The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has confirmed that the historical thriller The Assassin(s) will remain its opening film for the festival’s 37th edition, despite objections from conservative groups in South Korea. The film, directed by Hur Jin-ho, dramatizes the 1974 assassination attempt on former South Korean president Park Chung-hee, an event that resulted in the death of his wife, Yuk Young-soo.
SGIFF, in a statement on October 7, affirmed that the selection of The Assassin(s) followed an independent curatorial process prioritizing artistic merit and its contribution to contemporary Asian cinema. The festival acknowledged ongoing debates surrounding the film but emphasized its respect for the filmmakers’ creative vision. Organizers clarified that The Assassin(s) is presented as a dramatic retelling blending historical events with fictional elements rather than as a factual or political account.
The film has been criticized by conservative factions in South Korea for its portrayal of the assassination case. Official investigations concluded that gunman Mun Se-gwang acted under North Korean orders; however, the movie depicts fictional investigators exploring possible involvement of individuals within Park’s own government and intelligence services. This narrative has elicited discontent among critics who argue that it distorts historical facts and disrespects Yuk’s surviving family members, including Park Geun-hye, former president of South Korea and daughter of Park Chung-hee.
On October 6, South Korea’s People Power Party reportedly sent a letter to Jeremy Chua, SGIFF’s executive director, calling for the film’s removal as the festival’s opening feature. Additionally, social media campaigns through platforms like Threads have encouraged audiences to petition SGIFF, the Singapore embassy, and the Singapore Tourism Board’s Seoul office to withdraw the selection.
Despite the controversy, The Assassin(s) has garnered positive reception on the international film circuit. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where it was met with a full house and standing ovation, earning runner-up status for the International People’s Choice Award. The film also featured in the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival and the Paris Korean Film Festival, where it served as South Korea’s official Oscar qualifying submission. It was subsequently selected for screenings at both SGIFF and the Hawai’i International Film Festival.
Since its nationwide release in South Korea on September 23, The Assassin(s) has attracted approximately 2.5 million viewers, according to the Korea Film Council. The Singapore International Film Festival will be held from October 21 to November 1, with director Hur Jin-ho and cast members Park Sung-hoon and Shim Eun-kyung expected to attend the opening.