Scores of movie enthusiasts waited for hours outside the Toronto premiere of Harbin on Sunday, September 8, eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of Korean stars Lee Dong-wook and Hyun Bin, who are paired for the first time in this historical drama.
Their patience was rewarded with red carpet appearances by both actors, who have significantly contributed to the surge in popularity of Korean culture globally. “It is my first time here, and I am so thankful and so happy to see my fans here,” Lee expressed. This event marks Lee’s debut appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where he is renowned for his breakout drama, My Girl.
Harbin explores the valor of a small resistance army determined to free Korea from Japanese oppression in the early 20th century. The story transports viewers to Harbin in China’s frozen northeast, where the freedom fighters execute a mission to assassinate Japan’s first prime minister. The film is directed by Woo Min-ho, acclaimed for his work on The Man Standing Next, South Korea’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Academy Awards.
Outside the Toronto screening, a 26-year-old fan named Angelah shared her enthusiasm. She mentioned growing up watching K-dramas and being influenced by Korean films, K-pop, and Korean culture. For her, witnessing the actors in person at TIFF underscored the far-reaching impact of these cultural influences. “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 explained.
The Toronto premiere of Harbin not only showcased the film but also highlighted the extensive reach and growing influence of Korean culture worldwide.
Source: Rappler