Lee Min-ho Plays a 1970s Rookie Reporter in New Film 'The Assassin(s)'

Actor Lee Min-ho steps into a very different role in the new film "The Assassin(s)," directed by Heo Jin-ho. He plays a rookie reporter working on the social affairs desk at a newspaper in the 1970s.

"The Assassin(s)" opened in South Korean theaters on Sept. 23. The film centers on the shooting of the first lady during the August 15, 1974 Liberation Day ceremony, tracing the suspicions and hidden forces behind the incident. Lee plays Han Young-il, a new reporter at the fictional Dongsung Ilbo.

Han witnesses the shooting firsthand while covering the ceremony. After capturing the scene on camera and checking on those who were injured, he starts digging into the case based on what he saw with his own eyes.

As his reporting continues, Han notices gaps between the official account and what he saw at the scene. He is new to the job, but he keeps returning to the scene, checking details and pursuing answers on his own.

Lee leans into Han's easygoing personality and the drive of a young reporter. He asks blunt questions at the scene and speaks his mind without hesitation. In scenes with his senior reporter Jae-hwan, played by Park Hae-il, he moves between playful jabs and serious focus.

Because the film is set in 1974, Lee also changed his look for the part. His more physical portrayal of Han, who is constantly out in the field, shows a side of him that differs from his past roles. His expressions and attitude shift as the investigation deepens, reflecting the character's growth.

Lee has spent years working overseas and has built a large global fanbase along the way. In the "2026 Overseas Hallyu Survey" released in March by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, he ranked as the most preferred Korean actor among Hallyu fans worldwide for the 13th year in a row.

"The Assassin(s)" was invited to the Gala Presentations section at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, where it held its world premiere. All 4,256 seats across its festival screenings sold out, and the film was named runner-up for the International People's Choice Award. The official "In Conversation With…" session featuring Lee also sold out as soon as pre-sales opened.

Lee has been taking on different genres and characters with each recent project. He played the self-made businessman Hansu in "Pachinko," and a gynecologist turned space tourist named Gong Ryong in "When the Stars Gossip." He led action sequences as Yoo Joong-hyuk in the film "Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy," and now plays a 1970s cub reporter in "The Assassin(s)."

"The Assassin(s)" opened on Sept. 23 and is now playing in theaters.