Jump to content

Hyun Bin 현빈 [Movies: “The Point Men”, “Confidential Assignment 2” | Upcoming: Movie “Harbin”]


Helena

Recommended Posts




‘Harbin’ Review: A Gorgeous Historical Thriller About Korea’s Fight For Independence

 

 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

VARIETY
 

 

Harbin
Courtesy of TIFF

 

A visually striking period drama from Woo Min-ho, “Harbin” follows Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin) as he plans the assassination of Japan’s Prime Minister in 1909, shortly after Korea’s annexation. The ploy involves numerous trains and several moving parts, resulting in a gripping last act that makes for a wonderful historical imagining. En route to this engaging climax, Woo also introduces a mystery element that keeps the wheels of the story turning, even when it may not have enough steam.

 

Woo’s eye-popping vistas stand out right from the start, during lonely shots of Ahn traversing an icy hellscape. Context is eventually added to this scene of wandering, just as it’s added to the lives of Ahn and his fellow freedom fighters. The events that led them to the movie’s central scheme, and those that cause mistrust between them, are depicted in stark and ugly detail, as messy wartime sequences see the characters bathed in blood and dirt. The violence in “Harbin” is up close and personal, making Ahn’s decision to spare a vicious Japanese major, Mori Tatsuo (Park Hoon), all the more controversial among his peers.

 

hyun bin harbin

Courtesy of TIFF

 

This merciful choice comes back to bite him in harrowing ways, and even leads to suspicion among his superiors, who want to snuff out turncoats within their ranks. However, as the burdened Ahn continues to lead the assassination plan with a handful of other rebels — played by a who’s who of Korean stars, including Park Jeong-min, Jo Woo-jin and Jeon Yeo-been — the possibility of there being a mole induces a gradual paranoia, as the freedom fighters move covertly between countries while seeking help from underground Russian and Chinese allies.

 

The plot is, for the most part, simple, despite the plan’s many components. The group usually needs someone or something — whether allies, shelter or weaponry — and they often make it from one place to the next, albeit with a few setbacks. These are usually courtesy of Mori, whose shame at having been spared has made him deeply obsessed with capturing Ahn, a man who is almost always the topic of conversation. However, despite this repetitive chronology, “Harbin” never feels mechanical in its unfurling, which comes down entirely to its knockout stylization.


IMG-2498.jpg

Courtesy of TIFF


Deep shadows and low gaslights create a mysterious atmosphere which, alongside the characters’ black trench coats and low-brimmed hats, turn this historical piece into a thrilling neo-noir. The frame is always engrossing, making it hard to look away as the characters wrestle with moral quandaries about why they might be pursuing their goals and the people and ethics they’re willing to discard along the way.

 

These ideas may not be particularly challenging (once a character’s principles are established, they’re usually set in stone), and the movie usually coasts on the broad sentiments of liberation and what people owe to fallen comrades. But at no point is “Harbin” an uninteresting watch. The actors’ calibrated melodrama contributes to its allure as a work of straightforward, patriotic sentiment, which is only enhanced by Woo’s equally fine-tuned action, the frequent peaks and valleys of which make for a rhythmic unfurling. The film never slows down, offering reliable entertainment throughout its runtime via an aesthetically debonair repackaging of historical events.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 

Korean Spy Thriller ‘Harbin’ Picked Up for North American Release, Following Toronto Gala Debut (EXCLUSIVE)

 

 

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

VARIETY
 

 

 

 

Harbin
CJ ENM

 

“Harbin,” the South Korean spy action thriller that debuted this week at the Toronto International Film Festival, has been picked up for North American release.
Well Go USA, a specialty distributor which has a long track record of handling commercial film titles from Asia, has licensed the rights for the U.S. and Cananda. It has confirmed to Variety that it will give the film a theatrical release, but did not confirm a schedule.

 

Directed by Woo Min-ho, who previously helmed 2015 hit “Inside Men” and “The Man Standing Next,” the film dramatizes pivotal events in the arduous struggle for Korean sovereignty.

 

In 1905, Japan forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty, stripping the nation of its diplomatic rights and reducing the entire Korean peninsula to a Japanese colony. By 1909, when “Harbin” begins, Korea’s small but tenacious Righteous Army militia is deep into a campaign of armed resistance against the Japanese. 

 

After emerging as the sole survivor of an especially bloody skirmish, Ahn Jung-geun (portrayed by Hyun Bin) heads an operation to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea and a key symbol of violent colonial oppression. The operation will require Ahn and his cohort to travel clandestinely into Russia, gathering resources and allies while concocting elaborate decoys.


Other cast include Park Jung-min, Jeon Yeo-been, Jo Woo-jin, Yoo Jae-myung, Park Hoon and Lee Dong-wook.

 

Despite the Toronto launchpad, the film’s Korean distributor CJ ENM has skipped a possible release in next week’s Korean Thanksgiving (Chuseok) holiday period and has confirmed that it will release the film in December instead.

 

“In ‘Harbin’ director Woo has woven an intricate historical epic that is so beautifully, poignantly brought to life by master cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo,” said Doris Pfardrescher, president and CEO at Well Go USA.

 

“‘Harbin’ is a tension-filled and visually stunning portrayal of an incredibly fraught and consequential period in human history, both for Korea and for the world,”

 

Plano, Texas-based Well Go USA has a rich Asian filmography. It recently committed to upcoming Philippines-set Scott Adkins film “Death March” and heartwarming Thai comedy-drama “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies.” Previously it has handled Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster,” Donnie Yen actioner “Raging Fire,” Lee Chang-dong’s “Burning” and Fan Bingbing-starring “I Am Not Madame Bovary.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


‘Harbin’: Toronto Review

 

 

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

SCREENDAILY

 

hyun bin harbin

SOURCE: CJ ENM

‘HARBIN’

 

Hyun Bin is a soldier embarking on a suicidal mission in early 20th century Korea in Woon Min-ho’s stylish period actioner.

 

Harbin

SOURCE: CJ ENM

‘HARBIN’


The refined pleasure of director Woo Min-ho’s gripping historical spy drama Harbin lies in its painstaking craft. Evocative lighting and detailed period recreation frame the year 1909, four years after the Eulsa Treaty turned the country into a colony of Japan. Lt General Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin) and the Independence Army are working to restore Korea’s statehood, which they hope to achieve by assassinating Japanese Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi. This seeming suicide mission is rendered more fraught by the presence of a mole in the group, and by the pursuit of the bloodthirsty Japanese Captain Mori Tatsuo (Park Hoon). 

 

Having previously directed investigative thrillers like Spies and Inside Men, Woo is comfortable combining efforts with co-writer Kim Kyoung-chan to conjure intrigue.

 

The presence of Hyun Bin, one of South Korea’s biggest stars who made his name in the popular period piece The Fatal Attraction and the fierce actioner Confidential Assignment, will give the film a ready-made audience. Harbin premiered in Toronto boasting strong star power, an intense narrative and tightly choreographed set pieces – all of which should help it garner some commercial interest.

 

Much of Harbin’s drama originates in the uncommon honor of Ahn. As the film opens, he is trudging his way over a frozen river before crashing into a meeting held by his Independence Army comrades. Tired and breathless, he must explain to them why he’s not a traitor. Forty days previously, Ahn led the Independence Army to a rousing victory over the Japanese troops but, rather than execute the POWs, he let Captain Mori and other Japanese soldiers go free. They regrouped and slaughtered Ahn’s remaining men, leaving Ahn as the lone survivor.

 

To redeem himself and save the movement, Ahn hatches a plan to smuggle himself and some comrades into Russia to assassinate Hirobumi. As they begin to form arms with a smuggler named Ms. Gong (Jeon Yeo-been), however, it becomes clear there is a mole in their midst.

 

While Hyun is excellent as the honorable yet naive Ahn, the actual character is fairly underdeveloped. He is psychologically distant, lacking any interiority. The same could be said of his compatriots, men like Kim Sang-hyun (Jo Woo-jin) and Woo Deok-soon (Park Jeong-min). Both are too basic to push the complex mechanisations required for a back-stabbing subplot to wholly take hold. Still, the actual plotting, tightly wound by screenwriters Kim and Woo, performs enough pleasing shifts to stoke the film’s tension. 

 

What Harbin lacks in memorable characters, it more than makes up for in its staging and craft. The action is beautifully composed, with set pieces that jump from woodland to desert and urban settings. The opening battle sequence in a snowy forest is vicious, slowed to poetic speed: faces are shoved in mud, heads are sawn off and men desperately wander in a daze for the next kill.

 

 Another thrilling set piece involves a brawl in a claustrophobic train carriage that has so much vigour, it’s often returned to throughout the film in flashback. DoP Hong Kyeong-pyo delicately switches aesthetics, alternating between brutal spectacle, shadow-soaked noir-stained interiors, and black and white flashbacks that intimate the no man’s land of loyalty in this war for independence. 
 

 

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 


TIFF Review: Hyun Bin in Harbin

 

 

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

LAINEY GOSSIP

 

gettyimages-2170876904.jpg

 

South Korean filmmaker Woo Min-ho has a knack for thrillers, having previously made the spy thriller The Man Standing Next, Inside Men, and The Spies, though that film takes a more comedic approach to the genre. His latest film is another spy thriller, Harbin, which fictionalizes the 1909 assassination of Itō Hirobumi by the Korean freedom fighter, Ahn Jung-geun.

 

Hyun Bin

 

Hyun Bin stars as Ahn, who is introduced on the heels of both winning and losing a recent conflict with Japanese forces occupying Korea. He won a battle, but after freeing prisoners of war out of a sense of honor, his regiment was slaughtered, and now his leadership and loyalty are being questioned by his compatriots.


Loyalty is key to Harbin, because Ahn suspects there is a Japanese mole in his ranks. Despite this, though, he decides the best way to demonstrate his loyalty to the Korean cause and his abilities as a soldier and leader are to assassinate Itō Hirobumi, the Japanese Prime Minister and first Resident General of Korea. Itō is travelling to Harbin, China to meet with Russian officials, and Ahn decides to assassinate Itō on the trip. The threat of a mole makes the mission especially fraught, though, and anything that can go wrong does, including the return of Ahn’s nemesis who decimated his regiment at the beginning of the film.

 

Harbin looks great, it’s handsomely directed by Woo and lensed by cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, with costumes by Katrina Liepa. Harsh but beautiful winter shots contrast with cramped train interiors, and the score, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, swells with importance on the soundtrack, underscoring this critical moment in Korean history. 

 

Everyone is fanatically dedicated to the cause of Korean independence; Ahn is heroic at all times; Ahn’s Japanese nemesis, Mori (Park Hoon), is comically evil. 

 

It's understandable to tell the story of a national hero with some degree of reverence, but the shallowness of Harbin hurts what is an otherwise entertaining spy thriller about searching for a mole while also trying to pull off a mission impossible-style assassination. Hyun is especially underserved by the script, having little chance to do anything than look stalwart as Ahn presses on with his mission. He does what he can with what he’s given, he just wasn’t given very much. Harbin feels of a piece with other nationalistic Korean films such as the similarly themed Assassination, which puts recounting important historical events above humanizing the people who committed these acts, which renders them inert as characters to audiences not already familiar with their history.

 

Overall, though, Harbin is mostly enjoyable. What it lacks in depth, it makes up in style, and while it is frustrating at times to watch good actors stranded by thin material, the twists and turns of Ahn’s journey provide plenty of drama. The action is also very well done, audiences unfamiliar with Korea’s history will probably take Harbin as an action movie, first and foremost. And it looks so good, with black and white flashbacks interspersed with Woo’s lush visuals in the “present” day of 1909. I wish the characters were better developed to match the effort of the craft in the film, but something tells me that isn’t really the point of Harbin. The point is for some of Korea’s best filmmakers to come together to tell the story of a national hero in a way that celebrates Korean pride, and in that, Harbin succeeds.

 

 

 

 


 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 'Harbin' brings out fans of Korean stars in Toronto

 

 

SEPTEMBER 09, 2024

REUTERS

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Director Woo Min-ho and cast members Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook pose on the red carpet before "Harbin" is screened as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) returns for its 49th edition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 8, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio

 

Spoiler


Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

 

  

TORONTO, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Scores of movie fans waited for hours outside the Toronto premier of "Harbin" on Sunday, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lee Dong-Wook and Hyun Bin, the Korean stars paired for the first time in this historical drama.

 

Their patience was rewarded with red carpet appearances by both actors, who are identified with the surge in popularity of Korean culture around the world.

 

"Harbin" is about the small but courageous resistance army which fought to free Korea from Japanese oppressive rule in the early 20th century. The struggle brings the freedom fighters to the city of Harbin in China's frozen northeast, where they carry out a plan to assassinate Japan's first prime minister.

 

"Harbin" is directed by Woo Min-ho, whose credits include "The Man Standing Next," South Korea’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Academy Awards.

 
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Hyun Bin attends the red carpet before "Harbin" is screened as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) returns for its 49th edition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 8, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio


Outside the Toronto screening, a 26-year-old fan named Angelah said she grew up watching K-dramas and being influenced by Korean films, K-pop, and Korean culture. For her, seeing the actors at TIFF made her realize how far-reaching these cultural influences have become.

 

"Seeing them both go from the screen to an in-person event here in Toronto is especially thrilling for me. Art truly is boundless, breaking barriers and creating ties between people, no matter where they’re from," she said.

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 


Hyun Bin, Lee Dong Wook Light Up TIFF Red Carpet For ‘Harbin’ Premiere

 

 

SEPTEMBER 09, 2024

DAILY JANG


Hyun Bin, Lee Dong Wook light up TIFF red carpet for ‘Harbin’ premiere

Hyun Bin, Lee Dong Wook light up TIFF red carpet for ‘Harbin’ premiere


Korean stars Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook are bringing their charm to the red carpet at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival!


The Hallyu sensations, who had their latest film Harbin premiered at the film festival on Sunday, September 8, seized the spotlight at the event, with the crowd cheering and waving for the stars.


While the Crash Landing On You actor was decked in an all-black ensemble with sleek hairstyle, the Guardian: The Lonely and Great God fame actor donned a white striped shirt that he topped with a black blazer and matched pants.

 

uiliu_7iJUZT8yxdy1cb4jpmA42n.webp
tttt_sLDegMGXvVWczwfUYJ1RXY.jpg


The actors were also spotted capturing selfies with the fans at the red carpet.


Harbin follows the story of Korean independence activists present in the early 1900s who jeopardize their lives for the sake of getting independence for Korea from the Japanese invasion. In Harbin, China, the freedom fighters set upon a daring attack.


Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Deadline, the Memories of the Alhambra actor opened up about taking the character of Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean freedom fighter, in the film and said, “It isn’t easy as an actor to accept the offer to play the role of Ahn Jung-geun, because Koreans have their own ideas and thoughts about him as a patriotic martyr.”


He continued to say that he was aware of the fact that playing this character “wouldn’t be an easy task” and that it took a lot of courage.


“But after discussing with the director, I thought about how there might not be a lot of opportunities to play a great hero of Korean history and that it may be really meaningful as an actor to take the role in new directions,” the Confidential Assignment actor added.

verybody present stood up to laud the Woo Min-ho directorial.

 

***
Harbin is a biographical period drama. It is based on the Korean Independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, who assisinated the first PM of Japan, Ito Hirobumi. Hyun-bin plays the lead role of Jung-geun in the drama set in 1909. Jung-geun led an attack on Japanese forces in Harbin, China (thus the title). Jung-geun had led the attack despite a concern that one of his associates could be a Japanese informant.

 

The movie commences in the early 1900s when Japan forced Korea to sign the Eulsa treaty. Owing to that, Korea becomes a Japanese colony. It is where the story takes off. Both Hyun-bin and Min-ho confessed that The Revenant played a major inspiration for the movie, at least in terms of filming it. About the film, Woo describes it as the story of a man who went through a lot of failures but overcame them and achieved the goals he had.

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Handsome Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook Take Over Toronto With "Harbin"

 

 

SEPTEMBER 09, 2024

HANCINEMA
 

photo1871922.jpg

 

Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival.

 

Actors Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook and director Woo Min-ho attended the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada on the 8th (local time) and introduced the movie "Harbin" (director 
Woo Min-ho, produced by Hive Media Corp.) to the world stage for the first time.

 


Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, who attended the "Harbin" World Premiere held at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto this afternoon, boasted world-class visuals and domina
ted the popularity of local fans.


photo1871928.jpg

 

The two also actively engaged in fan service, enjoying hot popularity by taking photos with fans in front of the venue.


Moreover, the fact that a film based on the Japanese colonial era, Korea was invited to the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world's four major film festivals, drew attention even before its release.

"Harbin", a movie with a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, is scheduled to be released in December 2024.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 

Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-Wook Grace TIFF 2024 Premiere Of Period Film ‘Harbin’

 

 

SEPTEMBER 09, 2024

INQUIRER NET PHILIPPINES
 

Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook grace TIFF 2024 premiere of period film ‘Harbin’

Lee Dong-wook and Hyun Bin appear onstage during the premiere of “Harbin” during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on Sept. 08, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario. Image: Cindy Ord/Getty Images/AFP

 


Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, accompanied by director Woo Min-ho and cast mates, graced the premiere of their new film “Harbin” at the 2024 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

 

Looking dashing in their black suits, the South Korean actors made their appearance on the TIFF 2024 red carpet and screening, which was held at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Sunday, Sept. 8 (Sept. 9 in the Philippines).

 

 

(From left) Cast and crew inclduing Kim Won-kuk, Hyun Bin, Woo Min-ho, Lee Dong-wook, and Anita Lee attend the premiere of "Harbin" during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on Sept. 08, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. Image: Jeremy Chan/Getty Images/AFP

(From left) Cast and crew including Kim Won-kuk, Hyun Bin, Woo Min-ho, Lee Dong-wook, and Anita Lee attend the premiere of “Harbin” during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on Sept. 08, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario. Image: Jeremy Chan/Getty Images/AFP

 

They were also joined by the film’s director Woo Min-ho, fellow castmates, and TIFF 2024 chief programming officer Anita Lee at the event.

 

Set in 1909, “Harbin” revolves around the cat-and-mouse game between Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin) and his accomplices, with one of them turning out to be a Japanese informant.


The film also shows Ahn leading a battle against Japanese forces in Harbin, China.

 

In a September 2024 interview with Variety, Woo revealed that it took three attempts before convincing Hyun to accept the lead role. The filmmaker, however, noted that he understood where the actor was coming from, as Ahn is a known figure in South Korea’s history.

 

“I knew that playing Ahn wouldn’t be an easy task and it took a lot of courage,” Hyun was quoted as saying. “But after discussing with the director, I thought about how there might not be a lot of opportunities to play a great hero of Korean history, and that it may be really meaningful as an actor to take the role in new directions.


Hyun is one of South Korea’s top actors, having starred in several hit K-dramas including “Crash Landing on You” (CLOY), “Secret Garden,” and “Memories of the Alhambra.” He also starred in box office hits in his home country including “Confidential Assignment” and “The Swindlers.” He is married to his CLOY co-star Son Yejin, with whom he has a son.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 

 

Premiere  ‘Harbin’ Takes TIFF by Storm as Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook Discuss Their Roles

 

 

SEPTEMBER 09, 2024

ZAPZEE


 

hyunbin tiff


The 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is buzzing with excitement after the world premiere of Harbin on September 8th. The film, officially invited to the Gala Presentation section, received an overwhelmingly positive response.
 

On the 9th, stars Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook joined a packed crowd for an “In Conversation With” event, followed by a lively Q&A session that left audiences wanting more.

 

Hyun Bin expressed his confidence in the film, stating, “‘Harbin’ is a movie you have to watch in theaters.” He opened up about the pressure of portraying the legendary independence activist Ahn Jung Geun but explained, “As an actor, the chance to play such a great figure doesn’t come often, so I accepted the role.” He added, “This isn’t just the story of Ahn Jung Geun; it’s the story of all the people and independence fighters who rooted themselves in this land,” building anticipation for the film.

 

Lee Dong Wook shared his motivation for joining the project, saying, “I wanted to be a part of this film, even if it was just in a small role because it tells the story of Ahn Jung Geun.” He also teased, “I prepared for the movie with the intention of showing a completely different side of myself,” sparking curiosity among fans.

 

Director Woo Min Ho emphasized the importance of telling this story, comparing it to how Western cinema frequently revisits Nazi-related themes. “Just as films about Nazi Germany continue to be made, we, too, need to address the Japanese occupation period. There’s a saying, ‘A nation that forgets its history has no future,’ and that’s something I kept in mind while shooting ‘Harbin.'”

 

Spoiler


hyunbin tiff

 


Reflecting on the challenging production process, Hyun Bin expressed his gratitude for his co-stars, saying, “Although they’re not here today, without my comrades Park Jung Min, Jo Woo Jin, Jeon Yeo Been, Park Hoon, and Yoo Jae Myung, I wouldn’t have made it through the tough shoot.” Lee Dong Wook echoed the sentiment, noting, “Working on ‘Harbin’ gave me more time to think about the sacrifices made by independence fighters for our country.”

 

The Q&A session, with a range of questions from the audience, ended with enthusiastic applause from the fans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Hyun Bin Shares His Appreciation For Having Son Ye-jin In His Life

 

 

SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

SBS STAR

 

IMG-7100.webp

 

Actor Hyun Bin smiled as he talked about his wife, actress Son Ye-jin, and shared how thankful he is to have her by his side. 

 

Recently, Hyun Bin attended the 49th Toronto International Film Festival for his movie "Harbin."

 

IMG-7102.webp

 

"Harbin" is a historical drama directed by Woo Min-ho, set in 1909, following the tense pursuit between those heading to Harbin, China, and those chasing them, with Hyun Bin starring as Ahn Jung-geun, the Korean independence activist who assassinated Japan's first Prime Minister, Itō Hirobumi, that year. 

 

The film had its world premiere in the Gala program of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024.

 

Before the screening, Hyun Bin, actor Lee Dong Wook, who plays Lee Chang-seop―a fictional Korean independence activist, appeared on the red carpet alongside director Woo Min-ho, where they greeted the audience.

 

IMG-7101.webp

 

Many fans from around the world gathered on the red carpet on this day, and the team of "Harbin" responded with smiles and poses for photos as they entered the venue.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 


 

 
 

Hyun Bin Gives Shoutout To Son Ye Jin During International Film Festival

 

 

He was asked about her role in his professional life. 💕
 
 
SEPTRMBER 10, 2024

KOREABOO

 

Hyun-Bin-SYJ.jpg

 

On September 9, KST, Hyun Bin‘s latest drama, Harbin, premiered for the first time at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.

 

download - 2024-09-11T060833.395

 

Spoiler

download - 2024-09-11T060919.186 (From L to R) Hyun Bin, director Woo Min Ho, and Lee Dong Wook | Daum

 

 


Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook, the two most prominent cast members, appeared on the red carpet with Woo Min Ho, the director, and talked to the press about the project. During one such red-carpet interview, Hyun Bin was asked if he received any help from his wife, Son Ye Jin, during the filming of this movie.

 

The actor responded with a bright smile on his face, saying that her understanding was enough help for him.
 

“Since she is also in the same profession as an actress, her understanding and support mean a lot to me, and I’m grateful just for that.” — Hyun Bin  

 

He affectionately gave her a shoutout, saying, “She supported me in every aspect.”
 

Meanwhile, Harbin is set to be released in theaters this December. It is a period spy drama set in 1909 where Hyun Bin portrays the character of Ahn Jung Geun, the Korean independence activist who assassinated the first Prime Minister of Japan, Itō Hirobumi.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Hyun Bin Gushes Over His Wife Son Ye Jin at TIFF: ‘I’m Grateful Just for Her Presence’

 

 

SEPTEMBER 09, 2024

 

ZAPZEE
 

 

IMG-7088.jpg

Credit: CJ ENM, Reuters

 

Hyun Bin expresses deep affection for his wife, Son Ye Jin.


Hyun Bin recently attended the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on the 8th alongside actor Lee Dong Wook. Both actors are featured in the upcoming film Harbin, which is set to be released in South Korea this December. The film has been officially selected for the festival’s Gala Presentation section.

 

During a red carpet interview, Hyun Bin was asked about the support his wife, Son Ye Jin, provided during the filming of Harbin.  He expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful just for her presence.” He praised her for supporting him in every way possible and noted that their shared profession allows them to sincerely understand and support each other.

 

 

 

 

 

Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin appeared together in the popular tvN drama Crash Landing on You, which aired from December 2019 to February 2020. While playing a romantic couple on the show, their on-screen chemistry developed into a real-life relationship. They married in 2022 and welcomed a son in November of the same year.

 

The couple, now a family of three, continues to enjoy a happy life together.
Son Ye Jin shared wedding photos with Hyun Bin in March to celebrate their “second anniversary,” featuring affectionate images. Fans have been sending their well-wishes and supportive messages for the couple’s continued happiness.

 

Meanwhile, Harbin is a historical drama film about the Harbin Incident involving Korean independence activist Ahn Jung Geun. Hyun Bin plays Ahn Jung Geun, the commander of the Korean Independence Army, while Lee Dong Wook portrays Lee Chang Seob, an independence fighter who experiences conflict with Ahn Jung Geun.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 

Promoting national prestige with face… Toronto Film Festival red carpet open run to see ‘K-visual’ Hyun Bin → Lee Dong-wook

 

 

2024.09.09

 

0001092154_001_20240910110610924.jpg?typ
Hyun Bin, the lead actor of the movie 'Harbin'. Photo | CJ ENM


[SPORTS SEOUL]

Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, the leading actors of 'K-visual', promoted national prestige with their faces. 

Global fans gathered from all over the world to see Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, the lead actors of the movie 'Harbin', which was invited to the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, and created a red carpet 'open run' scene from early in the morning. 

In response, Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, and director Woo Min-ho, the main characters of 'Harbin' not only smiled at the fans who had waited for a long time, but also greeted each and every fan and showed special love to them by giving autographs and taking selfies.

 

The world premiere held at the Roy Thomson Hall, the main theater of the film festival, was filled with 1,800 audience members, proving the film's popularity.


202409100904046710_3_20240910091013379.j


Hyun Bin, who plays Ahn Jung-geun, said, “I filmed every scene with all my heart because I wanted to convey my gratitude to the independence fighters who devoted themselves and sacrificed themselves for our country to the audience. I hope that even a little bit of that emotion is conveyed to you.” 

Lee Dong-wook, who plays Lee Chang-seop, also said, “I hope you think more deeply about the meaning contained in the movie.” 

Director Woo Min-ho said, “I tried to cinematically express a story based on a historical event. I paid particular attention to the visuals, sound, and music. I think that if you pay close attention to these parts, you will be able to fully enjoy the movie.”

 
0001092154_003_20240910110611014.jpg?typ
The main characters of the movie 'Harbin'. Photo | CJ ENM


Just like the confidence of the actors and director, there is a story that the audience's applause rang out at the climax of the movie. Overseas audiences responded on SNS, saying, "Korea ura! 'Harbin' is a masterpiece" (@shotbymjustine), "The actors' eyes alone convey the emotion" (@zenzenzenzse), "A work that drives home the historical period piece! Completed with beautiful visuals and amazing acting" (@heeyoungiiee). 

'Harbin', which finished its 'visual patriotism' in Toronto, is scheduled to be released domestically in December.

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 

 “The Red Carpet with the Loudest Shouts”… Toronto’s Hyeon Bin and Lee Dong Wook’s ‘Harbin’ [Comprehensive]

 

2024.09.09

 

0003378685_001_20240909155817113.jpg?typ
 

Spoiler

0003378685_003_20240909155817187.jpg?typ

Photo = Yonhap News Reuters
 

[EDAILY]
Actors Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook shined on the red carpet at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). 


Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook attended the world premiere of 'Harbin', an invited film at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival held on the 8th (local time), with director Woo Min-ho. The three greeted the audience on the red carpet before the screening held at Roy Thomson Hall that day.

0003378685_002_20240909155817151.jpg?typPhoto = Yonhap News Reuters

'Harbin' is a spy film that tells the story of independence activists and Ahn Jung-geun, who shot Ito Hirobumi at Harbin Station on October 26, 1909. 

Director Woo Min-ho, who has shone with insight by sharply illuminating an era in each of his works such as 'Inside Men' and 'Drug King', is presenting his new work four years after 'The Man Standing Next'. Hyun Bin plays Ahn Jung-geun, a lieutenant general in the Korean Righteous Army, and Lee Dong-wook makes a special appearance as Lee Chang-seop, an independence fighter who has conflicts with Ahn Jung-geun.
 
The Toronto International Film Festival is considered one of the world's top four international film festivals, along with the Cannes International Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, and the Venice International Film Festival. 'Harbin' was officially invited to the Gala Presentation section of this film festival. The Gala Presentation section of the Toronto Film Festival invites genre films with excellent commercial perfection, and last year, director Um Tae-hwa's 'Concrete Utopia', director Ryu Seung-wan's 'Smuggling', and director Heo Jin-ho's 'An Ordinary Family' were invited. It was an unusual case for a film set during the Japanese colonial period in Korea to be invited, and it quickly became a hot topic.

0003378685_005_20240909155817269.jpg?typ
Photo = Yonhap News 

On this day, the official SNS of the Toronto International Film Festival posted a photo from the red carpet scene of 'Harbin' and mentioned, "This was probably the loudest cheering of any red carpet so far," conveying the enthusiastic response from the locals. 

Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, and director Woo Min-ho, who finished their first screening, are scheduled to have a conversation with the audience at the 'In Conversation With' event at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on the 9th. The official  homepage of the Toronto International Film Festival previously introduced the 'Harbin' event, saying, "It is one of the most anticipated audience conversation schedules," and "We will talk about the careers of Korean superstars Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook and the film."  

Meanwhile, 'Harbin' will be released in Korea in December.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 


"The loudest cheers on the TIFF Red Carpet" Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook's appearances are exciting

 

2024.09.09

 

 

Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook attend ‘Harbin’ red carpet and screening. Cheers wherever they go…. Special fan service with autographs and selfies
 

 

0003378608_005_20240909103815388.jpg?typ

Hyun Bin attending the red carpet for the 49th Toronto International Film Festival's invited film 'Harbin' held on the morning of the 9th (Korean time). Photo source = Toronto International Film Festival SNS
Hyun Bin attending the red carpet for the 49th Toronto International Film Festival's invited film 'Harbin' held on the morning of the 9th (Korean time). Photo source = Toronto International Film Festival SNS

 

[MAX MOVIE]
The red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival was abuzz with a 'two-shot' of Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, two handsome actors representing South Korea.

Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook attended the world premiere screening of 'Harbin' (produced by Hive Media Corp) at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival held on the morning of the 9th (Korean time) with director Woo Min-ho

 

Photos and videos of the two attending the film festival have been released on social media, attracting attention. 

From the moment Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook got out of the ceremonial vehicle to walk the red carpet, they were met with enthusiastic cheers. In some videos, fans can be seen shouting “You’re cool” in broken Korean at the two. The two approached fans, kindly signed autographs, took pictures together, and leisurely enjoyed the red carpet.

The Toronto International Film Festival's SNS posted a photo of the two on the red carpet, along with the comment, "This was probably the loudest red carpet ever," hinting at the spotlight and cheers the two received locally.

On this day, 'Harbin' was first released. Immediately after the screening, the theater was filled with cheers and applause that were no less than the red carpet. Hyun Bin is said to have said, "I want to convey my gratitude to the independence activists who sacrificed themselves for our country and their sincerity to the audience."

'Harbin' is a film that depicts the story of those who head to Harbin, China in 1909 for a single purpose and those who follow them. It is a film that unfolds the achievements of independence activists and Ahn Jung-geun, who shot Ito Hirobumi, the mastermind behind the invasion of Joseon, at Harbin Station on October 26, 1909, as a spy drama.

'Harbin' overseas poster. Photo courtesy of CJ ENM

Overseas poster for the movie 'Harbin', which will be released in December. Photo courtesy of CJ ENM
 

Hyun Bin plays the role of Ahn Jung-geun, a lieutenant general in the Korean independence army, and Lee Dong-wook makes a special appearance as Lee Chang-seop, an independence fighter, and is listed in the cast. In addition to Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, the film also stars Park Jung-min, Jong-jin, Jeon Yeo-bin, Park Hoon, and Yoo Jae-myung. This is the new work of director Woo Min-ho, who directed “Inside Men” and “The Man Standing Next.”

On the following day, the 10th, Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook will attend 'In Conversation with', a talk event that is one of the main programs of the film festival, and will have various discussions with the audience about the film.

'Harbin' will be released this December.
 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Hyun Bin, smiles brightly at wife Son Ye-jin's question... "Support me in every way"

 

2024.09.10

 

 

 

Attending Toronto International Film Festival with the movie 'Harbin'.. 'Bright' in response to wife's question

 

0003264977_001_20240910224910032.jpg?typ

[STAR NEWS]
Actor Hyun Bin laughed while mentioning his wife Son Ye Jin's love. 


Hyun Bin recently attended the 49th Toronto International Film Festival with his film "Harbin." "Harbin" (directed by Woo Min Ho) is a spy drama set in 1909 about those heading to Harbin with a single goal and those chasing them, and is the next film by director Woo Min Ho, who also directed "The Man Standing Next" and "Inside Men." 

"Harbin" was first released worldwide on the 8th (local time) through the 49th Toronto International Film Festival. Before the official screening, Hyun Bin, who plays Ahn Jung Geun, and Lee Dong Wook, who plays Lee Chang Sub, appeared on the red carpet with director Woo Min Ho to meet the local audience. 

On this day, Hyun Bin mentioned his wife Son Ye Jin during an interview on the red carpet. When asked how his wife and actress Son Ye-jin helped him while filming the movie "Harbin," Hyun Bin smiled brightly and answered, "Because we have the same job and are both actors, she understands and accepts me, so I'm grateful for that in itself, and I think she supported me at every step."

0003264977_002_20240910224910078.jpg?typ

Many fans from all over the world gathered at the 'Harbin' red carpet that day, and the 'Harbin' main characters entered with smiles toward the fans who had waited for a long time. 

In the Q&A held after the official screening of the movie, Director Woo Min-ho said, "I made this with the hope that you would feel various emotions, and I was even more touched and overwhelmed by the sight of you completely immersed in the movie and watching it passionately," expressing his gratitude. The audience responded enthusiastically with an unusual standing ovation. 

'Harbin' is scheduled to be released in December after its world premiere at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Hyun Bin, affection towards ♥Son Ye Jin, Even in Toronto

 

2024.09.10

 

2024091301000924500128592_20240912063114

 

[SPORTS CHOSUN]
Actor Hyun Bin showed off his sweet affection for his wife Son Ye-jin on the red carpet. 


Hyun Bin, who is attending the 49th Toronto Film Festival with the film "Harbin," attended the red carpet event before the film's world premiere on the 8th (local time). 

During an interview on the red carpet that day, Hyun Bin mentioned Son Ye-jin. When asked, "Did you receive any help from your wife, actress Son Ye-jin, while filming 'Harbin,'" Hyun Bin smiled brightly and answered, "Because we have the same job and are also actors, it was great that she understood and accepted me. That in itself was appreciated, and she supported me at every point."

2024091301000924500128591_20240912063114

 

On this day, Hyun Bin attended with actors Lee Dong-wook and director Woo Min-ho and expressed his gratitude to the local audience with smiles, autographs, and selfies. Approximately 1,800 seats were filled at the world premiere of 'Harbin', and Hyun Bin said, "I filmed every scene with all my heart because I wanted to convey to the audience my gratitude toward the independence fighters who devoted themselves and sacrificed themselves for our country. I hope that you will be able to feel that emotion, even if just a little." 

Meanwhile, the film 'Harbin' is a spy drama that depicts the breathtaking pursuit and suspicion between those who head to Harbin in 1909 with a single purpose and those who pursue them. Director Woo Min-ho's next film, 'The Man Standing Next' and 'Inside Men', is receiving attention as a highly anticipated winter film. It is scheduled to be released in Korea in December after the Toronto International Film Festival.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 

Korean film that received a standing ovation at a film festival ahead of its release and is expected to be a box office hit

2024.09.10

 


 

Key Summary

Film 'Harbin', World Premiere at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.  ‘Harbin’ is scheduled to be released domestically in December 

 

Still cut from the movie 'Harbin'Still cut from the movie 'Harbin'

 

[WIKITREE]

 

[Provided/Distributed by: CJ ENM | Produced by: Hive Media Corp. | Director: Woo Min-ho | Cast: Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-bin, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, and Lee Dong-wook]


The 49th Toronto International Film Festival's Gala Presentations section official invitation film 'Harbin' has successfully completed its red carpet and world premiere.

A world premiere is an event where production companies, production staff, broadcasters, and reporters from around the world are invited to reveal films, music, and products for the first time.

 

'Harbin', which was invited to the Gala Presentation section of the Toronto Film Festival on the 8th (local time), was successfully screened with the attendance of the film's main actors Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, and director Woo Min-ho.

 

The film 'Harbin' is a spy drama that depicts the story of Ahn Jung-geun and other independence activists in 1909, and contains a story of urgent pursuit and suspicion based on historical events. It is the next film by director Woo Min-ho, who is well-known for 'The Man Standing Next' and 'Inside Men', and is garnering attention as a highly anticipated film for the winter theaters.

 

Poster for the movie 'Harbin' Poster for the movie 'Harbin'

 

In the film, Hyun Bin plays the role of Ahn Jung-geun, a lieutenant general in the Korean independence army, and Lee Dong-wook makes a special appearance as Lee Chang-seop, an independence fighter. In addition, Park Jung-min, Jong Jin, Jeon Yeo-bin, Park Hoon, and Yoo Jae-myung have been added to the cast of 'Harbin'.

 

Hyun Bin and Lee Dong Wook appeared on the red carpet before the screening and greeted and communicated with local audiences and fans. They heated up the atmosphere on site by taking pictures with fans and signing autographs right before the screening.

 

202409100938277275_img_1_202409100940160

The film 'Harbin' team attending the 49th Toronto International Film Festival / Courtesy of CJ ENM
 

In particular, Hyun Bin said, "I filmed every scene with sincerity, expressing my gratitude toward the independence activists," and added, "I hope that those feelings will be conveyed to the audience through the movie." Lee Dong-wook expressed his feelings, saying, "I hope that people think deeply about the meaning that the movie conveys."

 

The film was screened at the Roy Thomson Hall, the main theater of the Toronto Film Festival. The audience, which filled the approximately 1,800 seats, was fully immersed and focused throughout the screening, and expressed their emotions by applauding at the film's climax.

 

After the screening, Director Woo said, "I am touched that the film I made with the hope that it would make the audience feel various emotions was conveyed well to them."

 

Cameron Bailey, executive director of the Toronto Film Festival, said of the decision to invite Harbin as a world premiere, “It is a wonderfully written historical story.” Anita Lee, senior programmer, also praised the film, saying, “It is a film with a wonderful combination of cinematography, acting, and narrative.”

 

The audience gave a standing ovation during the Q&A session following the film screening, expressing their appreciation for the film's message and the actors' performances.

 

The exact release date of the movie 'Harbin' has not been announced, but Korean audiences' expectations are growing as it is scheduled to be released domestically in December.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


 

"A splendid historical thriller"... 'Harbin' aims for US release amid rave reviews


2024.09.17

 

 

"A wonderful historical imagination of the Korean independence struggle"
Recently released at the Toronto Film Festival, praised by local media
Signed a contract with a mid-sized American distributor and released in North America

 

Photo courtesy of CJ ENM

[MAX MOVIE]
A brilliant historical thriller about Korea’s struggle for independence!”

The movie 'Harbin' (produced by Hive Media Corp) starring Hyun Bin is targeting North American box office amidst acclaim overseas. The movie was invited to the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada on the 9th (Korean time) and was screened, receiving praise from American film media outlets. The film signed a contract with a local distributor in charge of distribution in North America, taking the first step toward a local release.

The movie 'Harbin' is the latest work by director Woo Min-ho, who directed 'Inside Men' and 'The Man Standing Next'. Director Woo, who has been holding a microscope to the absurdity of the era and reality surrounding power, depicts the story of Ahn Jung-geun, who shot Ito Hirobumi, the mastermind behind the invasion of Joseon, at Harbin Station in China on October 26, 1909. It is scheduled to be released in Korea in December.

American Variety praised "Harbin," which depicts "the process by which Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin) plans to assassinate the Japanese prime minister in 1909," calling it "a visually appealing film" and mentioning its "exciting final scene that allows for wonderful historical imagination."

The outlet added that the film “stands out from the very beginning with its lonely scenes of Dr. Ahn traversing an icy hellish landscape,” and that it has “a mysterious atmosphere that turns a historical piece into a thrilling neo-noir.” It continued, “It provides reliable enjoyment throughout the running time by aesthetically pleasingly depicting historical events.”

The film's acclaim has already been proven by the interest shown towards its lead actors Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Fans cheer for Hyun Bin (left) and Lee Dong-wook at the Toronto International Film Festival's 'In Conversation With' event on the 10th. Photo courtesy of CJ ENMFans cheer for Hyun Bin (left) and Lee Dong-wook at the Toronto International Film Festival's 'In Conversation With' event on the 10th. Photo courtesy of CJ ENM

Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, who visited the festival in person with director Woo Min-ho, met with the audience and told them stories about the film, receiving cheers.

Riding this momentum, 'Harbin' is aiming for a North American release.

CJ ENM, the investment and distribution company for 'Harbin', recently signed a distribution contract with Well Go USA, a mid-sized American distributor. The company has distributed films such as 'Burning' by director Lee Chang-dong, 'Parasite' by director Bong Joon-ho, 'Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds' by director Kim Yong-hwa, and 'The Alien+Humans' series by director Choi Dong-hoon. It is also in charge of 'Minari' by Korean-American director Lee Isaac Chung. 

Variety reported news of the local release, introducing the film as “a dramatization of a pivotal event in Korea’s arduous struggle for sovereignty after Japan forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty in 1905, stripping Korea of its diplomatic rights and turning the entire Korean Peninsula into a colony.” 

Doris Padrecher, CEO of Well Go USA, said in a statement that the film was being pushed for a North American release: “Director Woo Min-ho has woven a complex history into an epic, and cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo has brought it to life in a beautiful and heartbreaking way.” She added, “This is a tense and visually stunning depiction of an incredibly tumultuous and pivotal time in human history for Korea and the world.”

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 


Moving away from romance and into genre… Hyun Bin’s acting career as ‘An Jung-geun’ 

 

2024.09.12

 

 

Seeking change as an actor through 'Harbin'… Taking on the role of an ambitious person in the next work 'Made in Korea'

 

 

Hyun Bin's role as independence activist Ahn Jung-geun is drawing attention. Photo = Provided by CJ ENMHyun Bin's role as independence activist Ahn Jung-geun is drawing attention. Photo = Provided by CJ ENM

 

[SUNDAY NEWSPAPER]
“I thought it wouldn’t be easy for an actor to play a great figure.” 

Actor Hyun Bin will play Ahn Jung-geun, a fighter who symbolizes the history of the independence movement. In the movie “Harbin” (produced by Hive Media Corp), which will be released in December, he depicts the life of Ahn Jung-geun, who shot Ito Hirobumi at Harbin Station in China in 1909. Ahn Jung-geun is a historical figure who has been consistently portrayed in movies and dramas, along with King Sejong and Yi Sun-sin. As he is a respected real-life figure, Hyun Bin could not help but feel burdened before taking on the role. However, what made him decide was his desire for a “challenge.”  'Harbin' is still three months away from its release, but interest in the film is already growing. It was recently invited to the Gala Presentation section of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, drawing favorable reviews locally. Hyun Bin, who is also very popular in North America, and another main character, Lee Dong-wook, were always cheering at the red carpet and official screening of the film festival. The completeness of the film also garnered attention. Although the film is based on modern Korean history, it garnered attention from overseas film industry officials as it conveyed the struggles of people trying to reclaim their lost country and the message of reversal.

'Harbin' is still three months away from its release, but interest in the film is already growing. It was recently invited to the Gala Presentation section of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, drawing favorable reviews locally. Hyun Bin, who is also very popular in North America, and another main character, Lee Dong-wook, were always cheering at the red carpet and official screening of the film festival. The completeness of the film also garnered attention. Although the film is based on modern Korean history, it garnered attention from overseas film industry officials as it conveyed the struggles of people trying to reclaim their lost country and the message of reversal.

202409110802126710_4_20240911081618022.jHyun Bin's role as independence activist Ahn Jung-geun is drawing attention. Photo = Provided by CJ ENM

 

# Invited to an ovetseas film festival after 13 years


 

Hyun Bin decided to appear in 'Harbin' at the end of 2021. At the time, he had successfully completed the tvN drama 'Crash Landing on You' and was once again creating a Korean Wave in Japan. It was also the time when he had finished filming the film 'Negotiation' and was preparing for its release. At the time, Hyun Bin was very interested in appearing in a genre film with a sense of weight, moving away from romance or melodrama. In the midst of his attempts to change as an actor and expand his stage of activity, he met 'Harbin'. 

Of course, the role of Doctor Ahn Jung-geun was a big burden to Hyun Bin, but he focused on 'the opportunity as an actor'. When he visited the Toronto International Film Festival, Hyun Bin was asked by local film industry officials and audiences, 'Why did you take on the role of Doctor Ahn Jung-geun?' He answered, "It's not a story about Ahn Jung-geun alone, but a story about all the people who took root in this land, all the independence fighters." He emphasized that although it is a film about a specific person at a specific time, if you expand your perspective, it is a story that audiences from any country that experienced painful history can relate to.

'Harbin' was directed by Woo Min-ho, who directed 'Inside Men', 'Drug King', and 'The Man Standing Next'. The director focuses on realistic works that cross modern and contemporary history, such as the dark connections between conglomerates, politicians, and the media, the drug cartel of the 1960s, and the story of Kim Jae-gyu, who assassinated former President Park Chung-hee. This time, 'Harbin' is a spy drama that completes the journey of Ahn Jung-geun and the fighters heading to Harbin Station to assassinate Ito Hirobumi. 

Director Woo said, "Just as movies based on the Nazis are constantly coming out in the West, our country also needs to talk about the Japanese colonial period. There is a saying that a nation that forgets its history has no future, and I kept thinking about this while filming 'Harbin.'" 

Hyun Bin's portrayal of Ahn Jung-geun is a little different. Rather than the solemn figure of Ahn Jung-geun based on history, he is a leader who carries out an intelligence operation with independence fighters to punish the 'leader of the Japanese wolves' who trampled on the Korean Empire at the time. 'Harbin' attempts to differentiate itself by emphasizing the spy genre while dealing with historical facts and real people.

IMG-7186.jpgHyun Bin from the movie 'Harbin' received warm cheers in the red carpet and official screening of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival. Photo = Provided by CJ ENM

 

Hyun Bin's new challenge was also a hot topic at the Toronto International Film Festival. His hot popularity, which he has built up while starring in successful Korean dramas overseas, from 'Secret Garden' to 'Crash Landing on You', was confirmed at the site. The film festival expressed surprise through SNS, saying, "The hottest cheers erupted on the red carpet." The reaction became even hotter after the film was released. 

Thanks to this, Hyun Bin was able to cool off his conflict about overseas film festivals. Since being invited to the Berlin International Film Festival's competition section with 'I Love You, I Don't Love You' in 2011 with Im Soo-jung, he has not been able to have a relationship with an overseas film festival for 13 years. As if to blow away that regret, 'Harbin', which was officially screened twice in Toronto, sold out all of its shows. In response to the enthusiastic cheers, Hyun Bin expressed his affection, saying, "I couldn't have endured it without my comrades from 'Harbin', Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-bin, Park Hoon, and Yoo Jae-myung, who weren't with me at the film festival." 
 

# Wife Son Ye-jin, “Support in every way” during filming of ‘Harbin’

 

Hyun Bin married Son Ye-jin in early 2022 and had his first son that year. He started filming ‘Harbin’ around the same time. As it was his first work after getting married and becoming a father, he felt a great sense of responsibility, but his wife was by his side. When asked what kind of help he received from Son Ye-jin in an interview during the red carpet of the Toronto International Film Festival, Hyun Bin answered, “Because we have the same job and are the same actors, she understands and accepts me a lot.” He continued, “I’m grateful for that in itself, but she supported me in every way,” not hiding his affection. 

Hyun Bin’s challenges continue after ‘Harbin’. He has already confirmed his next work as the lead in director Woo Min-ho’s other work, ‘Made in Korea’. This work, which will be released as an original series on the OTT platform Disney+, is set in the turbulent 1970s and tells the story of Baek Ki-tae, who has ambitions for wealth and power, and prosecutor Jang Geon-yeong, who tries to stop him. 

Hyun Bin plays Baek Ki-tae, a character who expands his influence in the world of drugs, and works with Jung Woo-sung, who plays Jang Gun-young, a prosecutor who gives up everything to stop him. Above all, Hyun Bin's choice to reunite with director Woo Min-ho of 'Harbin' and challenge a new genre is drawing attention. Although the film has not been released yet, it is an action that shows trust and confidence in the work and the director.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..