Action Film 'Harbin' Dominates Korean Box Office and Gains Global Attention
On January 8, 2025, the action film '하얼빈' (Harbin), directed by Woo Min-ho and produced by Hive Media Corp, held a press screening and media conference at CGV in Yongsan, Seoul. The film has maintained its position as the top-grossing movie in South Korea for 15 consecutive days, nearing 4 million admissions.
As of January 8, 'Harbin' has achieved the highest ticket reservation rate among all films, surpassing competitors such as '동화지만 청불입니다' (It's a Fairytale but Rated R) directed by Lee Jong-seok, '페라리' (Ferrari) by Michael Mann, and '보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅' (Bogotá: The Last Land of Opportunity) by Kim Sung-jae. Since claiming the top spot in ticket reservations on December 15, 2024, it has held this position for 25 days straight. Furthermore, since its release on December 24, it has not relinquished the number one spot at the box office, showcasing its impressive performance.
The film's success is not limited to South Korea; it has also made waves internationally, achieving global sales in 117 countries, including the United States, Japan, France, Taiwan, Australia, and Spain. 'Harbin' began its international rollout on December 25, 2024, with releases in the U.S. and Singapore, followed by an expanded release in the U.S. on January 3, and confirmed openings in Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan in the coming weeks. Other countries are expected to announce their release dates soon.
The significance of this achievement lies in the historical subject matter, which resonates with audiences across diverse cultures. A representative from CJ ENM's international distribution team noted that the anticipation surrounding Woo Min-ho's new project, along with the star power of actors like Hyun Bin, has attracted international buyers. The film has also been recognized at prestigious film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, enhancing its appeal.
'Harbin' has been described as a must-see film, delivering an unparalleled audiovisual experience that meets the expectations of viewers. The film intricately weaves the story of General Ahn Jung-geun and the Korean Independence Army, stirring emotions and garnering positive reviews. The narrative connects the historical figure of Ahn Jung-geun from 1909 to contemporary issues faced by the Korean public in 2025, raising curiosity about whether 'Harbin' will surpass 4 million admissions in its third week and reach 5 million.
Set in 1909, 'Harbin' depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those chasing them. The film features a star-studded cast, including Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, and Lee Dong-wook, with direction by Woo Min-ho, known for 'The Insider' and 'The Man Standing Next.'
