Hyun Bin Discusses His Role as Ahn Jung-geun in 'Harbin'

'Harbin' star Hyun Bin shared insights into his preparation for the role of the historical figure Ahn Jung-geun. On November 27, a production briefing for the film took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, featuring main cast members including Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Dong-wook, and director Woo Min-ho.

In 'Harbin', Hyun Bin portrays Ahn Jung-geun, a general in the Korean army who assassinated Ito Hirobumi. Park Jung-min plays the steadfast independence fighter Woo Deok-soon, while Jo Woo-jin takes on the role of Kim Sang-hyun, another independence fighter. Jeon Yeo-been portrays a scholar who fights alongside Ahn Jung-geun for the country’s liberation, and Park Hoon plays Japanese Army Lieutenant Colonel Mori Tatsuo, who tracks the independence fighters. Yoo Jae-myung plays Choi Jae-hyung, who supports the independence fighters with funding and shelter, and Lee Dong-wook portrays Lee Chang-seop, an independence fighter who has conflicts with Ahn Jung-geun.

'Harbin' made its global debut at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, receiving praise for its cinematography, storytelling, and performances, positioning it as a highly anticipated film with both artistic merit and commercial potential.

Hyun Bin expressed, "The director wanted to present a different side of Ahn Jung-geun from the beginning. I believe that Ahn Jung-geun, as a human being, experienced struggles, frustrations, and various emotions leading up to his significant actions. Despite these challenges, he persevered towards his goals, and I wanted to convey his beliefs and determination through my performance."

He further elaborated on his preparation, stating, "To find those aspects, I had to delve into the writings and existing literature of Ahn Jung-geun. I searched for as much material as possible, visiting memorial sites to see the remnants of his life. The 8 to 9 months of preparation and filming involved a continuous process of research, exploration, and imagination."

'Harbin' (directed by Woo Min-ho, distributed by CJ ENM, produced by Hive Media Corp) is set in 1909 and depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a singular purpose and those who are in pursuit of them. This collaboration between Hive Media Corp, known for 'The Spring of Seoul' and 'Deliver Us from Evil', and director Woo Min-ho, recognized for 'The Man Standing Next' and 'The Outlaws', is being highlighted as one of the most anticipated films of the winter season, scheduled for release on December 25.