Yoo Hae-jin wins best actor at Buil Film Awards despite absence amid 'The Assassin' controversy

Actor Yoo Hae-jin won the best actor award at the Buil Film Awards for his role in "The King's Warden," even as he skipped the ceremony amid controversy surrounding another film, "The Assassin."

The 35th Buil Film Awards were held Wednesday at Signiel Busan in Jungdong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, where Yoo took home the best actor prize for "The King's Warden."

Yoo had originally planned to attend the ceremony in person but was absent due to the fallout from the controversy over "The Assassin" as well as a filming schedule conflict.

In his place, Lim Eun-jeong, chief executive of Ondaworks, the production company behind "The King's Warden," accepted the award on his behalf.

"Actor Yoo Hae-jin was unable to be here today due to his filming schedule," Lim said in her acceptance remarks. "I sincerely thank the Buil Film Awards jury. I am grateful to Director Jang Hang-jun, all the staff and cast, and distributor Showbox. Above all, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the audiences who loved the film. I will make sure this award is delivered to Yoo Hae-jin."

"The King's Warden," which opened in February, has drawn about 16.61 million admissions, making it the second-highest-grossing Korean film of all time, behind "Roaring Currents." Yoo plays Eom Heung-do, a royal official tasked with overseeing and serving King Danjong during his exile in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province.

Yoo also stars in "The Assassin," directed by Heo Jin-ho, which is currently in theaters. The film depicts the 1974 assassination of first lady Yuk Young-soo and has ignited fierce debate between conservative and progressive camps, with some accusing it of distorting history and others pushing back against that claim. Some conservative groups have staged protests outside Yoo's home, threatening his safety, and police have put protective measures in place.