Singapore Film Festival Keeps 'The Assassin(s)' Amid Korean Backlash

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has officially confirmed that it will keep Hur Jin-ho’s "The Assassin(s)" as its opening film for the upcoming event. This announcement follows closely on the heels of a concerted pushback from South Korea, where all 109 lawmakers of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) urged the festival to pull the movie from its lineup.

The controversy centers around the film's thematic elements and its portrayal of historical figures. The PPP letter, spearheaded by floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik and addressed to SGIFF executive director Jeremy Chua, expressed deep regret over the selection. The conservative lawmakers argued that the film leaves room to interpret the late President Park Chung-hee as linked to the killing of his wife. According to the PPP, this representation distorts history in a manner that deeply contradicts public sentiment in South Korea.

To support their stance, the lawmakers highlighted survey data indicating that a significant portion of the South Korean public views the film as a distortion of history rather than a mere exercise in creative freedom. Furthermore, the opposition was amplified by objections from prominent figures, including Park Ji-man. The political friction underscores the sensitive nature of historical interpretations within contemporary South Korean society, where cinematic depictions of political leaders often ignite fierce national debates.

Despite the substantial political pressure from a major parliamentary faction, the festival leadership chose to stand by its original programming decision. In a statement issued by SGIFF, the organization made no direct mention of the PPP's letter but addressed the underlying controversy surrounding the project. The festival clarified that the movie was chosen entirely through its independent curatorial process, driven by its artistic merit and significant contribution to contemporary Asian cinema.

Moreover, the festival pointed to statements made by the filmmakers themselves. The creators have repeatedly maintained that the movie is an imaginative narrative blending real events with fictionalized characters. They have denied harboring any intention to settle historical scores, misrepresent facts, or advance a specific political agenda. SGIFF confirmed that it intends to screen the film on these precise terms, respecting the creative autonomy of the production team.

The festival also highlighted the film's domestic commercial performance as evidence of its broad cultural footprint. Citing data from the Korean Film Council, organizers noted that "The Assassin(s)" has successfully drawn approximately 2.5 million admissions at home. It also achieved a strong seat occupancy rate of around 47% during the busy Chuseok holiday season, demonstrating that the film has resonated strongly with local audiences despite the ongoing political friction.

"The Assassin(s)" initially world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it earned critical recognition as the second runner-up for the event's prestigious international People’s Choice award. Following that successful global introduction, the film is scheduled to officially open the SGIFF on October 21. Director Hur Jin-ho is expected to attend the screening alongside key cast members Shim Eun-kyung and Park Sung-hoon, setting the stage for a high-profile international showcase despite the earlier calls for withdrawal.