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Hyun Bin, ahead of Harbin's release, held an interview at a café in Seoul, on December 19.
Harbin is a thrilling espionage drama film set in 1909, about Korean independence activists fighting against the Japanese for Korea's independence.
In the K-movie, Hyun Bin passionately portrays the real-life historical figure Ahn Jung Geun. The film highlights Ahn Jung Geun's values, which included respect for the families and lives of his enemies, as well as his noble character, adhering to principles even in extreme circumstances. It delves deeply into the loneliness and internal struggles he endured as he pursued righteousness even in extreme conditions, steadfastly walking the path of integrity to fulfill his mission.
For Hyun Bin, playing Ahn Jung Geun was the most mentally challenging experience of his entire filmography
When asked about the approach he took to portray the inner self of Ahn Jung Geun, Hyun Bin shared, "I examined the remaining records about General Ahn Jung Geun, focusing on writings that described his actions and words at certain moments. I kept thinking about what might have been going through his mind, as if he wouldn't have felt despair, doubt, guilt, and remorse, leading up to that [killing of Ito Hirobumi] historic act."
The actor also confessed that playing Ahn Jung Geun was the most mentally challenging experience he has faced in his entire filmography. The production involved grueling shoots, such as rolling through snowfields and mud while battling Japanese forces, and continuously walking across Mongolia's frozen Lake Khövsgöl in temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
However, Hyun Bin emphasized, "It was a film that was much more mentally taxing than physically." "Out of all the works I've been a part of so far, this was the most mentally exhausting. Many people asked me during and after filming if it was very difficult. In truth, I didn't find it physically taxing. That's because I was so mentally drained that I temporarily forgot about the physical strain."
He continued, "The pressure and weight of [that came with portraying such a heavy] character itself were huge, and the process of delving into his inner world was grueling and challenging." "In particular, I felt the impact of the filming locations profoundly in this movie."
Harbin had shoots in Mongolia, Latvia, and Korea to portray the journeys of the independence fighters.
Hyun Bin shared, "From the locations to the costumes, makeup, art, and props, having all these elements come together during the standby process on set and immersing myself in that environment significantly helped my acting. Whether it was the frozen lake scene, the battle at Mount Shinhwa, or the Harbin safe house scenes, the spaces themselves had a profound impact on me."
Hyun Bin also revealed that he had initially declined director Woo Min Ho's offers to join Harbin several times.
"His presence and symbolic significance were so immense that I felt I couldn't possibly do him justice," Hyun Bin admitted. "But even after I turned down the role, the director continued to persuade me by showing me revised versions of the script. At some point, I found myself getting curious. I thought, 'Would I ever get another chance in my acting career to portray someone like Ahn Jung Geun?' I began to think that playing such a remarkable figure could be both a great honor and an invaluable opportunity."
"Each time the director proposed the project, he revised the script a bit before giving it to me. It seems to be his style — he kept revising the script even on set, always thinking about whether there could be a better way to do things."
He continued, "When small changes in details come together, they can lead to changes in big things, and the director constantly did that. Even when he proposed the project to me, not once did he give me the same version of the script."
Talking about how the project came together, he said, "It was the director's passion, energy, and the signals he sent me that all aligned in various ways. As I said before, while portraying such a great figure can feel burdensome, I also saw it as an opportunity."
Hyun Bin also confessed that he hasn't been able to shake off the pressure of the role, even as the film's release approaches. "The burden stayed with me until the end of filming, and honestly, I still haven't been able to let go of it. Yesterday, representatives from the Ahn Jung Geun Memorial Hall came to watch the movie. During the stage greeting, I told them, 'This theater is the one I'm most nervous to address.' These people continue to think about General Ahn and document his legacy, so I was curious and concerned about how they would perceive the film," he shared.
Performing the momentous scene, where Ahn is sentenced to death and executed for the assassination of Ito Hirobumi, Hyun Bin admitted feeling both fear and sorrow. "I got emotional when they placed the hood over my face. Imagining the feelings of General Ahn Jung Geun, who had to leave behind his comrades and entrust them with all the burdens, I couldn't help but feel sorry. He was stepping away from this arduous journey while others had to continue fighting for liberation."
General Ahn's sentiments are encapsulated in Hyun Bin's narration at the end of the film as he walks across a frozen lake. He reflects on how, through collective effort over 10, 20, or even 100 years, independence could one day be achieved.
The narration "We must carry the light forward" by Ahn Jung Geun and the line "The people of this country exhibit strange strength in times when their nation is in crisis" by Itō Hirobumi are also particularly touching, considering the chaos South Korea is currently engulfed in.
Regarding these lines, Hyun Bin commented, "The director likely based these dialogues on records of General Ahn Jung Geun and Itō Hirobumi," adding, "I hope they bring hope and courage to the audience."
Hyun Bin emphasized, "It took about 35 years after the Harbin incident for liberation to come. Harbin's [objective] isn't about delivering a single triumphant blow but about showcasing the journey of the independence fighters. It's not a story about how their mission made the world worth living but rather about how their mission served as the beginning — the foundation — for the independence movement." "I hope that after watching the film, the audience will realize that this is not the end and that we must keep moving forward, step by step."
He also said, "As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to forget even the most important parts of history. Period films like this serve to remind us of history and shed light on aspects we might not have known. I believe such films should continue to be made."
Harbin, which tells the story of young heroes who resisted injustice, resonates deeply with the current situation, where President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law has led to impeachment protests. Beyond being a massive production costing billions of won, its upcoming release in such circumstances adds even more weight to Hyun Bin's shoulders.
The actor shared his thoughts, saying, "There's a lot of pressure in many ways. The movie has a significant message, and I really hope many people will come to the theater. Since it's a big production, I don't want to disappoint the people who worked hard behind the scenes or those who invested in it. I will do my very best until this film finishes its theatrical run. The rest is up to the heavens."
Hyun Bin shares how he has changed since his marriage to Son Ye Jin and becoming a father
Recently, at a variety show, Hyun Bin shared how much his wife, Son Ye Jin, supported him after completing the filming of Harbin. "During this project, my wife must have felt lonely. As a fellow actor, she understood very well how challenging this work was due to its nature. After it was over, her words, 'You worked hard, you did well,' gave me incredible strength. Although she must also have had a hard time, the fact that she expressed those feelings meant a lot to me."
Speaking as a father, Hyun Bin reflected on how his respect for Ahn Jung Geun deepened after watching the movie. "While shooting, as a father, I didn't feel much, but after watching the completed film, Ahn Jung Geun felt even more incredible to me. He had a family — his wife and children — and yet he devoted himself to the independence movement. It made me wonder if I could ever make such a sacrifice."
He said, "When I think about my children, I feel that, no matter what, they should live in a better future. And I've come to think that I must play a role in creating such a future somehow." He also shared that having a child has broadened his perspective on society and the world, instilling a greater sense of responsibility.
In the interview, Hyun Bin also admitted he has changed a lot after he got married to Son Ye Jin. Responding to journalists' observations that he had become brighter and more cheerful after marriage, he said, "Everything has changed. It seems like everything has changed. People have to change."
He added, "I'm still cautious about making statements regarding my wife or son. However, if there's something I can share or express, I try to do so within appropriate limits."
He explained, "Compared to when I was younger, as I've grown older, gained more experiences, started a family, and had a child, those changes [in attitude and demeanor] are likely what others are perceiving."
When asked about what has changed since becoming a father, Hyun Bin said, "Before preparing for and starting this project, my child was born. When he's old enough to understand and think about it, I want to tell him that when he was born, his dad was making a film about an important figure in our country." He added, "I had a strong desire to do this film well, even [if it's just] for [the sake of] my child."
Hyun Bin was also asked if he plans to show his son The Negotiation, the first time he worked with Son Ye Jin. He replied, "Yes, I have to show him. I have to show him everything. I plan to show him Crash Landing on You as well, but I'll show him more of his mom's work."
As for what kind of father he is, he said, "That's a tough question. For now, I'm just an ordinary dad. There's nothing particularly special about me. I'm like any other parent, any other father. I'm still figuring out what kind of father I want to be. Sometimes I want to be a father who is like a friend, but I haven't decided yet."
