K-Content News

Korean spy-thriller 'Harbin' set for release in Dec.

  SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- The Korean spy movie "Harbin," starring Hyun Bin, is scheduled for release in December, the movie's distributor, CJ ENM, said Thursday.

Set in 1909, the espionage thriller depicts the tense pursuit between those heading to Harbin in northern China for a mission. Among them is renowned Korean independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910), who assassinated Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister and resident-general of Korea, at Harbin Station. Korea was under brutal Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.

Hyun Bin stars as Ahn. Other cast members include Park Jung-min, Jeon Yeo-been, Jo Woo-jin, Yoo Jae-myung, Park Hoon and Lee Dong-wook.

It marks the latest feature by director Woo Min-ho, known for his sharp insight into historical and political themes in his previous work, such as "The Man Standing Next" (2020) and "Inside Man" (2015).

Renowned cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, best known for his work on Bong Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" (2013) and "Parasite" (2019), has teamed up with the director on the project.

The film has been invited to this year's Toronto International Film Festival, running from Sept. 5-15, as part of the Gala Presentations category, which highlights high-profile films and international stars.