[Dispatch=Myeong-ju Lee] Police have begun implementing protective measures for actor You Hae-jin (56).

Seoul Seongbuk Police Station implemented safety measures for You Hae-jin on the 6th. A smartwatch (location tracking device) was issued and registered in the 112 system.

This was done after receiving a request for personal protection from his agency. You Hae-jin has faced threats to his safety following the historical distortion controversy surrounding the film "Assassin(s)".

He played the role of Park Chul-gu in "Assassin(s)". The character is a detective who was present at the scene during the shooting incident involving First Lady Yuk Young-soo, a character who becomes puzzled by various questions.

Criticism directed at the film extended to the actor personally. Politicians made disparaging remarks about You Hae-jin's appearance, and pressure to cancel advertisements ensued.

This eventually led to rallies in front of his residence. Conservative groups gathered in front of a house in Seongbuk-gu, known to be where You Hae-jin resides, and held a denunciation rally.

Seoul Police Commissioner Ko Beom-seok said at a press briefing the same day, "We will take stern measures in accordance with the law regarding harm and threats directed at the actor."

The film industry has continued to voice concerns. The Korean Film Coalition stated, "It is affecting personal safety beyond the interpretation of the work."

They added, "Criticism of the work and pressure on the individual must be distinguished," and "It should not affect (the actor's) safety and livelihood."

The Korean Film Directors Association also expressed concern, saying, "What we face now is not criticism and condemnation of the film, but an overstepping attack on an individual."

Meanwhile, Hive Media Corp., the production company behind "Assassin(s)", cancelled events related to the Busan International Film Festival, actor meet-and-greets, and other appearances in succession due to the fallout from this controversy.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>