Following the massive success of '12.12: THE DAY' with 13 million admissions, another Korean film is poised to make history. Scheduled for release on December 24(KST), 'Harbin' has already taken the lead in advance ticket sales, dominating the charts just a week before its debut.
As of December 17, the film boasts a 33.8% reservation rate and over 125,484 pre-sold tickets, securing its place as the top pre-booked movie. It has surpassed strong competitors like 'Mufasa: The Lion King' and 'The Firefighters' to claim the number one spot across CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox multiplexes.
Directed by Woo Min-ho, best known for 'Inside Men,' 'Harbin' tells the gripping story of independence fighters in 1909, with Hyun Bin leading an ensemble cast that includes Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Lily Franky, and Lee Dong-wook. The film also brings together a seasoned production team behind hits like '12.12: THE DAY' and 'Deliver Us From Evil.' Produced by Hive Media Corp, which has collaborated with Woo Min-ho on several projects, the movie is a groundbreaking achievement as the first Korean film specially created in IMAX format.
Filmed entirely with the ARRI ALEXA 65 camera, 'Harbin' features a 1.90:1 aspect ratio, providing audiences with an expanded and immersive visual experience. Key scenes, including the epic Shin Asan battle set against the backdrop of the Tumen River, promise breathtaking visuals on the IMAX screen. Christopher Tillman, IMAX’s Vice President of International Development and Distribution, expressed his excitement, saying, “We’re thrilled to present 'Harbin' to Korean audiences as the first-ever IMAX-formatted Korean film, showcasing its dramatic landscapes and captivating story.”
A newly released IMAX poster on December 17 revealed Hyun Bin as independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, standing stoically on Mongolia’s frozen Khovsgol Lake in temperatures of -40°C. This striking image hints at the film’s grand scale and emotional depth. To celebrate its release, CGV will host a special event, offering original IMAX posters to viewers.
The film’s trailer has already ignited enthusiastic reactions from netizens, with comments such as, “This is a must-see and will definitely surpass 10 million viewers,” “The visuals are stunning. I’ll run to the theater as soon as it opens,” “Hyun Bin as Ahn Jung-geun? Absolutely phenomenal casting,” “This film will console the nation. It’s exactly what we need right now,” and “It could easily hit 20 million admissions with this level of anticipation.”
Originally set to premiere on December 25, 'Harbin' has moved its release forward by a day to December 24, aiming to capitalize on the Christmas holiday.
Hyun Bin’s commanding portrayal of Ahn Jung-geun, paired with the film’s groundbreaking visuals and emotional weight, positions 'Harbin' as a cinematic event not to be missed. Will it be Korea’s next record-breaking blockbuster? Only time will tell, but all signs point to a resounding yes.