TIFF 2026 Review: The Assassin(s)

A Gripping Korean Political Thriller That Keeps You Guessing

I’ll be honest, political films aren’t usually my go-to genre, and going into The Assassin(s), I wasn’t very familiar with the historical events surrounding the 1974 assassination attempt in South Korea. But I have to say, this film really surprised me.

Directed by Hur Jin-ho and starring Lee Min-ho, Park Hae-il, and Yoo Hai-jin, The Assassin(s) follows an investigation into the assassination attempt on South Korean leader Park Chung-hee, exploring the mystery surrounding what really happened and the journalists determined to uncover the truth.

What I really enjoyed about this film was how it kept me guessing. I genuinely felt like I was part of the investigation, trying to piece together the clues and figure out what actually happened. There was a constant sense of suspense and tension that made me curious about where the story was going next. I also really enjoyed seeing Lee Min-ho in a different kind of role. Having watched him in Korean dramas, it was refreshing to see him take on the character of a journalist caught up in such a serious political investigation. He’s a great actor, and I thought he delivered a strong performance alongside the rest of the cast.

While there were a few moments where the pacing felt a little slower, the story definitely picks up, and I found myself becoming more invested as the mystery unfolded. But what stood out to me most was the film’s exploration of journalism and freedom of speech. It really made me think about how important journalism is, especially during a time when speaking out against those in power could have serious consequences. Watching these journalists fight to uncover the truth was a reminder of how easily information can be controlled and why having the freedom to question authority matters. I also appreciated that the film introduced me to a part of Korean history I wasn’t very familiar with. By the end, I actually wanted to learn more about the real assassination attempt and what happened beyond the film’s fictionalized interpretation.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Assassin(s). Even if political thrillers aren’t usually your thing, I think there’s a lot to appreciate here. Between the suspense, strong performances, and the bigger conversation surrounding journalism and free speech, it’s a film that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

And for me, that’s what made it such a worthwhile watch at TIFF 2026.

Watch the trailer below for The Assassin(s)

The Assassin(s) had it’s world premier on September 16, 2026 at the Toronto International Film Festival