Protests surrounding the film 'Assassins' have spread from the actor's home to the production company and now to the advertising client's headquarters.
On the morning of October 6, a protest was held in front of the G Tower in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The 4th and 5th floors of this building house BK, the domestic operator of Burger King, which previously used actor Yoo Hae-jin as a model. The protesters are demanding the film's screening be halted and apologies from the production team and actors.
Earlier, on October 4, protests took place in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home and the building of Hive Media Corp, the production company. Members of the New Liberal Alliance and Bella Do gathered outside the actor's residence in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, using loudspeakers. According to unofficial police estimates, about 50 people participated, prompting the deployment of two riot police units, dialogue police, and traffic police.
Protests in front of the actor's home are scheduled to continue until the end of this month. The New Liberal Alliance filed a report indicating that protests would occur from October 3 to 31, with 20 participants starting at 4:30 PM, utilizing two broadcasting vehicles and a makeshift stage. Kim Sang-jin, the representative of the New Liberal Alliance, posted a photo of this report on his social media on October 1, inadvertently revealing the address and street number of the actor's residence.
Kim has previously served time for charges related to threatening public figures by visiting their residences. He was indicted for visiting the homes of then-Seoul Central District Prosecutor Yoon Seok-yeol, the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, and then-JTBC President Son Seok-hee 14 times from 2019, receiving a one-year prison sentence in the first trial on April 1, 2024. He was released after completing his sentence in April 2025.
Yoo Hae-jin's agency, VAST Entertainment, stated on October 5 that it is taking the threats seriously and is gathering evidence to respond as necessary.
Burger King's contract with Yoo Hae-jin as a model ended on September 30. The company explained that it had used the actor for a short-term campaign aligned with the seasonal product launch, and all major advertisements have concluded. Burger King has disabled the comment feature on its advertisement videos. Kiwoom Securities also ended its campaign featuring Yoo Hae-jin but has maintained the one-year model contract established in April.
Seoul Police Chief Ko Beom-seok stated during a regular briefing on October 6 that any threats or harassment against the actor would be dealt with strictly according to the law. So far, no illegal activities related to the protests have been confirmed, and no requests for personal protection from Yoo Hae-jin have been received. However, if safety concerns arise, the police will enhance patrols and prepare for personal protection. The Jongno Police Station is investigating the complaints related to the film.
Earlier, Joo Jin-woo, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, referred to Yoo Hae-jin's appearance on social media, labeling him as 'North Korean-like,' which sparked subsequent calls for boycotts and protests. The production company has stated that the film is not intended to establish a new historical conclusion or to deny or distort existing facts.
'Assassins' is a film based on the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo during the 1974 Liberation Day ceremony. Released on September 23, it has surpassed 2 million viewers amid ongoing protests.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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