Park Jung-min Captivates Audiences with His Role in 'Harbin'

Park Jung-min (37) continues to enchant audiences with his heartfelt performances, this time in the action film 'Harbin' (하얼빈), directed by Woo Min-ho. In a recent online interview on December 26, he shared his passion for the film and the motivations behind his character, Woo Deok-soon, a loyal comrade of independence leader Ahn Jung-geun (played by Hyun Bin).

Set in 1909, 'Harbin' depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those chasing them. The film not only explores the psychological drama surrounding Ahn Jung-geun but also delves into the genuine emotions, beliefs, and conflicts among his fellow independence fighters. Since its release on December 24, 'Harbin' has quickly surpassed one million viewers, marking the fastest entry into the million-viewer club for a winter film in history.

Park Jung-min's detailed portrayal of Woo Deok-soon, who prioritizes his country over himself, has garnered significant praise from audiences. As a character who has lost his homeland and family, Woo Deok-soon stands by Ahn Jung-geun, providing support during his struggles and maintaining unwavering faith as a comrade.

Currently filming the spy action movie 'Humint' (휴민트) in Latvia, Park expressed his excitement about 'Harbin's success, stating, "I’ve been receiving news about the film's box office performance from afar. Although I can’t feel it directly since I’m not in Korea, I heard many viewers watched it over the holidays. The film carries deep meaning, which seems to resonate with audiences. I hope it encourages viewers to reflect on the concepts of nation and citizenship. It would be wonderful if our film could spark positive thoughts among viewers."

Reflecting on his role, Park noted the challenges of portraying a historical figure with limited available resources. "There wasn’t much material on Woo Deok-soon, so I relied on my imagination to create the character. I searched for trial records and other documents but found little that could help me flesh out Woo Deok-soon. I also read the novel 'Harbin,' which left a lasting impression on me, influencing my portrayal. I viewed Woo Deok-soon as someone who supports Ahn Jung-geun in his endeavors, and I aimed to fulfill my role to the best of my ability."

Park also shared his thoughts on working with a star-studded cast, including Hyun Bin, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, and Park Hoon. "I was one of the younger actors in the team, so I often followed Hyun Bin around, asking him questions. I learned a lot from him, especially about the history of his character. I felt a bit guilty for relying on him so much, considering he was portraying a heroic figure. I hope to meet him again when I return to Korea to discuss our experiences."

He also spoke fondly of his collaboration with Jo Woo-jin, who plays Kim Sang-hyun, saying, "Working with Jo Woo-jin was memorable. He taught me a lot about the dedication required to portray a character authentically. There was a moment when he asked for my help with a scene that wasn’t working well, which is not something you often hear from a senior actor. I appreciated his sincerity and support."

Park Jung-min, known for his strong performances in previous works, including 'Dongju' (동주), expressed his desire to continue exploring complex characters. He humorously mentioned his upcoming break, stating, "I never intended to announce a hiatus, but it seems to have turned into one. I have new projects lined up for next year, so it might not feel like a long break for audiences."

'Harbin' features a talented cast, including Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, and Lee Dong-wook, and is directed by Woo Min-ho, known for his work on 'The Insider' (내부자들) and 'The Man Standing Next' (남산의 부장들).