A film about Korea’s fight against Japanese colonial rule has surprisingly been sold to Japan, sparking intrigue and conversation.
On January 8, CJ ENM announced that the highly anticipated film 'Harbin', starring Hyun Bin as independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, has been sold to 117 countries, including North America, Japan, France, Taiwan, Australia, and Spain, showcasing its global appeal.
Directed by Woo Min-ho, 'Harbin' has been a hot topic since its production stages due to its star-studded cast and compelling story. The film depicts the final year leading up to Ahn Jung-geun's assassination of Itō Hirobumi, blending espionage and action. Since its release on December 24, the film has attracted over 4.31 million viewers as of January 17.
A Special Meaning Behind the Japanese Distribution
Seo Kyung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, highlighted the significance of 'Harbin' being sold to Japan. On January 17, he stated, “The global reach of Korean cultural content demonstrates that more foreigners are now taking an interest in Korean history.”
Regarding the Japanese market, Professor Seo described the film’s distribution as “highly encouraging.” He referenced the controversy surrounding the 2022 musical film 'Hero', where some in Japan labeled Ahn Jung-geun a "terrorist." Seo attributed this perception to flawed historical education by the Japanese government.
Historical Controversy and Global Awareness
Seo further noted that historical distortions remain a problem in Japan, citing the example of former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who in 2014 referred to Ahn Jung-geun as “a terrorist who assassinated Japan’s first prime minister.” Seo expressed hope that 'Harbin'’s success would contribute to raising awareness about Korean and Northeast Asian history globally.
Directed by Woo Min-ho, 'Harbin' features a stellar cast, including Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, and Jeon Yeo-bin. According to the Korean Film Council’s data, the film has attracted over 4.31 million viewers since its release, with its break-even point set at 5.8 million admissions.
Despite dominating the daily and weekend box office for nearly a month, the film faces new competition as 'Hitman 2', 'Dark Nuns' and 'Secret' are set for release during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Industry experts predict this weekend will be 'Harbin'’s final opportunity to reign supreme at the box office.