'The Assassin(s)' preview canceled; Busan Film Commission says decision not a judgment on film's content

The Busan Film Commission has canceled a free public preview of "The Assassin(s)" that had been scheduled for Monday, amid a controversy over alleged historical distortion.

The commission said Thursday on its official Instagram account that it had intended to hold the preview as planned but decided to cancel it after reviewing recent developments surrounding the film and a range of public opinions.

"We sincerely ask for your understanding for any confusion caused to those who had been looking forward to the preview as originally scheduled," the commission said.

It added that the decision "does not represent the Busan Film Commission's judgment on or support for the film's content or any particular position surrounding it," and again asked for understanding over the inconvenience caused by the cancellation.

The preview had been set for 3:50 p.m. Monday at CGV Centum City in Busan. "The Assassin(s)" received location support from the commission, which had planned to invite 80 Busan residents to mark the film's opening.

Directed by Heo Jin-ho, "The Assassin(s)" is a mystery thriller inspired by the shooting of first lady Yuk Young-soo at a Liberation Day ceremony on Aug. 15, 1974. The film stars Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho and opened Sept. 23.

Since its release, the film has drawn criticism for allegedly distorting history by drawing on unverified claims about actual modern historical events. Some political figures have also raised concerns that it could distort the circumstances of the shooting of Yuk. The Park Chung-hee Presidential Memorial Foundation called for the film to be pulled from theaters and demanded a formal apology from the production company.

In a statement Monday, the filmmakers said "The Assassin(s)" was not made to establish new historical conclusions or to deny or distort established facts, describing it as "a work reconstructed by adding cinematic imagination to records related to actual events." They also stressed that the film does not identify any specific individual as being behind the incident.

Director Heo has said his intention was not to uncover the truth or identify those responsible. The controversy, however, has spread to the film's cast.

Comments criticizing Yoo Hae-jin's appearance in the film flooded an advertisement featuring the lead actor, prompting the comments section to be disabled. Actors who posted recommendations for the film also faced a wave of criticism. In a recent interview, Heo said the actors "are having a very hard time."