Harbin tells the powerful story of Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean independence fighter who risked everything to confront Japanese imperial rule. Set in 1909, the film captures his daring assassination of Ito Hirobumi in Harbin, igniting hope for a nation under oppression. This historical drama brings to life a pivotal moment in Korea’s fight for freedom.
Harbin : Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 하얼빈 |
| Country | South Korea |
| Genre | Action, Noir, History |
| Director | WOO MINO |
| Writer | WOO MINO and KIM MIN SUNGl |
| Cast | Hyun Bin, Park Jung Min, Jo Woo Jin, Jeon Yeo Bin, Yoo Jae Myung, Park Hoon, Lee Dong Wook |
| Release date | January 2025 (planned) |
Harbin : Main Cast
Ahn Jung-geun -Hyunbin
Chief of Staff of the Korean Medical Service
Hyunbin
◾Born on September 25, 1982
◾From Seoul, South Korea
◾185 cm ｜ 74 kg ｜ B type
◾2003 KBS 2TV drama “Bodyguard” debut
◾Drama “Secret Garden”, “Crash Landing on You”
Woo Deok-soon – Park Jung-min
Ahn Jung-geun’s comrades in the Independence Army
Park Jung-min
◾Born on March 24, 1987
◾From Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
◾178cm｜63kg｜280mm｜ B type
◾2011 movie “Watchmen” debut
◾Drama “Hell”, “The8Show”, the movie “Uprising“
Kim Sanghyun – Jo Woojin
Jo Woojin
◾Born on March 24, 1987
◾From Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea
◾180cm, 68kg
◾1999 debut of the play “The Last Hug”
◾Movie “The Insiders” “Hunt” Drama “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” “Mr. Sunshine,” “Gangnam B-side.”
Madam Gong – Jeon Yeo Bin
Jeon Yeo Bin
◾Born on July 26, 1989
◾From Gangneung, Gangwon Province
◾166cm, type A
◾2009 musical “Lunatic” debut
◾Movie “Sinny Girl” Drama “Vincenzo”, and “A Time Called You”
Harbin Plot
In 1909, a painting depicted independence fighters risking their lives in H
arbin, far from their homeland, to reclaim the Korean Empire from Japanese occupation.
Harbin View Points
Ahn Jung-geun: Korea’s National Hero and Symbol of Resistance
Ahn Jung-geun (1879–1910) is celebrated as a national hero in Korea and a symbol of resistance against Japanese occupation. Born in what is now South Korea, Ahn dedicated his life to the Korean independence movement, resisting the encroachment of the Japanese Empire in the early 20th century. His most well-known act of defiance came on October 26, 1909, when he assassinated Ito Hirobumi, the former Japanese Resident-General of Korea, at Harbin railway station in Manchuria. This action was not a personal vendetta but a calculated effort to draw attention to Japan’s unjust occupation of Korea and inspire global support for Korean independence.
Ahn’s mission was deeply rooted in his belief in justice and peace. After his arrest, Ahn defended his actions in court, stating that he acted not out of hatred but in pursuit of Korea’s sovereignty. He emphasized his commitment to East Asian peace, hoping for harmony between Korea, China, and Japan once Korea regained its freedom. This visionary stance showcased his insight into international relations and his aspirations for unity beyond national borders.
Ahn Jung-geun’s legacy remains influential in Korea today. His writings, particularly the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Letter, continue to inspire Koreans and others worldwide, representing ideals of justice, sacrifice, and patriotism. Monuments and memorials dedicated to Ahn in South Korea, China, and even Japan serve as reminders of his lasting impact. Through his life and actions, Ahn Jung-geun symbolizes the enduring fight for freedom and dignity in the face of oppression.
Ahn Jung-geun: A Symbol of Korean Resilience and Pride
Ahn Jung-geun holds a profound place in Korean history, embodying the resilience and spirit of a nation that fought for its identity and freedom under severe oppression. During a period when Japan imposed its rule over Korea, attempting to erase its cultural and national identity, Ahn’s courageous actions stood as a beacon of hope for Koreans. By targeting Ito Hirobumi, a figure symbolizing Japan’s colonial ambitions, Ahn took a stand not only for Korea’s independence but also for the dignity of all oppressed people in East Asia.
For Koreans, Ahn Jung-geun is more than a historical figure; he is a source of national pride and a moral compass. His life and sacrifice remind Koreans of their ancestors’ struggles and the values of bravery, selflessness, and patriotism. Ahn is especially revered for his forward-thinking vision of peace among East Asian nations—believing that only through mutual respect and cooperation could true harmony be achieved. His legacy has thus become a pillar of Korea’s identity, embodying the belief that justice and peace are ideals worth any sacrifice.
Today, Ahn Jung-geun is remembered not just as a resistance fighter but as an idealist who dreamt of a peaceful and united East Asia. His teachings and writings continue to inspire Koreans and others who value freedom and justice. Schools, memorials, and even cultural works like films keep his memory alive, showing each new generation the enduring significance of his life and principles. Ahn’s story, deeply woven into the fabric of Korean heritage, is a reminder of the strength that comes from standing up for what is right, even in the darkest of times.
Historical Background: Japan’s Colonization of Korea
To understand Ahn Jung-geun’s actions and legacy, it’s essential to look at the historical context of Korea’s colonization by Japan—a period that shaped the fate of Korea and fueled a passionate resistance movement. Japan’s imperial ambitions in East Asia began in earnest in the late 19th century, with Korea caught between larger powers, including China and Russia, who also sought influence in the region. Japan’s victory in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) marked its emergence as a dominant power and paved the way for its occupation of Korea.
Following the Russo-Japanese War, Japan formalized its control over Korea through a series of unequal treaties. In 1905, the Eulsa Treaty—signed under duress—established Korea as a protectorate of Japan, stripping it of diplomatic sovereignty. This agreement, which Koreans saw as illegitimate, was signed without the Korean emperor’s consent, leading to widespread opposition and resentment. By 1910, Japan had fully annexed Korea, establishing the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty that effectively made Korea a colony of Japan. This period marked the start of a 35-year occupation, during which Korean culture, language, and identity were systematically suppressed in an attempt to assimilate Korea into the Japanese Empire.
This colonial rule was marked by economic exploitation, forced labor, and cultural erasure, sparking numerous resistance movements across the nation. Ahn Jung-geun’s assassination of Ito Hirobumi in 1909 was one such act of defiance, reflecting the fierce desire of many Koreans to reclaim their country’s sovereignty and resist foreign domination.
The Japanese occupation had lasting impacts on Korea, but it also ignited a strong sense of national identity and pride. Figures like Ahn Jung-geun became symbols of this resistance, representing the unyielding spirit of a people determined to fight for their country’s freedom. His actions and sacrifice continue to resonate deeply with Koreans today, reminding them of their enduring struggle for independence and the resilience that has defined Korea’s history.
The Korean Independence Movement: A Struggle for Freedom and Identity
Despite nearly 40 years of forced occupation by Japan, Koreans refused to accept the loss of their sovereignty. From 1910 to 1945, under harsh colonial rule, Koreans were subjected to economic exploitation, cultural erasure, and strict regulations designed to assimilate them into the Japanese Empire. This oppression was met with persistent and determined resistance, both within Korea and from exiled communities in countries such as China and Russia.
Countless Koreans, including renowned figures like Ahn Jung-geun, crossed borders to continue the independence movement abroad. In China’s Manchuria and Russia’s Primorsky region, Koreans established settlements and formed various resistance organizations dedicated to the cause of Korean independence. Groups such as the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai (1919) played crucial roles in garnering international support and organizing efforts against Japanese rule.
Throughout the occupation, Japan imposed policies to erase Korean identity. The use of the Korean language was restricted, and Koreans were forced to adopt Japanese names. Despite this, Koreans worked tirelessly to preserve their language, history, and culture. Secret schools and community organizations taught the Korean language and history in defiance of Japanese policies. Korean scholars and cultural leaders also worked to preserve Korean literature, historical texts, and cultural traditions, helping to safeguard a sense of national identity that could survive the occupation.
The March 1st Movement of 1919 was one of the largest demonstrations of Korean unity and desire for independence, with millions participating across the country. This movement led to brutal crackdowns, yet it also showed the world Korea’s resolve to regain its sovereignty. Even though Korean independence was ultimately achieved in 1945 after Japan’s defeat in World War II, the legacy of these resistance movements and the sacrifices made by Korean freedom fighters continue to be deeply cherished in Korea today.
The resilience of Koreans during this period serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that can emerge from a shared sense of identity and purpose. The Korean independence movement remains a testament to the importance of cultural preservation and the unbreakable will of a people determined to shape their own future, no matter the cost.
Notable Korean Films Highlighting the Independence Movement
A Resistance: The Story of Yu Gwan-sun (2019)
Director: Cho Min-ho
A Resistance tells the inspiring story of Yu Gwan-sun, a young Korean independence activist who became a national symbol of resilience during Japan’s colonial rule. Set in 1919, this film follows the life of Yu, who, at only 16 years old, courageously led a protest in her hometown as part of the March 1st Independence Movement. Her defiance against Japanese oppression eventually led to her arrest, and she was sent to prison where she endured brutal treatment yet continued to fight for Korea’s freedom.
The film provides a somber yet powerful look into her imprisonment, capturing Yu’s unwavering spirit and determination to inspire others even under the harshest conditions. Actress Go Ah-sung’s portrayal of Yu Gwan-sun brings depth and sincerity to the role, honoring Yu’s legacy as a martyr for Korea’s independence. Through her story, A Resistance highlights the strength and bravery of Korea’s youth in the face of adversity, making it a deeply moving film that resonates with anyone who values freedom and justice.
Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016)
Director: Lee Joon-ik
Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet is a moving biographical film that portrays the life of Yun Dong-ju, one of Korea’s most beloved poets, and his cousin, Song Mong-gyu. Set during Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea, the film highlights Yun’s personal and artistic struggles as he finds himself torn between his love for poetry and the oppressive reality of living under Japanese rule. While Yun sought solace and resistance through writing, his cousin Song Mong-gyu actively participated in the independence movement, embodying a more direct form of defiance.
The film, shot in black and white, gives it a timeless and melancholic feel, emphasizing the emotional weight of Yun’s poetic journey and the sacrifices he made. His poems, many of which reflect his anguish and longing for freedom, became symbolic of Korean resistance and identity. Dongju not only tells the story of Yun’s creative life but also sheds light on the inner lives of young Koreans who faced immense pressure to assimilate and abandon their cultural identity. This introspective film brings a unique perspective to the Korean independence struggle, focusing on the power of words as a form of subtle yet impactful resistance.
✔️Netflix : Watch Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet
Amsal (2015)
Director: Choi Dong-hoon
Amsal (Assassination) is an action-packed historical thriller that immerses viewers in the covert operations of Korean independence fighters in the 1930s. Set during Japanese colonial rule, the film follows a group of resistance fighters with one mission: to assassinate a high-ranking Japanese official and a pro-Japanese Korean collaborator. Led by sniper Ahn Ok-yun, the team’s journey is filled with suspense, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.
With a star-studded cast, including Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Jung-jae, and Ha Jung-woo, Assassination combines gripping action with intricate plot twists, offering a captivating look at the lengths Korean fighters went to reclaim their freedom. Beyond the action, the film delves into themes of loyalty and sacrifice, illustrating the complex relationships between collaborators, resistance members, and those caught in between. Assassination is praised for its intense action sequences and its ability to balance entertainment with historical significance, making it both a thrilling watch and a poignant tribute to Korea’s fight for independence.
✔️Netlfix : Watch Assassination
The Age of Shadows (2016)
Director: Kim Jee-woon
he Age of Shadows tells the story of a Korean working as a police officer under Japanese rule who becomes entangled with a secret resistance group. Set in the 1920s, the film offers a complex look at loyalty, betrayal, and identity, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices of those involved in covert operations against the occupying forces.
Anarchist from Colony (2017)
Director: Lee Joon-ik
This movie recounts the true story of Park Yeol, a Korean anarchist who, along with his Japanese partner Fumiko Kaneko, plans an assassination attempt on the Japanese Emperor. Their passionate beliefs and fearless attitudes, even under harsh interrogation, reflect the relentless spirit of those fighting for Korea’s freedom.
MAL·MO·E: The Secret Mission (2019)
Director: Eom Yu-na
In a time when speaking Korean was forbidden, a group of linguists and activists come together to preserve the Korean language by compiling a dictionary. Based on real events, MAL·MO·E shows the determination to protect Korea’s cultural heritage, with language preservation as an essential form of resistance during the occupation.
These films provide powerful insights into Korea’s fight for independence, portraying not only the struggles and sacrifices but also the resilience and pride that fueled the movement. For audiences interested in historical dramas, these movies offer a compelling window into a pivotal period of Korean history, celebrated through unforgettable stories of courage and identity.
Ahn Jung-geun’s Harbin Assassination: A Defining Moment in Korean History
On October 26, 1909, Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist, carried out a pivotal act in the history of Korea’s resistance against Japanese imperialism: the assassination of Ito Hirobumi at the Harbin railway station in Manchuria. Ito Hirobumi was a four-time Prime Minister of Japan and the first Resident-General of Korea, a role that made him the de facto ruler of Korea following Japan’s imposition of a protectorate status over the country in 1905.
Ahn’s assassination of Ito was not an impulsive act of violence but a calculated political statement against the unjust and oppressive Japanese occupation of Korea. Ahn viewed Ito as the personification of Japanese aggression and the architect behind the erosion of Korean sovereignty. By assassinating Ito, Ahn aimed to draw international attention to Korea’s plight and inspire a broader resistance against Japan’s expansionist policies in East Asia.
After the assassination, Ahn was arrested by Russian guards and handed over to Japanese authorities. During his trial, Ahn articulated his motives with remarkable clarity, emphasizing that his actions were driven by a desire for peace and justice, not personal vendetta. He argued that Ito’s policies were not only detrimental to Korea but also to the stability and harmony of the entire region. Despite his defense, Ahn was sentenced to death and executed on March 26, 1910, in Lushun Prison (now in Dalian, China).
The significance of Ahn Jung-geun’s actions extends far beyond the event itself. His assassination of Ito became a symbol of the Korean independence movement, embodying the unyielding will of Koreans to resist colonial subjugation. Ahn is celebrated as a martyr and national hero, not only for his bravery but also for his vision of a peaceful and cooperative East Asia, free from imperial domination.
Tragically, Ahn’s remains have never been recovered. His body was buried by the Japanese authorities in an unmarked grave, the location of which remains unknown to this day. Despite numerous efforts by the Korean government and historians to locate his remains, the search has been unsuccessful. The fact that Ahn’s final resting place remains undiscovered adds a poignant layer to his legacy, reminding Koreans of the sacrifices made during their long struggle for independence.
Ahn Jung-geun’s life and his bold act at Harbin continue to resonate deeply in Korea and around the world. His dedication to his country’s freedom and his ultimate sacrifice are commemorated in memorials and his story is taught to generations of Koreans, ensuring that his legacy endures as a powerful symbol of courage and national pride.
International Premiere and Reception at the Toronto International Film Festival
Harbin premiered worldwide on September 8, 2024, at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The screening was attended by lead actors Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook, along with director Woo Min-ho, drawing significant attention on the red carpet. The film’s gripping narrative and powerful performances resonated strongly with festival-goers, highlighting the global appeal of Ahn Jung-geun’s story.
Renowned film publication Screen Daily praised Harbin as “an absorbing historical espionage film by director Woo Min-ho,” commending the film’s polished execution and sophisticated storytelling. This positive international feedback signals that Harbin has potential to capture a global audience, making it a must-watch for history and drama enthusiasts worldwide.
Harbin Trailer Video
Harbin Poster
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