Hyun Bin's 'Harbin' Aims to Deliver a Powerful Message

After a long wait, director Woo Min-ho returns with the film 'Harbin,' set to convey a profound message alongside a talented cast. The production held its press conference on November 27 at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, featuring actors Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Dong-wook, and director Woo Min-ho discussing the film.

Scheduled for release on December 25, 'Harbin' is a gripping tale set in 1909, depicting the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those chasing them. The film is helmed by Woo Min-ho, known for his works 'The Insider' and 'The Man Standing Next.'

'Harbin' has already garnered international acclaim after its screening at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, positioning it as one of the most anticipated films this winter. Director Woo shared, "After finishing 'The Man Standing Next,' I was so exhausted that I vowed never to shoot a period piece again. However, I coincidentally came across books about Ahn Jung-geun and the script from Hive Media Corp, which moved me. I sensed this would be the most challenging project I’ve directed so far, and I prepared myself accordingly."

The cast is committed to delivering authentic performances that transport audiences back to 1909. Hyun Bin, who portrays the independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, recalled his first meeting with the director, saying, "I vividly remember the first meeting when I received the project proposal. The director's passion for the film was palpable, and I thought, 'I can create something meaningful with this person.' While there was pressure and responsibility in playing a real historical figure, it was also an honor to portray such a significant character. The director's sincere energy on set only intensified, and I was positively influenced by it."

Reflecting on the filming experience, he recounted, "We traveled 16 hours by car from the airport in Mongolia to reach the lake, where the temperature was minus 40 degrees. It was physically challenging, but I found it rewarding to immerse myself in that situation. I thought to myself, 'I’m glad I came here.'"

Director Woo explained his choice of Hyun Bin for the role of Ahn Jung-geun, stating, "It must have been a heavy burden for him as an actor. As I mentioned earlier, I anticipated that this film would be incredibly challenging to shoot, so I wanted an actor with the stamina to endure that difficulty. I felt that Hyun Bin was Ahn Jung-geun, and I had faith that he would persevere through the hardships."

Park Jung-min takes on the role of the steadfast independence fighter Woo Deok-soon, who prioritizes his country over himself. He noted, "It was snowing heavily during filming, and today it’s snowing again, which feels like fate."

He elaborated on the challenges of portraying a real person, saying, "Playing a historical figure requires sensitivity and precision, which is difficult due to the limited available resources. I prepared by discussing extensively with the director and referencing a rare book documenting the trial of Jo Do-seon."

Jo Woo-jin plays Kim Sang-hyun, who, alongside Woo Deok-soon, dedicates himself to the cause of independence. Reuniting with director Woo after 'The Insider,' he expressed, "It’s an honor to be associated with the director’s persona. I sometimes skip the review stage when choosing a project, but this time I committed before even reading the script. When the director called to say he was preparing 'Harbin' and thought I could handle the challenging role of Kim Sang-hyun, I immediately agreed. However, after reading the script, I thought, 'Oh no, this is going to be tough.' Thankfully, the director provided detailed direction, which made the acting process rewarding."

Jeon Yeo-been portrays a dignified and strong-willed independence fighter based in Vladivostok. After five months of location shooting in Mongolia, she shared, "We filmed for a long time under challenging conditions, but I experienced a unique emotion in the desert. I felt a sense of solitude and reflection on the vast land, reminiscent of the endless sea horizon."

She added that the filming experience deepened her connection to the characters, stating, "If our first filming location had been in Seoul, would we have felt such a strong sense of camaraderie and solidarity? Traveling through these spaces made me think of the independence fighters who once traversed the plains of Manchuria. Compared to their struggles, what we faced was nothing."

Park Hoon plays the role of Japanese Army Lieutenant Colonel Mori Tatsuwo, who starkly contrasts the independence fighters. Yoo Jae-myung portrays Choi Jae-hyung, who supports the independence fighters financially and logistically, while Lee Dong-wook plays Lee Chang-seob, who experiences conflict with Ahn Jung-geun.

Finally, director Woo highlighted the unique aspects of 'Harbin' as a new style of independence film. He expressed, "I wanted to present a fresh perspective that goes beyond the heroic image of Ahn Jung-geun, focusing on the fears and camaraderie they felt. I aimed to capture the noble heart of a general against the backdrop of vast nature. I hope many people come to the theater to share in that experience."