Movie enthusiasts eagerly awaited the Toronto premiere of “Harbin” on Sunday, hoping to spot Korean stars Lee Dong-Wook and Hyun Bin. Their patience paid off as both actors graced the red carpet, reflecting the global rise of Korean culture.
Lee, making his first appearance at TIFF with a film, expressed gratitude, saying, “It is my first time here, and I am so thankful and so happy to see my fans here.” He is well-known for his role in the hit drama “My Girl”.
“Harbin” tells the story of a brave resistance army fighting to liberate Korea from Japanese rule in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the freedom fighters to Harbin in China’s northeast, where they plan to assassinate Japan’s first prime minister.
thank you for coming and welcoming me guys pic.twitter.com/5s0QUpMrno
— Lee Dongwook (@actor_wookie) September 8, 2024
The film is directed by Woo Min-ho, known for “The Man Standing Next,” South Korea’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Academy Awards.
Outside the Toronto screening, 26-year-old fan Angelah shared her excitement. She grew up with K-dramas, Korean films, K-pop, and Korean culture. Seeing the actors in person at TIFF highlighted the extensive reach of these cultural influences for her.
“Seeing them both go from the screen to an in-person event here in Toronto is especially thrilling for me. Art truly is boundless, breaking barriers and creating ties between people, no matter where they’re from,” she remarked.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hindustan Times reports that the film “Harbin” brought out fans of Korean stars in Toronto, showcasing the movie’s global appeal and the enthusiasm of its fans. (read more)
- Reuters reports that scores of movie fans waited for hours outside the Toronto premier of “Harbin”, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lee Dong-Wook and Hyun Bin. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who are the main stars of the movie ‘Harbin’?
Lee Dong-Wook and Hyun Bin.
What is the movie ‘Harbin’ about?
It’s about a resistance army fighting to free Korea from Japanese rule in the early 20th century.
Who directed ‘Harbin’?
Why was the Toronto premiere of ‘Harbin’ significant?
It featured red carpet appearances by Lee Dong-Wook and Hyun Bin.
What was fan Angelah’s reaction to seeing the actors at TIFF?
She found it thrilling and felt it showed the global reach of Korean culture.