A few months after making its worldwide premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), it has been announced the Korean historical thriller Harbin (2024) will be making its theatrical debut. Distributor and financier CJ ENM has revealed it’ll begin showing in theaters on Christmas Day.
Starring Hyun Bin, Harbin follows his character and real-life activist, An Jung-geun, as he fights for Korea’s independence from the occupying Japanese forces in 1909. While a dedicated Resistance member, An initially refuses to execute prisoners, but seeks to redeem himself when one, Tatsuo Mori, tracks the group down following his release and slaughters most of them.
Taking place in Russian-occupied Manchuria and based on true events, it depicts An’s assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Itō Hirobumi. Leading a team to Harbin, where Itō will meet Russian Finance Minister Vladimir Kokovtsov, the young Resistance fighter is willing to risk his life to ensure Korea’s freedom from the Japanese.
Harbin, first announced in 2021, is directed by Woo Min-ho, and along with Hyun stars Jeon Yeo-been, Park Jeong-min and Jo Woo-jin. Filming took place in Latvia, in early 2023.
Speaking with the media, Hyun discussed what it was like portraying An, saying, “I read the script several times, each with a different perspective. I found myself wondering what kind of determination drove him to see his mission through to the end.
“As an actor, I felt truly blessed to have the opportunity to portray such a remarkable figure,” he added. “That’s why I knew I had to approach this role with absolute sincerity.”
As aforementioned, Harbin premiered at the TIFF in September 2024, and it was around this time that it was picked up for a North American release by Well Go USA.
Speaking with Variety, Well Go USA President and CEO Doris Pfardrescher said, “In Harbin director Woo has woven an intricate historical epic that is so beautifully, poignantly brought to life by master cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo. 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.”
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While Harbin is slated to premiere in South Korean theaters on December 25, 2024, a North American release date has yet to be announced.