Director Woo Min-ho Discusses His Vision for 'Harbin' and the Legacy of Ahn Jung-geun

In a world saturated with high-stimulation short-form content, director Woo Min-ho (53) has steadfastly pursued authenticity in his latest film, 'Harbin' (하얼빈). He deliberately avoided the typical tropes of action stars and melodrama, focusing instead on the profound sorrow and solitude of Ahn Jung-geun, a symbol of the Korean independence movement. This film had to embody that essence, as true classics endure through time.

Woo Min-ho, known for his previous works like 'The Outlaws' (내부자들) and 'The Man Standing Next' (남산의 부장들), met with reporters on December 19 in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss the motivations behind 'Harbin' and the impressive ensemble cast featuring Hyun Bin (현빈), Park Jung-min (박정민), Jo Woo-jin (조우진), and Jeon Yeo-bin (전여빈).

Set in 1909, 'Harbin' depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a singular purpose and those chasing them. The film centers on Ahn Jung-geun, who is celebrated for his role in the independence movement, particularly the Harbin Incident that took place on October 26, 1909. This film is one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Woo Min-ho, often referred to as a master of the picaresque genre, has garnered attention for his sharp insights into power and desire. He has been praised for his ability to read the future through the lens of the past, and in 'Harbin', he focuses on the character of Ahn Jung-geun, portraying him as a man of goodwill, unlike previous depictions of the Harbin Incident.

The director shared, "I stumbled upon Ahn Jung-geun's autobiography. At the time of the Harbin Incident, he was only 30 years old. Before this event, he was seen as a defeated leader by his peers and faced criticism from some comrades. Life is filled with adversities, and there are moments when we want to give up. Ahn Jung-geun must have felt the same way, yet he still headed to Harbin. The Harbin Incident doesn’t feel like a distant story to me."

Initially, when approached by the production company, Woo was hesitant to take on the project, feeling unworthy to depict a national hero. However, after learning that no director had been secured, he decided to read the script and was surprised to find it framed as a pure entertainment film. He expressed a desire to create a more serious narrative, leading to a collaborative effort to shape 'Harbin' into its current form.

He noted, "I believe I made a bold choice. However, simply following the blockbuster formula does not guarantee success. This might be why Korean cinema is facing a crisis today. I enjoy blockbusters, but I felt this film should not be made in that genre. If we pour our sincerity into this film, the audience will recognize it. Although the action scenes were choreographed by a stunt director, I changed everything on set. During the filming of the Shin Asan battle scene in North Hamgyong Province, we experienced a rare heavy snowfall, which transformed our shooting conditions and added a unique element to the film."

'Harbin' diverges from previous films about Ahn Jung-geun by focusing on the grim realities of battle rather than explosive action. It portrays the chaos of unnamed independence fighters caught in a muddy battlefield, blurring the lines between friend and foe. The film avoids close-ups of the cast, instead visualizing their struggles through darkness and shadow, and it does not rely on rapid cuts to heighten tension. It delves deeply into Ahn Jung-geun's feelings of guilt towards his fallen comrades and the psychological turmoil of surviving heroes, steering clear of melodrama.

Woo emphasized, "'Harbin' is certainly not a typical modern film. In today's world, where short-form content is king, I wanted to reflect on the essence of cinema and create something classic. I was confident that audiences would feel this sincerity. I have always disliked melodrama and did not want to portray the independence fighters' emotions in that way. I aimed for a strong, noble representation instead. While melodrama isn't inherently bad, it often becomes trivialized in contemporary cinema, which I wanted to avoid. I asked the actors to perform in a tone that was visible but not necessarily audible."

Casting Hyun Bin as Ahn Jung-geun was a testament to Woo's determination. He sought to depict a different side of the hero, one that reflects the struggles and despair of a defeated leader on his journey to Harbin. Woo believed Hyun Bin possessed the right blend of softness and strength, which made him the ideal choice for the role. Despite Hyun Bin's initial reluctance, Woo was persistent, stating that if Hyun Bin had ultimately declined, he might not have made the film at all.

The film also features a notable performance by Japanese actor Lily Franky as Ito Hirobumi. Woo expressed his admiration for Franky, recalling how he was captivated by his performance in Hiroshi Koreeda's 'Shoplifters' (어느 가족). He initially thought Franky would decline the role but was pleasantly surprised when he accepted, appreciating the opportunity to portray such a significant character.

As 'Harbin' prepares for its release amidst the political turmoil following President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of a state of emergency, Woo reflected on the film's timing. He noted that the film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and that the narration in the film, which quotes Ahn Jung-geun, emphasizes the need for perseverance in the face of adversity. He added, "I wrote the narration during the New Year, inspired by a sudden urge to enhance it. Who could have predicted the current state of affairs?"

Woo concluded by expressing his hopes for the film, stating, "I told the cast that this film would be one that the nation could watch on Independence Day, regardless of its quality. I want it to be a film that does not bring shame to Ahn Jung-geun or the sacrifices of all independence fighters. I hope it serves as a source of strength and comfort for the public, a film they can revisit in difficult times."

'Harbin' features a stellar cast including Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-bin, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, and Lee Dong-wook, and is directed by Woo Min-ho, known for 'The Outlaws' and 'The Man Standing Next'. The film is set to be released on December 24.