(LEAD) Actor Yoo Hae-jin put under police protection amid threats over film controversy

Seoul police have placed actor Yoo Hae-jin under protection due to mounting threats over a film he starred in, which has provoked strong backlash for allegedly misrepresenting history. The Seoul Seongbuk Police Station has provided the actor with a smartwatch, registered him on the emergency 112 system, and increased patrols near his home.

However, no dedicated officer is assigned to Yoo's protection. The actor has faced criticism from conservative groups over his role in "The Assassin(s)," a film that portrays the 1974 assassination of first lady Yuk Young-su, suggesting President Park Chung-hee's involvement instead of the known assassin, Moon Se-kwang. This has led to protests outside Yoo's home in northern Seoul and at Burger King headquarters in central Seoul, demanding the movie be removed from theaters and an apology from the cast and crew.

Yoo recently appeared in advertisements for the franchise, but Burger King has ended its short-term contract with the actor, stating the decision has nothing to do with the film controversy. Seoul Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ko Beom-seok vowed stern action against any threats against Yoo, following Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young's request for enhanced safety measures for those involved in the film and stern measures against threats.

Earlier, a civic group called for local companies to cancel their advertising deals with Yoo, while another group protested outside Hive Media Corp., urging the production company to apologize to the public and Park's bereaved family over the film's content.