[Dispatch=Taeyun Jung Reporter] "It is a story I have deliberated over for more than 10 years." (Director Huh Jin-ho)

On August 15, 1974, a single gunshot rang out at a Liberation Day commemoration ceremony, shocking the Republic of Korea.

The assassination case of the late First Lady Yuk Young-soo, which had remained amid suspicion and controversy for nearly half a century, is being brought to the screen.

Director Huh Jin-ho hesitated for a long time. Under the burden of dealing with a real incident and real figures, he chose to approach the truth of that day with a balanced perspective.

The production team of the film "Assassin(s)" (Director Huh Jin-ho) held a production briefing on the 10th at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, Minho, and Director Huh Jin-ho attended.

"Assassin(s)" reimagines the shooting incident involving a First Lady that shocked the Republic of Korea on August 15, 1974, through imagination. It tells a story that traces suspicions and those behind the incident.

Even before its release, it was invited to the Gala Presentation section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. Director Huh said, "There was much praise for the acting. It feels like receiving a gift before release."

Director Huh Jin-ho has previously provided in-depth portrayals of figures caught in the whirlwind of the times through films such as "Midnight Runners" and "The Handmaiden." This time too, he meticulously captures the atmosphere of the era.

This time, he persistently delves into how an incident starting with a single gunshot spreads into further questions amid conflicting testimonies, disappeared clues, and the silent mood of the times.

He follows the gaps hidden behind official announcements and circumstances that are not easily explained. Of course, since there are real figures involved, a balanced perspective was important.

Director Huh Jin-ho said, "It was not an easy story, as I have deliberated over it for more than 10 years. I gave much thought to how to approach it. Still, I wanted to tell this story."

He continued, "The mysterious aspects approached me cinematically," and said, "What I thought most important was trying to solve it with a balanced and objective perspective."

"While conducting research, I tried not to have preconceptions. Of course, since it is a film, it had to be dramatized. I adopted the format of a mystery thriller to make it fast-paced." (Director Huh Jin-ho)

The characters in the film are created characters synthesized from real figures of the time. Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Minho lead the narrative as the central figures.

Yoo Hae-jin plays the role of Chul-gu, an inspector from the Central Police Station. Chul-gu is a figure who diligently carries out assigned duties with steadfast loyalty. At the frontline of a dangerous investigation, he seeks to protect the safety and honor of his colleagues.

Yoo Hae-jin said, "Chul-gu is a police officer who witnessed the incident at the scene. He is a character who questions the incident with the police's instinctive senses and pursues leads on foot. It will show excitement."

What was his main focus during the performance? He explained, "It was the change of emotions. I prioritized the emotions when a colleague was wrongly accused, when he returned, and when approaching the truth."

Park Hae-il gave credit to Yoo Hae-jin, saying, "Senior completed the realism that would exist in the Joseon era or the 1970s. He accepted everything we did, and I learned a lot."

Park Hae-il plays Jae-hwan, the social affairs director of a newspaper. Jae-hwan does not yield to numerous censorship and pressure and uncovers the truth of the incident. He pieces together numerous questions into one large picture.

He returns to the screen after four years. Park Hae-il said, "I am so excited to present a work after four years," and added, "It has been 10 years since 'The Handmaiden' with the director. I am grateful that you found me as an actor again."

Regarding his character, he said, "It was not an easy role. The director asked me to play a character who pushes forward firmly and skillfully toward the truth. It was a heavy burden."

Director Huh Jin-ho said, "The character Jae-hwan in the film is someone who thinks logically. Actor Park Hae-il came to mind first," and continued, "He played the leader role of the newspaper company on set, and while filming he communicated so everyone could sync with him, and even on days without shooting, he came and rehearsed lines with me."

Yoo Hae-jin said, "We worked together on 'Moss' before. Back then, what I envied about Park Hae-il was his eyes. I could feel they had deepened this time. It was nice to see that energy emanating from his eyes after a long time."

Minho plays Young-il, a rookie reporter at the newspaper. Young-il was assigned to cover the Liberation Day commemoration ceremony. He witnesses the shocking incident and innocent victims closest to where it unfolds.

Minho said, "Young-il had a very dynamic, lively energy like fresh fish. He is a character who grew up in a very good environment, but yearns for something unfulfilled in one corner of his heart, and believes in the value of truth."

Huh Jin-ho said, "Young-il is a newspaper rookie, but he is the youngest son of a chaebol family. He is someone who rushes to the scene without hesitation. There were many physical scenes, and I was grateful that he worked hard without holding back."

For the youngest member Minho, the set was nothing but a happy place. He recalled, "It was good to work with two senior colleagues I respect in Korean film. I felt that dignity starting from character makes an actor good. For the first time, I was able to act with a sense of security."

"Assassin(s)" aims for the Chuseok box office. Yoo Hae-jin led the ten-million-viewer box office success with "The King's Men" during last Lunar New Year, and now captures the holiday theaters once more.

Yoo Hae-jin said, "It seems theaters have color these days, and I hope our film gives them more color. During that period, Korean films are coming out like never before. It will be an opportunity to choose among them."

Park Hae-il said, "Since this film is based on a real incident, as an actor I was cautious and sensitive when approaching it," but added, "All the production team focused on making it an entertaining genre. Please watch with interest."

Minho added, "The films released during Chuseok each have different stories and genres they want to tell. I hope you watch all of them, and I hope our film is chosen first among them."

Finally, Director Huh Jin-ho said, "You will understand why '(s)' is attached to the title when you see the film," and expressed confidence that "with the attachment of '(s)', you will be able to feel curiosity and tension about this film together."

"Assassin(s)" will be released during Chuseok.

<Photo=Seunghoon Lee Reporter>