Veteran director Hur Jin Ho is back with his next cinematic venture, Assassins, a suspense-driven historical thriller bringing to life one of South Korea’s most turbulent days — the attempted assassination of President Park Chung-hee on August 15, 1974.
Assassins has already generated buzz thanks to its powerhouse cast, featuring Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, and Lee Min Ho, and its gripping premise.
Produced by Hive Media Corp., the studio behind acclaimed films such as Yadang: The Snitch, 12.12: The Day, The Man Standing Next, and Inside Men, the project promises high production values and meticulous attention to historical detail, building anticipation for its 2026 release.
Yoo Hae Jin, one of Korea’s most versatile actors with multiple “10 million viewer” hits including “A Taxi Driver,” “Veteran,” and “The King and the Clown,” takes on the role of a police inspector who witnesses the assassination attempt firsthand. Known for his sharp intuition and unwavering determination, Yoo’s character is expected to anchor the investigation with intensity and depth, driving the film’s suspenseful narrative.
Park Hae Il, reuniting with Hur Jin-ho after The Last Princess, plays a newspaper editor who courageously investigates the unanswered questions surrounding the incident, risking both personal safety and professional pressure. Park, acclaimed for roles in Decision to Leave, Hansan: Rising Dragon, and The Fortress, brings a layered and compelling presence to the ensemble.
Adding youthful energy and global appeal, Lee Min Ho portrays an ambitious rookie reporter who witnesses the event firsthand. Having recently transformed his acting in the TV series Pachinko, Lee brings both star power and fresh intensity to the story, complementing the seasoned performances of his co-stars. Known worldwide for projects such as Omniscient Reader, The King: Eternal Monarch, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, his casting heightens the film’s international interest.
Behind the camera, Assassins boasts an equally impressive creative team. Hur Jin-ho, celebrated for his sensitive and layered storytelling across genres, is joined by cinematographer Lee Mo-gae and lighting director Lee Sung-hwan, whose collaborations include Exhuma, 12.12: The Day, and Emergency Declaration. Together, they aim to deliver a visually striking and historically immersive cinematic experience.
Currently in production, Assassins is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Korean thrillers, promising a seamless blend of historical realism, tense suspense, and powerhouse performances that will captivate audiences both domestically and internationally.
Leave a Reply