Korean Spy Thriller ‘Harbin’ Picked Up for North American Release, Following Toronto Gala Debut (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for historical epics and Asian cinema, I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming release of “Harbin.” The life experiences portrayed in this movie are nothing short of inspiring, and the fact that it’s based on actual events from Korea’s struggle for sovereignty makes it all the more compelling.


The South Korean spy action thriller titled “Harbin,” which premiered this past week at the Toronto International Film Festival, has secured a distribution deal for its North American release.

USA-based distributor Well Go USA, known for its extensive experience in managing Asian commercial films, has obtained the rights for both U.S. and Canadian markets. They have announced to EbMaster that the film will receive a theatrical release; however, they have yet to reveal a specific schedule.

Under the direction of Woo Min-ho, known for movies like “Inside Men” (2015) and “The Man Standing Next,” this film portrays significant moments from the tough fight for South Korea’s independence.

Back in 1905, Japan compelled Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty, robbing the nation of its diplomatic sovereignty and transforming the entire Korean peninsula into a Japanese colony. By the year 1909, when the story of “Harbin” unfolds, a small but resilient Korean militia known as the Righteous Army was engaged in an armed rebellion against Japan. In the midst of a particularly brutal skirmish, I managed to be the last one standing, and this set me on a path to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, a key Japanese figure representing the brutal colonization of Korea. This mission would take me on a covert journey through Russia, where I needed to gather necessary resources, forge alliances, and create intricate diversions.

In addition to the main actor, we have Park Jung-min, Jeon Yeo-been, Jo Woo-jin, Yoo Jae-myung, Park Hoon, and Lee Dong-wook as part of our talented ensemble.

Despite planning for a launch in Toronto, the Korean distributor, CJ ENM, has chosen to postpone the film’s release during the upcoming Chuseok holiday in Korea, opting instead to debut it in December.

Doris Pfardrescher, president and CEO at Well Go USA, stated that in ‘Harbin’, director Woo skillfully crafted a complex historical epic which is exquisitely and emotionally realized by cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo. She described ‘Harbin’ as a gripping and visually stunning portrayal of a turbulent and significant era in human history, having profound implications not only for Korea but also for the world at large.

Based in Plano, Texas, Well Go USA boasts an extensive collection of Asian films. They have recently agreed to produce the upcoming action film “Death March,” set in the Philippines, as well as the Thai comedy-drama titled “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies.” In the past, they have managed projects like Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Monster,” Donnie Yen’s action movie “Raging Fire,” Lee Chang-dong’s “Burning,” and the film “I Am Not Madame Bovary” starring Fan Bingbing.

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2024-09-13 15:46