed the nation.
The Real Event That Shook South Korea
“Assassins” takes place in 1974, focusing on the August 15 shooting incident during the National Liberation Day ceremony. This was the day someone tried to kill President Park Chung-hee. The gunfire missed the president but tragically struck First Lady Yuk Young Soo, who later died from her wounds. The event sent shockwaves through the country and remains one of the most significant moments in modern South Korean history.
The film does not just show the event itself. It digs deeper into the mystery and hidden forces behind what happened that day. Director Hur Jin-ho, known for films like “A Normal Family” and “The Last Princess,” leads this project. He has experience with historical dramas and brings a careful eye to this sensitive story.
Three Men, Three Different Paths to the Truth
The movie follows three main characters, each approaching the investigation from their own angle.
Yoo Hae Jin plays Cheol Gu, a senior police inspector. His character is sharp and completely dedicated to his work. The posters describe him as “The one who tracks the truth”. He examines the crime scene and follows every lead, no matter where it takes him. His experience and intuition make him the backbone of the investigation.
Park Hae Il takes on the role of Jae Hwan, an editor at a newspaper’s social affairs department. His character faces intense pressure from powerful people who do not want the truth to come out. But he stays committed to reporting the facts to the public. The tagline for his character is “The one who seeks to reveal the truth”. Park Hae Il has worked with director Hur Jin-ho before on “The Last Princess,” so their collaboration brings added depth to the film.
Lee Min Ho plays Young Il, a rookie journalist. He works for the Dongseong Ilbo newspaper and gets assigned to cover the Liberation Day ceremony. While there, he witnesses the shooting up close, along with innocent victims. This experience pushes him to throw himself into uncovering what really happened. His character is described as “The one who digs into the truth”. Lee Min Ho’s portrayal shows a young reporter who will not back down from danger.
What the Teasers and Posters Reveal
The production team has released several materials that give audiences a look at what to expect.
The first teaser trailer opens with the National Liberation Day ceremony. Everything seems normal until a single gunshot breaks the silence. The scene quickly turns into chaos as people panic and run for safety. The trailer then shifts to show the three main characters starting their search for answers.
Character posters came out showing each actor in their role. Yoo Hae Jin appears with a serious expression, looking at the crime scene. Park Hae Il shows a sharp, determined gaze, reflecting his insight as a journalist. Lee Min Ho stands at a payphone, reporting the shooting to his newspaper after witnessing it firsthand.
New stills of Lee Min Ho in character also dropped recently. One image shows him with rolled-up sleeves and a thoughtful look on his face. Another shows him at a press conference, carefully examining clues. These pictures capture the energy of a young reporter chasing the story with everything he has.
Behind the Scenes and Production Details
Filming for “Assassins” began in August 2025 and wrapped up on August 14 of the same year. The screenplay comes from writers Kwon Ki Joon and Lee Ji Min, who worked on “The Man Standing Next” together. That film also dealt with political tension, so they have experience with this type of story.
The movie comes from Hive Media Corp, the production company behind major hits like “12.12: The Day,” “The Man Standing Next,” and “Inside Men”. These films have performed well at the box office and received praise from critics. The company’s track record adds to the expectations for “Assassins.”
Hur Jin-ho directs the film, marking his third invitation to the Toronto International Film Festival. “Assassins” received an invitation to the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. This recognition shows that the film has already caught attention on the international stage.
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Release Date and Where to Watch
“Assassins” is scheduled to release in September 2026 in South Korea. The timing lines up with the Chuseok holiday, which is Korea’s Thanksgiving celebration. This is a popular time for movie releases, as many people have time off and go to theaters with their families.
The film will debut in South Korean cinemas first. International release details have not been announced yet. Given the star power of the cast and the director’s reputation, the movie will likely reach audiences in other countries through streaming platforms or international distribution deals later.
Yoo Hae Jin recently appeared in the hit film “Exhuma”. Lee Min Ho is known worldwide for dramas like “The Legend of the Blue Sea” and “The King: Eternal Monarch”. His global fanbase will certainly follow this new project closely. Park Hae Il has starred in critically acclaimed films such as “Decision to Leave” and Bong Joon-ho’s “The Host”.
With this lineup, “Assassins” brings together talent that covers different generations and styles. Their combined experience should create something worth watching for anyone who enjoys political thrillers and mystery stories.
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