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| ▲ This image of Korean actor Hyun Bin, the lead cast for film "Harbin," is provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- "The last scene we shot for this film was the execution of General Ahn Jung-geun. After filming, I nearly broke down in tears. It felt as though I was finally laying down the immense burden I had been carrying," Hyun Bin shared, visibly emotional during an interview held on Thursday at a cafe in Jongno, Seoul.
The actor plays Ahn Jung-geun in Harbin, a film directed by Woo Min-ho that follows Ahn’s perilous journey to assassinate Ito Hirobumi. Filming was grueling, involving combat in snowfields, trudging through frigid Mongolian lakes frozen solid at -40°C, and enduring arduous physical conditions. Despite the physical demands, Hyun Bin emphasized that the film was mentally challenging above all.
"I felt immense pressure portraying such a revered figure as Ahn Jung-geun. Initially, I declined the offer," Hyun Bin revealed. "His significance and symbolic weight made me feel unqualified. But director Woo kept refining the script and persuading me. Eventually, I grew curious and thought, ‘Will I ever have another opportunity to play such an extraordinary figure in my career?’ That perspective changed my mind."
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| ▲ This still image of the Korean spy film "Harbin" is provided by CJ ENM on Dec. 19, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
In Harbin, Ahn Jung-geun deviates from the traditional image of a bold, fiery hero. Instead, he is depicted as a solitary, introspective figure grappling with guilt and sorrow after losing comrades to his decisions.
Hyun Bin explained, "I thought about whether Ahn might have felt regret, guilt, or anguish as he prepared for his mission. Drawing from his writings and words, I tried to imagine his emotions and embody them in my performance."
This nuanced approach extends to the execution scene. Hyun Bin’s portrayal conveys both Ahn’s resolute determination and the underlying fear of impending death. "When the execution hood was placed over my head, I felt overwhelmed. I imagined the regret Ahn must have felt, leaving his comrades to continue the struggle for independence," Hyun Bin said.
While the film’s focus is on Ahn Jung-geun, Harbin also highlights the contributions of his comrades, such as Woo Deok-soon (Park Jung-min), Kim Sang-hyun (Jo Woo-jin), Choi Jae-hyung (Yoo Jae-myung), Lee Chang-seop (Lee Dong-wook), and Gong Bu-in (Jeon Yeo-bin).
"If Woo Deok-soon had carried out the assassination, we might only remember his name today," Hyun Bin noted. "This film aims to honor not just Ahn Jung-geun but the collective sacrifice of all his comrades."
He added, "Historical dramas like this are crucial. They remind us of our past and shed light on aspects of history we may have forgotten or never learned. I hope such works continue to be made."
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| ▲ South Korean actor Hyun Bin, who takes on the role of Ahn Jung-geun in the film "Harbin," shares his experiences during the film's media conference held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul on Nov. 27, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Hyun Bin shared a personal connection to the film’s legacy. "One day, when my child is old enough to understand, I’ll show them Harbin and say, ‘This is what your father was doing when he wasn’t home. I was portraying a great figure.’"
Harbin opens on December 24. Runtime: 114 minutes. Rated 15 and above.
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