Hyun Bin tells us everything in a unique interview

Hyun Bin: Son Ye-jin and my son are my top priority in life

In the world of Korean cinema, few actors have managed to shine with as much intensity and perseverance as Hyun Bin. After a short break to focus on his personal life, the protagonist of multiple international hits returns to the big screen with his new film, “Harbin”, a historical drama that promises strong emotions and a deep message about the struggle for Korean independence. During a recent interview at a cafe Seoul Made for Korean media Hyun Bin He spoke openly about his family, his priorities and the challenges he faced in playing a historical figure as important as Ahn Jung-geun.

The return to the big screen with “Harbin”: pressure and historical meaning

‘Back to the big screen with ‘Harbin,’ and playing Ahn Jung-geun was a great pressure and responsibility’
To Hyun Bin, “Harbin” It is not just another film in his successful career, it is a project full of symbolism for both the Korean audience and for himself on a personal level. Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910), whom he embodies in the film, was an outstanding fighter for the independence of Korea who, in 1909, carried out the murder of Ito Hirobumi, the first prime minister of Japan and general resident of Chorea, at the station Harbin. This historical event took place just before the formal annexation of Chorea by Japan on 1910.

As a reporter, I must confess that I felt a particular emotion when I saw the dedication of Hyun Bin in every word I pronounced on this project. It is clearly perceived that he did not take this paper lightly. The actor commented:

“I couldn’t completely overcome the pressure, even after we finished filming. The weight of Ahn Jung-geun’s presence and importance is enormous, and I still feel part of that pressure. It was even heavier during the shoot. When we’re done, I felt a huge relief.”

the words of Hyun Bin They suggest the magnitude of the artistic and emotional challenge that represented such an iconic character. For those not familiar with Korean history, Ahn Jung-geun He is revered as a national hero. Its feat is considered one of the most relevant acts of resistance against Japanese colonial expansion at the beginning of the twentieth century.

A special date and a project that marked his personal life

The actor, also known for his global popularity after the series “Crash Landing On You” or ‘Emergency landing in your heart‘, as is known in Latin America, he related an event that highlights the profound meaning it had ‘Harbin” In his life, just after the traditional shooting ceremony was held (a highly respected ritual in the Korean film industry to wish good luck to the team), his son was born, with obvious emotion, Hyun Bin mentioned:

‘We performed the ceremonial rite for the film and the next day my son was born. I have begun to do more for my son than I ever did for myself.’

With these words, one can see the genuine change of perspective that the actor has experienced. Beyond fame and great projects, his family has come to the first place in his life. And it is something that he himself reaffirms when he adds:

‘Getting married and having a child changed so much. My thoughts and responsibilities have changed. I used to live with myself as a center, but now, my son and wife have become the center of my life.’

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Although media attention has been focused on the fact that his wife is the also famous actress They are Ye-jin, Hyun Bin emphasizes that this detail does not change the love or devotion he feels for his family. In a strong way, he states:

‘My son and Son Ye-jin are my top priorities, and I’m in second place.’

As a journalist, I was impressed by the transparency with which Hyun Bin He talks about his personal life, something unusual in the Korean entertainment industry, where privacy is usually protected with suspicion. Even so, he calmly shares how paternity has changed the way he sees his environment and his professional decisions.

The challenge of interpreting a historic hero

One of the questions that arose during the interview was about the reaction of his Japanese fans, since “Harbin” Tells a sensitive episode in the history of relationships between Chorea and Japan. Hyun Bin He admitted that there were concerns about the impact that the film could have on its popularity on the other side of the sea since it is very famous there for its work in “Crash Landing On You”, acknowledged that doubts arose about the impact that the film could have on that audience: :

“There were many worries about whether this was the right choice.”

However, he made it clear that he has a deep commitment to this story, that it is not a project that seeks confrontation or open old wounds, but to honor the memory of those who fought for the independence of Chorea:

‘Not only with ‘Harbin’, but with historical stories like this, when they are made to the cinema, they remind us of things that we could have forgotten and make us feel gratitude again.’

From my perspective, his position conveys a message of reconciliation and respect for history. By representing such a delicate event, Hyun Bin shows that his main objective is to capture the meaning of that historical moment, rather than open old wounds.

Ahn Jung-geun’s human aspect in ‘Harbin’

the director of the film, woo min-ho, sought to delve into the motives and experiences of Ahn Jung-geun before carrying out his mission. This is how he explains it Hyun Bin:

“The film begins with the question: ‘How could the hidden side of the independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun have been?’ Explore the background instead of ending with a climate resolution.”

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Far from focusing solely on the historical climax, the film immerses itself in the journey that the independence fighters undertook to get to that point. The actor emphasizes that:

“Portrains the journey and efforts of the independence fighters while encouraging the audience to take their own steps forward.”

For fans of historical cinema, especially in Latin America, where there are also stories of heroism and resistance, it will be interesting to see how “Harbin” reflects the perseverance and sacrifice of those who risked everything for the freedom of their country.

The filming in the snow: a metaphor for loneliness and determination

One of the most memorable moments for the actor was when he entered the natural stages that recreate the crossings of Ahn Jung-geun and his companions. Hyun Bin He remembered the disturbing feeling of filming on an ice-cold lake:

‘When you’re actually there, standing on the ice, it produces strange sounds. Walking alone on it and hearing those cracks creates a feeling of fear.’

The actor described how, by listening to those crunchs and feeling the extreme cold, he could imagine the loneliness and courage of the fighters facing a journey into the unknown:

“I imagine that his journey to an unknown destination must have been incredibly lonely, desolate and cold.”

This type of detail adds authenticity to the film and demonstrates the commitment of Hyun Bin for transmitting the essence of Ahn Jung-geun. As a reporter, I was able to perceive his admiration for the bravery of those who fought in such adverse circumstances, a theme that connects with multiple regions of the world where freedom was conquered on the basis of sacrifices.

Balance between family and work: Hyun Bin’s new life

Though “Harbin” marks a great milestone in the actor’s career, Hyun Bin He also shared how his everyday life has changed dramatically since he became a father. He assures that now he does more for his son than he ever did for himself. This confession highlights the humility and personal growth that it has experienced after the arrival of its offspring.

On the other hand, we cannot forget the enormous media influence that his marriage has had with They are Ye-jin, the famous actress with whom she shared the set of “Crash Landing on You” Where, according to what its protagonists tell us, despite having met years ago, it was on this occasion that love arose between them. His story was followed with great interest, not only in Chorea, but also throughout the world, where the series had a resounding success. In fact, many people discovered the talent of both performers thanks to the streaming platforms and the rise of K-drama and the Korean wave of which this blog is part.

The appearance in “You Quiz on the Block” and the closeness with the fans

after 13 years without participating in variety programs, Hyun Bin surprised everyone by appearing in “You Quiz on the Block”. He explained his decision like this:

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‘I’m not used to talking about myself. I’d rather listen. I’ve avoided variety shows because I’m not comfortable sharing my stories for long periods of time. But I thought fans might like it if I showed up once, so I decided to do it.’

As a journalist, I interpreted this action as a gesture of openness towards her followers, who have expressed great affection and curiosity about her life after marriage and fatherhood. With this TV interview, Hyun Bin He seemed to take a step towards a more humane and accessible side, something highly valued by those who have followed him for years in his more iconic roles.

You can see fragments of the program and the interview on YouTube

A little more about the movie “Harbin”: a blockbuster that captivates at the box office

“Harbin” was filmed over six months in scenarios that include Mongolia, , Latvia and Korea, with a budget close to 30 billion won ($22 million). Before its official release, the film had surpassed the 400,000 pre-sales of tickets and headed the reservation fee in the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticket sales system for nine consecutive days.

Upon its billboard, it managed to surpass the mark of the million viewers in just one day, according to data provided by CJ ENM and CKorean Film Council. besides, “Harbin” He displaced the disaster film “FireFighters” from the first position at the local box office, thus confirming the enormous public interest in this historical and action story.

the film, which recounts the secret mission of Ahn Jung-geun to travel to Harbin in the north of China, has a stellar cast that includes Park Jung-min, , Jeon Yeo-Been, , Jo Woo-Jin, , Yoo Jae-Myung, , Park Hoon and Lee Dong-wook. Each plays characters that complement Ahn’s journey and determination in his attempt to end the influence of Ito Hirobumi, a symbol of Japanese colonial oppression on Chorea.

Cultural and historical relevance for the Latin American public

yes good Chorea and Latin America They have very different stories of independence, there is a point of convergence: the struggle of peoples who defended their sovereignty before foreign powers. In Spanish-speaking countries, the pro-independence deeds forged national identity and fueled the patriotism of different generations. when seeing “Harbin”, the Latin American public may find an echo in the courage of Ahn Jung-geun, a man who, despite the adverse conditions, decided to act to safeguard the dignity of his nation.

Hyun Bin, Through his interpretation, he seeks to remember the importance of these historical heroes whose stories are sometimes overshadowed by time. As he himself mentioned, reuniting with these stories through cinema serves to refresh the collective memory and feel gratitude for the sacrifices of the past. For those who enjoyed their performances in romantic or dramatic series, this film represents an opportunity to see it in a role with very different nuances, full of action, discipline and a real historical context.

a firm step forward

his own Hyun Bin He acknowledges that his life has taken a complete turn since he married and became a father. However, this does not mean that you give up facing new challenges on the big screen. On the contrary, he affirms that he will continue to advance step by step, learning and looking for projects that passionate him. with ‘Harbin”, finds the perfect balance between his desire to embody roles that transcend and the priority he now gives to his family.

“Like the ‘Harbin’ message, I’m constantly moving forward, step by step. I make a great effort to express the things I have come to understand. Appearing on ‘You Quiz on the Block’ was part of that effort.” said the actor between smiling through the last part of the comment.

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As a reporter who had the privilege of exchanging impressions with him, I can assure you that Hyun Bin He is serene, thoughtful and, above all, deeply grateful to his audience. its popularity in Japan, , Chorea And other countries does not prevent him from recognizing that his family is the most important thing. That honesty connects in a very special way with Spanish-speaking viewers, who often admire celebrities who are authentic and committed to their loved ones.

Conclusions of this blog on the beautiful note

the path of Hyun Bin It ranges from romantic comedies to action thrillers and military dramas. However, “Harbin” marks a key moment, both personally and professionally. Ahn Jung-geun It not only seeks to show the courage of a hero of Korean independence, but also to leave a universal message: courage and love for freedom transcend borders and times.

For the followers of the world, who have vibrated with productions such as “Crash Landing on You”, see Hyun Bin In this historical facet, it represents a unique opportunity to discover its acting versatility and its passion for telling stories with a deep background.

“Harbin” It is not only Hyun Bin’s new movie; It is also a moving story about determination and faith in an ideal that seeks to awaken reflection on our own sense of historical responsibility. It is, in short, an invitation to remember that many anonymous heroes sacrificed themselves so that today we enjoy freedoms that previously seemed unattainable.

“Getting married and having a child changed everything. My thoughts and responsibilities have changed.”

This phrase from Hyun Bin, which has been repeated so much in the media, perfectly illustrates his present: a man who loves his family and who, at the same time, gives himself with passion to his trade. They are Ye-jin And his son is in the first place in his life, but his determination as an actor remains strong and clear.

with ‘Harbin”, Hyun Bin takes another step in his brilliant career, demonstrating that his commitment to excellence is not affected by new family responsibilities, but, on the contrary, acquires a deeper meaning. In a global context in which the stories of resistance and freedom are valued more and more, this film And its protagonist invites the public to reflect and honor the memory of those who, with courage, raised their voices in defense of their people.