Jo Woo-jin Reunites with Director Woo Min-ho for 'Harbin' After Nine Years
Actor Jo Woo-jin, known for his remarkable transformations for various roles, is set to return to the big screen in the film 'Harbin' (하얼빈). He reunites with director Woo Min-ho, with whom he previously collaborated on the acclaimed film 'Inside Men' (내부자들), promising to deliver a standout performance in what could be a defining role in his career.
'Harbin', directed by Woo Min-ho and produced by CJ ENM and Hive Media Corp, is set in 1909 and depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those chasing them. Jo Woo-jin joins the cast as Kim Sang-hyun, an independence fighter who serves as a Japanese interpreter for General Ahn Jung-geun's Korean army. He is expected to showcase a compelling chemistry with his fellow independence fighters, delivering a performance filled with authenticity.
Jo Woo-jin first gained significant attention in 2015 with his role in 'Inside Men', where his memorable line, "Cut her, cut her," captivated audiences. Since then, he has established himself as a vital figure in the Korean film industry, appearing in numerous films, dramas, and OTT platforms over the past decade. The anticipation surrounding the character assigned to him by director Woo Min-ho in 'Harbin' is palpable, especially considering their history of recognizing talent.
Reflecting on his preparation for the role, Jo Woo-jin shared, "Reading the script for 'Harbin' made my heart race. This project required not just ordinary determination but a profound commitment. I isolated myself to embody the essence of the independence fighters and to confront my own deficiencies during the process."
Director Woo Min-ho commented on the casting, stating, "I believed that a good person, someone with a kind heart and noble intentions, should be part of 'Harbin'. In that sense, Jo Woo-jin was a perfect fit." The character stills released showcase Kim Sang-hyun's strength and charisma, hinting at a powerful performance.
'Harbin' marks another collaboration between director Woo Min-ho and Hive Media Corp, who have worked together on all of his films since 'Inside Men'. The expertise of the production team, known for their work on films like 'The Drug King' (다만 악에서 구하소서) and 'Seoul's Spring' (서울의 봄), adds to the excitement surrounding this project. 'Harbin' is highly anticipated as one of the top films to watch this winter, set to hit theaters on December 25, 2024.