Film 'Harbin' Emerges as the First Box Office Hit of 2025

The film '하얼빈' (Harbin), directed by Woo Min-ho and distributed by CJ ENM, has claimed the title of the first box office success of 2025. According to the Korean Film Council's ticket sales data released on January 12, the movie has achieved a remarkable pre-sale rate of 14.3%, the highest among currently released films in South Korea.

In terms of overall pre-sale rates, 'Harbin' ranks second, with a cumulative audience count of 4,062,055. Since its release on December 24, it has maintained its leading pre-sale position as it approaches its fourth week in theaters, indicating a strong start to the new year.

The film's popularity is attributed to its authenticity. Set in 1909, 'Harbin' depicts a tense chase and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those pursuing them.

Notably, the film is produced by Woo Min-ho, known for his socially resonant works such as 'Inside Men', 'Drug King', and 'The Man Standing Next', and it centers around the historical figure An Jung-geun's assassination attempt in Harbin. The casting of Hyun Bin as An Jung-geun has further heightened expectations.

Despite its star-studded cast, 'Harbin' delivers a poignant narrative with a subdued yet impactful tone. The film has been praised for its stunning cinematography, capturing the natural beauty of locations like Mongolia and Latvia, while effectively portraying the struggles of independence activists during the Japanese occupation. The breathtaking visuals and understated emotional depth amplify the film's resonance.

After surpassing 1 million viewers within just two days of its release, 'Harbin' has now attracted 4 million viewers as it heads into its fourth week. It ranks fifth among Korean films in terms of box office success for the previous year, following titles like 'The Drug King', 'Crime City 4', 'Veteran 2', and 'Pilot'. As the leading box office film of 2025, the ongoing authenticity of 'Harbin' will be closely watched.