National Liberation Day in Korea – A shocking shooting incident in 1974 shook the nation, leaving a mark on its modern history. Now, decades later, one of the biggest Hallyu stars in Korea, Lee Min-ho, is stepping into the center and heart of this mystery in his newest film, ‘The Assassin(s)’ and brings audiences a side of his acting we’ve never seen before.
He is joined by veteran actors Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-il under the direction of the acclaimed Hur Jin-ho, known for his versatile storytelling in films such as Christmas in August and Spring Days. With filming in progress since August 2025 and a theatrical release planned for 2026, anticipation for the film has reached a fever pitch.
Lee Min-ho’s Acting Transformation
For fans of Lee Min-ho, 2025 has certainly been a year of both ups and downs, with projects like Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy and When the Stars Gossip receiving mixed reviews. Now, with ‘The Assassin(s),’ he says it’s time for him to redefine himself. In the film he steps into the world of a rookie social affairs reporter, who witnesses a shocking event on August 15, 1974, and investigates it.
In some ways, it is a major departure from the romantic leads and fantasy characters he has previously played. The raw nature of this role—investigation, emotional ambiguity, and conflict—affords him opportunities to exhibit depth, vulnerability and an analytical intellect. Fans will see him explore the gritty, curious and tremendously dramatic aspects of his character, which breaks out of the mold of relics of Hallyu charm that made him a breakout star worldwide.
As his agency explained, “Lee Min-ho plays a passionate rookie reporter in the social affairs department who witnesses a shocking incident. He is able to present even deeper, more delicate acting. Please send a lot of encouragement and love to Lee Min-ho, who will portray a different side of his charm and captivate the audience again.”
The Conspiracy Thriller Angle
The film ‘The Assassin(s)’ is particularly powerful due to its historical backdrop. It is based on the actual events of the National Liberation Day shooting on August 15, 1974, a dramatic sequence of events during South Korea’s historical era. On August 15, 1974, Moon Se-gwang, a second-generation ethnic Korean from Japan, fired a revolver at President Park Chung-hee at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Although the President survived, First Lady Yuk Young-soo was killed, and others suffered gunshot wounds. Moon was apprehended at the scene, and on December 20, 1974, was executed by hanging.
The film explores the unknowns and unseen nature of the event, exploring the complexities of one of Korea’s most notorious historical incidents. The audience gains a unique look through a rookie reporter, an experienced detective, and a newspaper editor, which is all filled with suspense and tension. Rather than accurately portray actual history, the film blends history with a thrilling drama, while elevating the ordinary tragedy to the level of a conspiracy thriller.
Co-stars and On-Screen Dynamics
The casting of Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-il alongside Lee Min-ho adds tremendous weight to the film.
- Yoo Hae-jin plays a detective sergeant from the Central Police Station, an experienced and instinctive character who is an integral part of the investigation. Yoo Hae-jin is known for his range and depth in performances from popular films, such as A Taxi Driver and Veteran, and is able to instill both authority and empathy within the film.
- Park Hae-il plays a newspaper editor from the social affairs department, who pursues the case even as pressure mounts and risk increases. His character should be engaging because of the tension with pursuing the investigation while also confronting an ethical dilemma.
The on-screen chemistry between Lee Min-ho, Yoo Hae-jin, and Park Hae-il is one of the key attractions. Their characters’ perspectives — rookie, seasoned detective, and analytical editor — intersect seamlessly, enhancing the suspense and narrative complexity of the thriller. Fans familiar with Park Hae-il’s work in Decision to Leave and Hansan: Rising Dragon or Yoo Hae-jin’s blockbuster hits will be eager to see how their dynamic unfolds with Lee Min-ho’s fresh energy.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The team responsible for ‘The Assassin(s)’ is just as impressive. Leading the project is director Hur Jin-ho, known for sensitive yet soft storytelling and plot relationships that surprise and engage audiences. He directed films like A Christmas in August and The Last Princess, and here with this thriller, he is exploring dark, politically-oriented territory about Korean Pro-Communist activist storylines.
The cinematographer is Lee Mo-gae and Lee Sung-hwan, both great collaborators on 12.12: The Day, The Grave, and Emergency Declaration. Their experience alone ensures that even each frame is a collaborative blend of historical accuracy and cinematic tension, with light and angles manipulated for suspense while immersing the viewer in 1974.
Filming began in August 2025, and we now know the film is still being made with lots of initial production reports indicating that every detail of props, set, and costumes has been carefully attended to. In fact, their goal is for viewers to feel transported to a historical period of significance in Korean history. The combination of a top-tier director, gifted cinematographer, and powerful cast, and it all combines for the potential of an especially beautiful and emotionally driven thriller saga.
Korean Film Industry Trend Angle
‘The Assassin(s)’ is part of a growing trend in Korean cinema: historical political thrillers. These films combine real-life events with dramatic storytelling, appealing to both domestic and international audiences.
Lee Min-ho’s participation is noteworthy. He is one of the most well-known Korean actors in the world, and his participation indicates a shift toward gravitating toward more serious and challenging roles for Hallyu stars. As more international audiences are increasingly becoming fans of Korean content through platforms like Netflix and Disney+, it is very likely that a film that combines an historical reality of Korea, suspense of a thriller, and well-known leadership vastly adds to the viewer interest when watching this film.
In addition, this projection expresses the worldwide expansion of Korean cinema and how stories based on Korea’s historical heritage and culture had not had exposure and recognition on the international stage. The influences of Lee Min-ho, Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il carry a weight that can help propel Korean historical thrillers to even greater visibility internationally.
Conclusion
With its amazing cast, captivating historic mystery, and Lee Min-ho’s career-affirming character, ‘The Assassin(s)’ is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most paraded films. The mix of suspense, history, and acting talent will surely attract Korean cinema fans as well as thriller audiences European-wide.
As the production progresses, fans can expect updates from behind-the-scenes, exclusive interviews, and maybe even a more personal delve into Lee Min-ho’s performing options. With every aspect — story, cinematography, acting — being tailored to perfection, ‘The Assassin(s)’ promises to not only entertain but provide a moment of reflection into an important time in history.
Stay tuned, cutiee! 2026 is going to be thrilling, and Lee Min-ho is ready to show us a whole new side of his talent.
