Lee Min-ho | Ditches Romance for Bullets: Inside His Gritty New Role in Political Thriller 'Assassins'

The plot is based on a real historical assassination attempt. Giving the film an intense foundation, the story is based on the real assassination attempt on South Korean President Park Chung-hee that occurred on August 15, 1974. This grounding in a real historical event promises a thriller grounded in chilling historical fact, demanding a level of gravitas we've yet to see from the star.

He’s not an action hero, but a reporter pursuing the truth In Assassins, Lee Min-ho plays a "passionate rookie reporter in the social affairs department." His character witnesses the shocking incident firsthand, which propels his character into a dangerous search for the truth to uncover the mastermind behind the event. This isn't a role about saving the day with fists, but about a relentless pursuit of facts, signaling a pivot toward more complex, character-driven storytelling.

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Lee Min Ho | Explores a New Genre: Becoming the Passionate Reporter in Assassins December 05, 2025

Global superstar Lee Min-ho is known for captivating audiences in sweeping romances and fantasy dramas. But get ready to see him like never before, as his upcoming film, Assassins, marks a stark, career-defining turn—a gritty pivot into historical non-fiction that has the industry watching his every move.

Lee Min-ho is starring in the upcoming political thriller Assassins. This marks a significant departure from his previous work, as it's a genre he has not explored before. The role is set to showcase a "new side of his acting," promising a performance that will challenge audience expectations. By stepping into the tense world of a political thriller, Lee Min-ho is not just changing genres—he's actively challenging the 'Hallyu Heartthrob' image that defined the first phase of his career. It's a bold choice rooted in the shocking reality of a historical event.

Assassins is shaping up to be a pivotal project for Lee Min-ho, allowing him to flex his dramatic muscles in a serious, fact-based thriller alongside some of the industry's most respected names. This isn't just a new role; it's a statement—a deliberate move from a global icon to a serious dramatic actor. What could this intense, truth-seeking role mean for the future of one of the world's biggest stars?

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