Police Give Actor Yoo Hae-jin Protection Amid Film Backlash

Police have placed actor Yoo Hae-jin under personal protection after protests against the cast and production company of the film "The Assassin(s)" intensified over allegations that it distorts history.

Seoul's Seongbuk Police Station said on the 6th that it received a protection request from Yoo's agency and activated safety measures including the provision of a smartwatch, registration in the 112 emergency response system and increased patrols outside his home. No dedicated officers have been assigned to him, however.

The measures follow mounting concerns over his safety. Since the 4th, conservative groups including Shinjayuyeondae (New Freedom Solidarity) and the conservative group the conservative groups New Liberal Alliance (Shinjayu Yeondae) and Bellado have held rallies outside a detached house in Seongbuk District reported to be Yoo's residence, and threatening remarks have been posted online. The groups are demanding that the film be pulled from theaters and that the production team and cast issue a public apology.

The same groups also rallied on the afternoon of the 6th outside the Burger King headquarters in Seoul's Jongno District, where Yoo serves as an advertising model, chanting slogans such as "Boycott The Assassin(s)," "Yoo Hae-jin and Burger King are accomplices" and "Boycott Burger King."

Another conservative group, the Patriotic Alliance Shield Corps, held a rally at around 5 p.m. the same day outside the building of Hive Media Corp, the company that produced "The Assassin(s)," denouncing the producers and cast.

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Ko Beom-seok said at a regular press briefing that morning that rallies and similar gatherings would be "strictly managed in accordance with the law." He added, "Any harm or threats directed at the actor will of course be dealt with strictly under the law."