Actor Yoo Hae-jin put under police protection amid threats over film controversy
Police said Tuesday they have placed actor Yoo Hae-jin under protection following escalating threats over a film he starred in that has drawn intense backlash over alleged historical distortion. Seoul Seongbuk Police Station has provided Yoo with a smartwatch and registered him on the emergency 112 system, while stepping up patrol around his residence, officials said. The measures, however, do…
South Korean authorities have placed actor Yoo Hae-jin under police protection due to mounting threats surrounding a film he starred in, which has sparked significant backlash for alleged historical inaccuracies. The Seoul Seongbuk Police Station has equipped Yoo with a smartwatch and registered him on the emergency 112 system, while increasing patrols around his residence.
However, the protective measures do not entail assigning a dedicated officer to the actor. Police officials noted that protective actions can be implemented if there are indications of potential harm. Yoo has encountered criticism from conservative factions for his portrayal in "The Assassin(s)," a film that depicts the 1974 assassination of the first lady, Yuk Young-su, who was married to the late former President Park Chung-hee.
Conservative groups vehemently condemn the movie for suggesting Park's potential involvement in her death, rather than the actual assassin, Moon Se-kwang, who was held responsible for the shooting. Conservative civic groups have held protests outside Yoo's home in northern Seoul, demanding the film be removed from theaters and calling for his safety.
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