Yoo Jae-myung Shares Insights on Working with Hyun Bin in 'Harbin'

On January 6, actor Yoo Jae-myung shared his thoughts on collaborating with Hyun Bin in the film 'Harbin' during an interview held at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The movie, directed by Woo Min-ho and produced by HYBE Media Corp and CJ ENM, depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those chasing them in 1909. Yoo Jae-myung portrays the historical figure, independence activist Choi Jae-hyung, who supported the Harbin Incident in various ways.

Reflecting on his experience, Yoo expressed, "It was a pleasure to work alongside such talented individuals. Each actor has dedicated their lives to their craft, and I felt particularly supported by Jeon Yeo-bin, with whom I've collaborated on several projects." He emphasized his admiration for his colleagues, stating, "I want to sincerely acknowledge the hard work of my fellow actors."

Yoo also commented on the challenges faced by Hyun Bin, who reportedly struggled to the point of tears during filming. He noted, "Hyun Bin was always present and engaged, constantly questioning whether he was making the right choices. The weight of the role was significant, and only he could truly understand the pressure he was under. All I could do was support him as best as I could."

Regarding their emotional scenes together, Yoo mentioned, "I prepared extensively for those moments, aiming to pour everything into the performance. The director asked us to focus solely on what we could convey as actors, which was a challenging but rewarding task. Hyun Bin's character was not initially meant to be in a crouched position, but we discussed how to approach the scene on set. When the director finally exclaimed, 'Great!' I felt a sense of accomplishment."

Yoo also shared his thoughts on filming in Latvia, stating, "The buildings themselves felt like a movie set, embodying the history they had witnessed over the years. The production team spent a considerable amount of time scouting locations, and it was evident that Latvia provided the perfect backdrop for our film. This was my first visit to Latvia, and it was a remarkable experience."

'Harbin,' featuring performances by Hyun Bin and Yoo Jae-myung, premiered on December 24 and is currently captivating audiences.