A powerhouse cast of Korean cinema veterans has officially commenced filming on the highly anticipated political thriller, “Assassins,” which delves into a pivotal and dramatic moment in modern South Korean history. The film, produced by Hive Media Corp., confirmed that it has secured the star power of Lee Min-ho, Yoo Hae-jin, and Park Hae-il for the project, which began shooting in August and is slated for a 2026 release.
The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hur Jin-ho, and its narrative centers on the tumultuous events surrounding an attempted assassination of former Korean president Park Chung-hee in the early 1970s.
A Trio of Stars in a High-Stakes Plot
The casting unites three of South Korea’s most recognizable and critically respected actors, each taking on key roles that intersect during the crisis:
Lee Min-ho will take on the role of a journalist who becomes an eyewitness to the attempted assassination. This marks a compelling dramatic turn for the actor, best known globally for his romantic and action roles in major K-drama hits such as “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Heirs,” “City Hunter,” “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” “The King: The Eternal Monarch,” and the internationally acclaimed series, “Pachinko.” His upcoming role in “When the Stars Gossip” also remains highly anticipated.
Yoo Hae-jin is cast as a police inspector. Hae-jin brings a vast and diverse filmography to the project, having recently starred in the blockbuster “Exhuma,” as well as “Space Sweepers,” and the popular “Confidential Assignment” film series. He is also familiar with the production house, having appeared in the previous Hive Media Corp. production, “Yadang: The Snitch.”
Park Hae-il will portray a news editor responsible for overseeing the incident’s intense media coverage. Hae-il is a stalwart of Korean cinema, celebrated for his collaborations with auteur directors, including his starring roles in Park Chan-wook’s “Decision to Leave” and two of Bong Joon-ho’s most significant films, “Memories of Murder” and “The Host.” His participation also signifies a reunion with director Hur Jin-ho, following their previous collaboration on the historical drama “The Last Princess,” which co-starred Son Ye-jin.
Hive Media Corp.’s Legacy of Political Thrillers
The production studio behind “Assassins,” Hive Media Corp., is noted for its track record of delivering high-quality, politically charged thrillers often rooted in modern Korean history. The film fits neatly into their portfolio of critically successful political dramas, including:
“12.12: The Day,” which, like “Assassins,” circled around the 1970s political landscape.
“The Man Standing Next,” another drama set in the turbulent 1970s that also featured veteran actor Lee Byung-hun.
“Inside Men,” which also starred Lee Byung-hun.
The studio’s dedication to period-specific political narratives lends significant gravitas and expectation to the “Assassins” project.
Cinematic Vision: A Reunion of Technical Masters
Adding further assurance of the film’s high production value is the involvement of celebrated technical crew members. The project sees a reunion of the team responsible for some of Korea’s most visually striking recent films:
Cinematographer Lee Mo-gae
Lighting Director Lee Sung-hwan
This duo previously collaborated on the supernatural blockbuster “Exhuma,” the political drama “12.12: The Day,” and the disaster film “Emergency Declaration.” Their expertise promises a taut, atmospheric, and visually arresting depiction of the historical assassination attempt.
With production underway and a confirmed 2026 release target, “Assassins” is shaping up to be one of the most significant and talked-about political thrillers coming out of South Korea, blending a compelling historical backdrop with the drawing power of its all-star cast.
