Press Conference for 'Harbin' Held in Seoul

On December 18, a press screening and conference for the action film 'Harbin' took place at CGV Yongsan in Seoul. The event featured lead actors Hyun Bin, Jo Woo-jin, and Jeon Yeo-been, along with director Woo Min-ho. The film, set in 1909, depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion surrounding the Harbin Incident, a pivotal moment in Korean history that occurred on October 26 of that year.

Director Woo Min-ho expressed his desire to capture the noble spirit of the characters, stating, "This is a well-known true story about people gathering in Harbin for a common purpose. I wanted to portray their journey and spirit in a sublime way, which is why we sought out locations that showcased the grandeur of nature. Filming was approached with a classic style, as we aimed to differentiate ourselves from the current trends in Korean cinema. I put a lot of heart into this project."

Hyun Bin, who plays the role of independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, shared his emotional connection to the film, saying, "Throughout the preparation and filming, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. It made me appreciate the lives we lead today, thanks to those who came before us. I am thankful to have worked alongside such dedicated staff and fellow actors."

Jo Woo-jin reflected on the challenges of his role, noting, "This was a very difficult project, and I felt a profound sense of camaraderie while filming. I am eager to see how audiences will respond to the film."

Jeon Yeo-been added, "I often thought about the contributions of many individuals that allowed me to be here today. This film made me question what it means to protect something greater than oneself, and it prompted me to reflect on sincerity and altruism."

The cast also included Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Dong-wook, and others, all of whom expressed their pride in being part of such a significant project. Park Hoon mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the visuals, while Yoo Jae-myung emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by independence activists.

Hyun Bin shared his initial hesitation to take on the role of Ahn Jung-geun due to the character's symbolic weight but ultimately felt honored to portray such a significant figure. He noted, "I realized that there are few actors who have the opportunity to play such an important character, and I accepted the role with gratitude."

Director Woo Min-ho also addressed the current political climate, stating, "I have been working on this film for three years. My previous works critiqued modern Korean history, but this time, I wanted to honor those who dedicated their lives for our country. I hope this film provides comfort and strength to viewers during these turbulent times."

The film 'Harbin' features a star-studded cast and is set to be released on December 24, 2024.