Director Heo Jin-ho, known for films like "Christmas in August," "The Last Princess," and "Ordinary Family," has teamed up with top actors Yu Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho for the upcoming film "Assassins," set to hit theaters this Chuseok. The collaboration of these renowned talents has generated significant anticipation, especially given their previous success with the well-received film "Seoul's Spring."
On September 8, a press screening and conference for "Assassins" took place at the Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Director Heo Jin-ho, along with actors Yu Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho, engaged in an in-depth discussion about the film.
"Assassins" delves into the shocking assassination attempt on the First Lady of South Korea on August 15, 1974, exploring the mysteries and conspiracies surrounding the event. The film expands on this historical incident through cinematic imagination and has already gained recognition by being officially invited to the Gala section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.
The collaboration between Heo Jin-ho and Hive Media Corp, known for their impressive box office performances, has sparked considerable interest from the production stage. While some comparisons have been made to "Seoul's Spring" due to the historical context, Heo emphasized that the tone of the two films is distinct.
Heo stated, "'Assassins' is not a film that focuses on reaching a conclusion or revealing hidden truths. I wanted to express the emotions of the characters who lived through that time and reflect the era through episodes of freedom declarations that occurred during similar events."
The struggles of journalists pursuing the truth also play a crucial role in the film. Park Hae-il portrays Jae-hwan, a dedicated head of the social affairs department, while Lee Min-ho plays Young-il, an enthusiastic reporter, adding tension to the narrative.
Lee Min-ho shared his thoughts on portraying a journalist, saying, "I have felt that in our current era, sensational headlines often take precedence over the truth. With the rise of various media platforms, it has become challenging to distinguish between what is real and what is fake. Although I did not live in that time, I longed for the conviction of those who sought the truth, which I focused on in my performance."
Park Hae-il remarked, "I aimed to embody the universal professional calling and responsibilities of journalists, both in the film and in the present. While the times have changed, I believe the essence of the profession remains largely the same."
Heo explained the importance of featuring journalists prominently, stating, "To portray not just the events but also the atmosphere and circumstances of 1974, the characteristics of journalists uncovering the truth were essential. Their perspective allows us to question the significance of the events and the era."
The cast expressed their gratitude for the production team's efforts in authentically recreating a 1970s newsroom. Cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, lighting director Lee Seong-hwan, and art director Kim Byeong-han contributed to capturing the essence of that time.
Park Hae-il praised the detailed set design, saying, "The meticulous setup of the 1970s made me feel as if I was immersed in the newsroom. I visited the set early to familiarize myself with the space and practice typing to adapt. I am grateful to the art and lighting directors for creating such a magical environment."
Lee Min-ho added, "If my character is dynamic, then the head of the department (played by Park Hae-il) is more static. We had many discussions about movement and choreography from the rehearsal stage."
Reuniting with director Heo Jin-ho after ten years since "The Last Princess," Park Hae-il expressed a strong sense of responsibility for their second collaboration.
He said, "I was already familiar with the director's precise and restrained style. However, since this is our second project, I felt the need to present something new rather than repeating the previous work. I had many discussions with the director about the script to develop my character."
Lee Min-ho humorously noted Heo's gentle yet meticulous directing style, saying, "The director's approach is rooted in respect for the actors. He encourages us to maintain our unique essence while constantly challenging us, which I found to be a natural form of 'gaslighting.'"
Heo also revealed that the film features notable cameo appearances from prominent actors such as Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Woo-sung, Shim Eun-kyung, Um Tae-woong, Oh Dal-soo, Park Sung-hoon, Bae Sung-woo, and Park Jung-min, who leave a strong impression despite their brief roles.
Heo explained, "I did not initially plan for a cameo ensemble. I was cautious about casting well-known actors in minor roles, as it could create a sense of dissonance. However, I wanted significant roles, like the one played by Jung Woo-sung, to be portrayed by actors who could lend weight to the characters. Fortunately, everyone enjoyed reading the script and brought their authenticity to their performances, leading to positive feedback about the film."
Lee Min-ho praised his co-star Shim Eun-kyung, calling her a "acting genius" for her perfect performance. He noted, "Although she is quite shy, her delivery and every aspect of her role felt natural, making it easy to connect emotionally."
This Chuseok, "Assassins" will compete with other major films like "The Intern" and "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub," promising a fierce box office battle. The cast expressed their support for healthy competition among Korean films.
Yu Hae-jin said, "It’s great to see several Korean films released during Chuseok, and I sincerely hope 'Assassins' receives a lot of love."
Park Hae-il echoed this sentiment, stating, "I hope 'Assassins' is well-received alongside many other films this Chuseok."
Lee Min-ho added, "I was truly happy to watch a great film in theaters after a long time. I hope the audience will show their love for our film."
Meanwhile, "Assassins" is set to be released in theaters on September 23. The film is rated for audiences aged 12 and older and has a runtime of 130 minutes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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