Lee Min Ho stars in Hur Jin Ho’s political thriller Assassins. The 2026 film retells a real 1974 assassination attempt. Fans worldwide await his powerful new transformation.
Veteran director Hur Jin Ho is gearing up for one of the most ambitious Korean films of 2026, Assassins, a historical thriller that dramatizes the shocking attempted assassination of President Park Chung Hee on August 15, 1974. Blending political tension, real-life history, and cinematic depth, the film promises to deliver a gripping story set against one of the most turbulent moments in modern Korean history. Produced by Hive Media Corp., the powerhouse behind 12.12: The Day, The Man Standing Next, and Inside Men, the project has already generated significant buzz even before its release.
What makes Assassins particularly exciting is its powerhouse cast and creative team, combining top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera. The story unfolds through the eyes of characters deeply entangled in the aftermath of the attempted assassination, each representing different layers of truth, justice, and ambition. With its blend of historical realism and cinematic storytelling, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2026, offering not only entertainment but also a deeper reflection on one of the defining moments in Korean history.
Instagram @actorleeminho
Lee Min Ho’s New Acting Transformation and Rising Anticipation
At the heart of Assassins is an exceptional ensemble that brings the complex story to life. Yoo Hae Jin, one of Korea’s most beloved actors with four films surpassing 10 million viewers (Exhuma, A Taxi Driver, Veteran, The King and the Clown), portrays a police inspector who witnesses the incident firsthand. Known for his sharp intuition and deep emotional range, Yoo is expected to deliver a performance that anchors the film’s intense investigation narrative. Park Hae Il, reuniting with Hur Jin Ho after The Last Princess, plays a relentless newspaper editor determined to uncover the truth despite mounting danger. With acclaimed performances in Decision to Leave, Hansan: Rising Dragon, and The Fortress, Park brings nuance and gravitas to the story’s journalistic perspective.
Adding global star power and fresh energy to the cast is Lee Min Ho, whose recent critically praised role in Pachinko marked a turning point in his acting career. In Assassins, he steps into the role of a passionate rookie reporter who happens to witness the shocking event, a character that promises to showcase a deeper and more mature side of his acting. Known worldwide for his performances in Omniscient Reader, The King: Eternal Monarch, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, Lee’s participation has sparked enormous excitement. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, celebrating what they see as a bold new chapter in his career and anticipating a performance that reveals new layers of his artistry.
“It is not hard to see that everything #LeeMinHo touches turns into gold. His acting choices are always on point. Can’t wait for when it airs!”
“I’m always by your side, Minho Honey. You’ll do your very best in #Assassins. Please stay happy, healthy, and safe.”
Behind the camera, Assassins boasts an equally strong creative lineup. Director Hur Jin Ho, known for his delicate and emotionally resonant storytelling, is joined by cinematographer Lee Mo Gae and lighting director Lee Sung Hwan, both of whom worked together on Exhuma, 12.12: The Day, and Emergency Declaration. This experienced crew is expected to deliver a visually stunning and historically faithful depiction of the events, blending cinematic artistry with historical authenticity.
“I wish you all the best, and I’m sure this project will be a total success! Thank you for making us part of this story. MINOZ is proud!”
“How much love should I send that won’t overwhelm him? I just hope this project encourages many more ambitious ones.”
Currently in production, Assassins is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Korean films of 2026, combining the intensity of a political thriller with the emotional depth of a character-driven drama. By tackling a pivotal real-life event and pairing it with powerhouse performances, the film is poised to captivate audiences around the world and spark renewed interest in a defining chapter of Korean history.
Source: Hive Media Corp., Lee Min Ho Official Account on X, The Korea Times
Daebak! I’m so excited to see his transformation!!