Actor Yoo Hae-jin requests end to police protection

Actor Yoo Hae-jin has requested the termination of police protection following threats related to the controversy surrounding his film, ‘Assassins’. During a National Assembly audit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 15th, Commissioner Ko Bum-seok confirmed that the protection measures were lifted after Yoo’s side personally requested the cancellation.

The police had previously implemented security measures on the 6th, including providing a smart device for emergency reporting, registering his information in the 112 emergency system, and increasing patrols around his residence. These actions were taken due to protests held by conservative groups near his home and threatening remarks appearing online regarding the film’s historical interpretations.

During the audit, lawmaker Kang Myung-gu questioned whether there was a disparity in how police respond to celebrities compared to ordinary citizens, citing recent violent crimes involving private individuals. Commissioner Ko responded that the protection was not special treatment for an actor, but rather a measure implemented following a formal request from the actor’s agency after a review of the safety risks.