On December 18, a press screening and conference for the film 'Harbin' took place at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. The event was attended by director Woo Min Ho and cast members Hyun Bin, Jo Woo Jin, Jeon Yeo Been, Yoo Jae Myung, and Lee Dong Wook.
'Harbin' is set in 1909 and tells the intense story of individuals headed to Harbin with a shared purpose and those in pursuit of them. Directed by Woo Min Ho, known for acclaimed works such as 'Inside Men' and 'The Man Standing Next', the film was produced by Hive Media Corp, the studio behind hits like Seoul’s Spring. The collaboration has created a film worthy of high expectations.
The film draws particular attention for Hyun Bin's transformation into An Jung Geun, a historical figure revered in Korean history. Portraying the Lieutenant General of the Korean Independence Army, Hyun Bin delivers a nuanced performance that captures both the solitude and determination of An Jung Geun, along with executing complex action sequences.
When asked about his decision to take on the role, Hyun Bin shared, "Initially, I declined the offer. An Jung Geun is such a significant and symbolic figure in our nation's history, and I doubted whether I could do justice to the role." However, he added, "Director Woo continued to approach me with the offer, and upon revisiting the script, I realized how rare and meaningful it was to portray such an extraordinary individual. It felt like an honor and an opportunity I couldn't pass up."
Director Woo explained his decision to cast Hyun Bin, saying, "Hyun Bin's eyes convey a sense of melancholy and fragility, but there's also strength in them. I saw An Jung Geun's inner conflict and resolve in Hyun Bin's gaze and expression, which made him the perfect choice for the role."
Woo also highlighted the film's relevance, referencing its international poster featuring the phrase "For a Better Tomorrow." He remarked, "This message feels incredibly meaningful in our current times. I hope Harbin inspires courage and hope in viewers."
The director shared his personal reflections on creating the film. "I started working on 'Harbin' three years ago. My previous works often critiqued villains, but this time, I wanted to honor those who dedicated themselves to our nation. Reading An Jung Geun’s autobiography, I was struck by how young he was—just 30 years old—when he made his sacrifices. It left me feeling both grateful and apologetic. I hope this film offers comfort and strength to audiences during these uncertain times, reminding them of the resilience and pride in our history."
The film's production emphasized authenticity and reverence for history. Woo explained, "As a true story about our independence fighters, I wanted to capture their journey and spirit in the most dignified way possible. We traveled to remote natural locations for classic cinematography. It wasn’t easy, especially given the current challenges facing Korean cinema, but we approached it with sincerity and heart."
'Harbin' is set to premiere on December 24, promising not only a cinematic experience but also a meaningful tribute to a pivotal moment in history.
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