Harbin (2024 Film)
Harbin is a 2024 South Korean spy thriller film directed by Woo Min-ho. The narrative focuses on the activities of Korean independence activists during the early 20th century as they organize a mission against Japanese colonial rule. The film centers on the historical figure An Jung-geun and his associates as they carry out a daring operation in Harbin, China.
Production
The production of Harbin commenced on November 20, 2022. The film was shot on location across South Korea, Latvia, and Mongolia to recreate the historical setting of the early 1900s. The film was distributed by CJ Entertainment and held its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2024, followed by a theatrical release in South Korea on December 24, 2024.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast portraying various historical and fictionalized figures involved in the independence movement.
- Hyun-Bin as An Jung-geun
- Park Jeong-Min as Woo Deok-Soon
- Jo Woo-Jin as Kim Sang-Hyun
- Jeon Yeo-Bin as Madam Gong
- Lee Dong-Wook as Lee Chang-Seob
- Park Hoon as Datsuo Mori
- Yoo Jae-Myung as Choi Jae-Hyeong
- Lily Franky as Hirobumi Ito
Reception and Awards
Harbin received recognition at major South Korean film ceremonies in 2025. At the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards, the film won Best Actor for Hyun-Bin, as well as awards for Best Cinematography and Lighting. At the 61st BaekSang Arts Awards, the film was awarded Best Film, and cinematographer Hong Kyeong-pyo received the Grand Prize (Daesang).