India, Oct. 5 -- South Korean historical thriller The Assassin(s) has crossed 2 million moviegoers, but the film's box office success has come alongside a growing controversy. Directed by Hur Jin Ho, the film stars Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, Lee Min Ho and Jung Woo Sung and revisits one of the most politically sensitive incidents in modern Korean history. Its fictional take on the 1974 assassination attempt on then-President Park Chung Hee and shooting of first lady Yuk Young Soo has angered conservative groups, triggered legal action and led to online attacks against the cast.

The debate initially centred on the film's interpretation of history. But as the backlash grew, it moved beyond criticism of the movie. Protests were organised out...