Seoul: Park Hae-il, a renowned figure in the Korean film industry, recently revealed that curiosity was the driving force behind his decision to portray a veteran journalist in the upcoming mystery thriller "The Assassin(s)." The film, set against the backdrop of the 1974 assassination attempt on then-President Park Chung-hee, marks Park's first foray into a journalistic role despite his extensive career spanning over two decades.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Park shared insights into his motivation during a group media interview held in Seoul. He expressed intrigue at the prospect of taking on a character he had never embodied before, despite frequent interactions with reporters throughout his career. Additionally, the opportunity to work on director Hur Jin-ho's first film set in the politically tumultuous 1970s piqued Park's interest, especially as the event had not been previously depicted in Korean cinema despite numerous films exploring the 1980s political landscape.
Park explained that his preparation for the role involved minimal reliance on historical references. Instead, he focused on understanding the basic facts of the era while channeling his creativity to authentically portray the newsroom environment. His goal was to create a natural depiction that would immerse the audience seamlessly into the film's narrative.
Collaborating with director Hur Jin-ho for the second time, following their work on "The Last Princess" in 2016, Park praised Hur's passion for filmmaking and his ability to foster a supportive environment on set. He also acknowledged his co-stars Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Min-ho for their contributions, highlighting the dynamic performance of Yoo as a police detective and Lee's captivating portrayal of a rookie reporter.
As "The Assassin(s)" approaches its release date, Park expressed anticipation for audience reactions. He emphasized that the film aims to provoke thought rather than convey a definitive message, hoping viewers will leave the theater contemplating the questions it raises.