

Action comedy Hitman 2 rose to the top of the Korea box office during the Lunar New Year holidays, claiming 39% of ticket sales.
The sequel earned $2.8m from more than 450,000 admissions from Friday to Sunday (January 31 to February 2). Released on January 22, it has generated a cume of $12.7m from nearly 2 million admissions to date, according to Kobis, the Korean Film Council’s box office tracking service.
Kwon Sang-woo reprises his role as a secret agent-turned-webtoon artist. The first film, Hitman: Agent Jun, took $14.1m when released in January 2020, a couple of months before the pandemic lockdown.
After leading the box office the previous weekend,...
The sequel earned $2.8m from more than 450,000 admissions from Friday to Sunday (January 31 to February 2). Released on January 22, it has generated a cume of $12.7m from nearly 2 million admissions to date, according to Kobis, the Korean Film Council’s box office tracking service.
Kwon Sang-woo reprises his role as a secret agent-turned-webtoon artist. The first film, Hitman: Agent Jun, took $14.1m when released in January 2020, a couple of months before the pandemic lockdown.
After leading the box office the previous weekend,...
- 2/3/2025
- ScreenDaily

The Lunar New Year holiday helped drive the South Korean box office over the weekend of Jan. 31-Feb. 2, with “Hitman 2” taking the top spot, while “Dark Nuns” experienced a steep decline.
“Hitman 2”, the action-comedy sequel, earned KRW4.1 billion ($2.8 million), accounting for 39.2% of the market share. The film saw a 6% rise in admissions, attracting 450,751 viewers and bringing its cumulative total to $12.9 million, according to Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council.
Horror-thriller “Dark Nuns” dropped to second place with $1.5 million, representing 21.8% of the weekend market share. The film declined 60.1% from the prior weekend, with 243,886 admissions. Its cumulative total now stands at $9.6 million.
Musical romance “Secret: Untold Melody” making its debut in third place, earned $1.05 million, taking 14.4% of the market share with 160,863 admissions in its opening weekend. “Harbin,” the historical thriller following Korean independence fighters, slipped to fourth place with $390,450, making up 5.4% of the market. The film...
“Hitman 2”, the action-comedy sequel, earned KRW4.1 billion ($2.8 million), accounting for 39.2% of the market share. The film saw a 6% rise in admissions, attracting 450,751 viewers and bringing its cumulative total to $12.9 million, according to Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council.
Horror-thriller “Dark Nuns” dropped to second place with $1.5 million, representing 21.8% of the weekend market share. The film declined 60.1% from the prior weekend, with 243,886 admissions. Its cumulative total now stands at $9.6 million.
Musical romance “Secret: Untold Melody” making its debut in third place, earned $1.05 million, taking 14.4% of the market share with 160,863 admissions in its opening weekend. “Harbin,” the historical thriller following Korean independence fighters, slipped to fourth place with $390,450, making up 5.4% of the market. The film...
- 2/3/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV

The South Korean box office for the weekend of Jan. 24-26 was led by horror film “Dark Nuns,” which debuted with a commanding performance, while action sequel “Hitman 2” also had an impressive start.
“Dark Nuns,” a horror film where two nuns are driven to perform an exorcism, opened at the top of the chart, earning KRW5.71 billion ($3.9 million) over the weekend. With 588,498 admissions and 42.8% of the market share, the film has a cumulative total of $4 million, including previews.
Action-comedy sequel “Hitman 2” claimed the second spot with a $2.8 million weekend, capturing 30.3% of the market share and drawing 425,198 admissions. Its cumulative total, including midweek previews, stands at $3.9 million.
“Harbin,” the historical thriller about Korean independence fighters, dropped to third place after weeks at the top, earning $495,464. With 72,827 weekend admissions, the film’s cumulative total now stands at $30.9 million.
Animation “Pokémon the Movie Ag: Mew and the Wave Hero Lucario” debuted...
“Dark Nuns,” a horror film where two nuns are driven to perform an exorcism, opened at the top of the chart, earning KRW5.71 billion ($3.9 million) over the weekend. With 588,498 admissions and 42.8% of the market share, the film has a cumulative total of $4 million, including previews.
Action-comedy sequel “Hitman 2” claimed the second spot with a $2.8 million weekend, capturing 30.3% of the market share and drawing 425,198 admissions. Its cumulative total, including midweek previews, stands at $3.9 million.
“Harbin,” the historical thriller about Korean independence fighters, dropped to third place after weeks at the top, earning $495,464. With 72,827 weekend admissions, the film’s cumulative total now stands at $30.9 million.
Animation “Pokémon the Movie Ag: Mew and the Wave Hero Lucario” debuted...
- 1/27/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV

“The Substance” emerged as the standout story of the South Korean box office for the weekend of Jan. 17-19, climbing to fourth place with a significant 72% increase in sales.
The film, for which Demi Moore won a Golden Globe for her performance, earned KRW307.1 million, drawing 31,302 admissions and a 5.7% market share. This surge reflects growing audience interest in the film, which has now grossed $1.7 million since its December release.
Meanwhile, “Harbin” retained its top position. The historical drama, which follows Korean independence fighters plotting an assassination in 1909, brought in $1.2 million over the weekend, accounting for 32.7% of the market share. With 182,107 admissions, the film’s cumulative total now stands at $29.6 million.
“The Firefighters” remained in second place, earning $398,900 and capturing 10.7% of the weekend’s market share. The drama about the lives of first responders has now grossed $24.7 million.
“Pororo the Movie: Great Adventure Under the Sea” climbed to third place, taking in $190,490 from 31,686 admissions.
The film, for which Demi Moore won a Golden Globe for her performance, earned KRW307.1 million, drawing 31,302 admissions and a 5.7% market share. This surge reflects growing audience interest in the film, which has now grossed $1.7 million since its December release.
Meanwhile, “Harbin” retained its top position. The historical drama, which follows Korean independence fighters plotting an assassination in 1909, brought in $1.2 million over the weekend, accounting for 32.7% of the market share. With 182,107 admissions, the film’s cumulative total now stands at $29.6 million.
“The Firefighters” remained in second place, earning $398,900 and capturing 10.7% of the weekend’s market share. The drama about the lives of first responders has now grossed $24.7 million.
“Pororo the Movie: Great Adventure Under the Sea” climbed to third place, taking in $190,490 from 31,686 admissions.
- 1/20/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV


Historical thriller Harbin held its top spot at Korea’s box office on its third outing, taking 38% of all ticket sales across a relatively slower weekend.
The film, directed by Woo Min-ho, added $2m from January 10-12 to reach a cume of $27.1m from 4.1 million admissions since its release on December 24, according to Kobis, the Korean Film Council’s box office tracking service. South Korean outfit Cj Enm recently revealed sales of the feature to 117 countries.
The overall performance of the Korean box office over the weekend was down 37% year-on-year.
Maintaining its second-place position was Firefighters, which earned $582,000, bringing its gross takings to $23m.
The film, directed by Woo Min-ho, added $2m from January 10-12 to reach a cume of $27.1m from 4.1 million admissions since its release on December 24, according to Kobis, the Korean Film Council’s box office tracking service. South Korean outfit Cj Enm recently revealed sales of the feature to 117 countries.
The overall performance of the Korean box office over the weekend was down 37% year-on-year.
Maintaining its second-place position was Firefighters, which earned $582,000, bringing its gross takings to $23m.
- 1/13/2025
- ScreenDaily

Over the weekend, the South Korean box office saw “Harbin” extending its reign at the top.
According to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council, “Harbin” retained its first-place position, adding KRW3.02 billion ($2 million) to its gross. Despite a 35.8% drop from the previous weekend, the film captured 37.5% of the market share with 308,016 admissions. Set in 1909, several years after Korea became a Japanese colony, the action-thriller follows freedom fighters plotting the daring assassination of Japan’s prime minister during their quest for independence. Its cumulative total now stands at $27.1 million.
“The Firefighters” held steady in second place, earning $582,400 and drawing 88,817 viewers over the weekend. This drama, centering on the challenges of South Korean first responders, has now accumulated $23.6 million.
Debuting in third, “Forbidden Fairytale” opened with $418,860 and 65,569 admissions, showing strong initial interest since its Jan. 8 release. The film follows Dan-bi, a member of the youth protection...
According to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council, “Harbin” retained its first-place position, adding KRW3.02 billion ($2 million) to its gross. Despite a 35.8% drop from the previous weekend, the film captured 37.5% of the market share with 308,016 admissions. Set in 1909, several years after Korea became a Japanese colony, the action-thriller follows freedom fighters plotting the daring assassination of Japan’s prime minister during their quest for independence. Its cumulative total now stands at $27.1 million.
“The Firefighters” held steady in second place, earning $582,400 and drawing 88,817 viewers over the weekend. This drama, centering on the challenges of South Korean first responders, has now accumulated $23.6 million.
Debuting in third, “Forbidden Fairytale” opened with $418,860 and 65,569 admissions, showing strong initial interest since its Jan. 8 release. The film follows Dan-bi, a member of the youth protection...
- 1/13/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV


The Asian Film Awards Academy (Afa Academy or Afaa) announced the nominations for the 18th Asian Film Awards (AFA18) and the Jury President for this year in Hong Kong today.
Thirty outstanding films from 25 countries and regions have been shortlisted to compete for 16 awards at AFA18, which celebrates artistic and technical achievements in Asian cinema. The prestigious lineup of nominees from around Asia includes seven Japanese films: Teki Cometh, Desert of Namibia (Yamanaka Yoko), All the Long Nights, My Sunshine, Happyend (Sora Neo), The Box Man (Ishii Gakuryu) and Black Ox.
Korean auteur Jang Jae-hyun’s Exhuma received eleven nominations, making it the most nominated film this year. It will compete for Best Film with Yoshida Daihachi’s Teki Cometh, Cannes Grand Prix-winning film All We Imagine as Light (Payal Kapadia), China’s Black Dog (Guan Hu), which was screened in the 37th TIFF Gala Selection, and Hong Kong’s...
Thirty outstanding films from 25 countries and regions have been shortlisted to compete for 16 awards at AFA18, which celebrates artistic and technical achievements in Asian cinema. The prestigious lineup of nominees from around Asia includes seven Japanese films: Teki Cometh, Desert of Namibia (Yamanaka Yoko), All the Long Nights, My Sunshine, Happyend (Sora Neo), The Box Man (Ishii Gakuryu) and Black Ox.
Korean auteur Jang Jae-hyun’s Exhuma received eleven nominations, making it the most nominated film this year. It will compete for Best Film with Yoshida Daihachi’s Teki Cometh, Cannes Grand Prix-winning film All We Imagine as Light (Payal Kapadia), China’s Black Dog (Guan Hu), which was screened in the 37th TIFF Gala Selection, and Hong Kong’s...
- 1/10/2025
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse


2024 was a fun year for Korean dramas. But there were so many TV series that reeled me in that I ended up overlooking a lot of movies or they are still on my list because they are not yet available to the US audience. Have you watched any of these 2024 films? ♦ (1) Harbin Genre: Spy Thriller, Historical period, based on historical events, based on historical figures Storyline: A dramatization of the real-life story of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan, in 1909. Main Characters: An Jung-Geun Viewership and Rating: IMDb: 7 out of 10 stars My Drama List: 7.7 out of 10 stars ScreenAnarchy: 3.5 out of 5 stars Links Of Interest: The Weekend Warrior Jan. 3, 2025 | Reviews and Repertory Round-Up: Harbin (Well Go USA) Movie Review: ‘Harbin’ | The Lamplight Review “Centered on the daring exploits of Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin), the film tells the story of a group...
- 1/10/2025
- by cmoneyspinner
- popgeeks - film


Film LA has issued its permit protocol during the unfolding wildfire crisis, advising that permission granted for shoots in or near evacuation zones before the fires erupted is likely to be revoked.
The not-for-profit organisation said it will deny new applications in or near evacuation zones until local permit authorities instruct otherwise.
Approximately 130,000 people remain under evacuation orders, and theLos Angeles Timesreported that authorities estimate more than 9,000 structures have been destroyed in the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires.
Film LA said beyond the most dangerous areas, filmmakers planning to shoot in any of its jurisdictions must prove that public safety...
The not-for-profit organisation said it will deny new applications in or near evacuation zones until local permit authorities instruct otherwise.
Approximately 130,000 people remain under evacuation orders, and theLos Angeles Timesreported that authorities estimate more than 9,000 structures have been destroyed in the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires.
Film LA said beyond the most dangerous areas, filmmakers planning to shoot in any of its jurisdictions must prove that public safety...
- 1/9/2025
- ScreenDaily

Korean historical thriller Harbin has been acquired for distribution in 117 countries.
Starring Hyun Bin, the film has topped the domestic box office since its release on December 24, grossing over $25M in South Korea through more than 3.8 million admissions.
Cj Enm, which is handling sales for the title, said that Harbin has been picked up for France (The Jokers Films), Spain and Portugal (Youplanet), Australia and New Zealand (K-Movie Entertainment), Poland (9th Planet), Cis (Capella Film) and inflight (Emphasis).
In Asia, Harbin has been sold to Japan (Kadokawa Kplus), Taiwan (Wve), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Philippines (tvnMovies).
Harbin premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September in the Gala Presentations section and was released in the US through Well Go USA on January 3. It has also been released in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The film follows independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun (played by Hyun Bin), set in the early 1900s,...
Starring Hyun Bin, the film has topped the domestic box office since its release on December 24, grossing over $25M in South Korea through more than 3.8 million admissions.
Cj Enm, which is handling sales for the title, said that Harbin has been picked up for France (The Jokers Films), Spain and Portugal (Youplanet), Australia and New Zealand (K-Movie Entertainment), Poland (9th Planet), Cis (Capella Film) and inflight (Emphasis).
In Asia, Harbin has been sold to Japan (Kadokawa Kplus), Taiwan (Wve), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Philippines (tvnMovies).
Harbin premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September in the Gala Presentations section and was released in the US through Well Go USA on January 3. It has also been released in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The film follows independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun (played by Hyun Bin), set in the early 1900s,...
- 1/9/2025
- by Sara Merican
- Deadline Film + TV


Korean historical thriller Harbin, which has led the local box office since its release last month, has been acquired for distribution by 117 countries.
South Korea’s Cj Enm, which handles sales of the feature, revealed that it had been picked up for France (The Jokers Films), Spain and Portugal (Youplanet), Australia and New Zealand (K-Movie Entertainment), Poland (9th Planet), Cis (Capella Film) and inflight (Emphasis).
In Asia, the film has been acquired for Japan (Kadokawa Kplus), Taiwan (Wve), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Philippines (tvnMovies).
Harbin premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in September and was released in the US through...
South Korea’s Cj Enm, which handles sales of the feature, revealed that it had been picked up for France (The Jokers Films), Spain and Portugal (Youplanet), Australia and New Zealand (K-Movie Entertainment), Poland (9th Planet), Cis (Capella Film) and inflight (Emphasis).
In Asia, the film has been acquired for Japan (Kadokawa Kplus), Taiwan (Wve), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Philippines (tvnMovies).
Harbin premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in September and was released in the US through...
- 1/9/2025
- ScreenDaily

The South Korean box office witnessed “Harbin” fortify its dominant position during the weekend of January 3-5, 2025, while “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” made a notable ascent into fourth place.
According to Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council, “Harbin” added KRW4.71 billion ($3.2 million) to its gross, maintaining the top spot with 42% market share and 483,921 admissions. The film, which stars Hyun Bin as a Korean independence activist, now boasts a cumulative total of $23.9 million.
In second place, “The Firefighters” earned $850,366 for a 11.1% market share, contributing to a cumulative total of $22.9 million. The drama, centering on the challenges of South Korean first responders, brought in 129,252 viewers over the weekend.
Debuting in third, “Bogota: City of the Lost” earned $672,000, with an 8.8% market share and 102,979 admissions, and a cumulative total of $2 million, marking a respectable start for the thriller set in Colombia.
Meanwhile, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” climbed to fourth place,...
According to Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council, “Harbin” added KRW4.71 billion ($3.2 million) to its gross, maintaining the top spot with 42% market share and 483,921 admissions. The film, which stars Hyun Bin as a Korean independence activist, now boasts a cumulative total of $23.9 million.
In second place, “The Firefighters” earned $850,366 for a 11.1% market share, contributing to a cumulative total of $22.9 million. The drama, centering on the challenges of South Korean first responders, brought in 129,252 viewers over the weekend.
Debuting in third, “Bogota: City of the Lost” earned $672,000, with an 8.8% market share and 102,979 admissions, and a cumulative total of $2 million, marking a respectable start for the thriller set in Colombia.
Meanwhile, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” climbed to fourth place,...
- 1/6/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV

A scene from the South Korean historical epic Harbin. Courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment
The Korean epic Harbin is billed as historical and biographical, but I don’t know enough to vouch for the accuracy of either. It chronicles a specific plan by Korean resistance fighters against the occupying Japanese forces in late 1909. The focus is on General Ahn (Hyun Bin), who led a successful raid, but made a decision that proved costly to his band of rebels. Most of the running time concerns his next big plan of offense to revitalize the willing patriots.
That first encounter earned him the vicious enmity of defeated Japanese Major Mori (Park Hoon), who then made it his life’s mission to kill Ahn, as an even higher priority than protecting and advancing his country’s goals of annexation and dominance over their neighbor. As in every action film from China or...
The Korean epic Harbin is billed as historical and biographical, but I don’t know enough to vouch for the accuracy of either. It chronicles a specific plan by Korean resistance fighters against the occupying Japanese forces in late 1909. The focus is on General Ahn (Hyun Bin), who led a successful raid, but made a decision that proved costly to his band of rebels. Most of the running time concerns his next big plan of offense to revitalize the willing patriots.
That first encounter earned him the vicious enmity of defeated Japanese Major Mori (Park Hoon), who then made it his life’s mission to kill Ahn, as an even higher priority than protecting and advancing his country’s goals of annexation and dominance over their neighbor. As in every action film from China or...
- 1/3/2025
- by Mark Glass
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com

Woo Min-ho’s historical drama “Harbin” stormed to the top of the South Korean box office for the weekend of Dec. 27-29.
The film, set in 1909, follows Korean independence activists plotting the assassination of Japan’s Prime Minister during their quest for independence. Starring Hyun Bin, Park Jeong-min and Jeon Yeo-been, “Harbin” earned $5.9 million over the weekend, accounting for 55.3% of the total box office with 903,865 admissions. This brings its cumulative earnings to $15.5 million. The box office figures are from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council.
In second place, Kwak Gyeong-Taek’s “The Firefighters” portrays the lives of a dedicated team of firefighters as they confront dangerous situations and personal challenges while striving to protect their community. It secured $1.5 million over the weekend, accounting for 14% of the market share with 233,365 admissions and totaling $20.5 million to date, according to Kobis data.
Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” ranked third,...
The film, set in 1909, follows Korean independence activists plotting the assassination of Japan’s Prime Minister during their quest for independence. Starring Hyun Bin, Park Jeong-min and Jeon Yeo-been, “Harbin” earned $5.9 million over the weekend, accounting for 55.3% of the total box office with 903,865 admissions. This brings its cumulative earnings to $15.5 million. The box office figures are from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council.
In second place, Kwak Gyeong-Taek’s “The Firefighters” portrays the lives of a dedicated team of firefighters as they confront dangerous situations and personal challenges while striving to protect their community. It secured $1.5 million over the weekend, accounting for 14% of the market share with 233,365 admissions and totaling $20.5 million to date, according to Kobis data.
Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” ranked third,...
- 12/30/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV


Worldwide box office December 27-29 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world)Cume (world)3-day (int’l)Cume (int’l)Territories 1. Mufasa: The Lion King (Disney) $114.2m $327.9m $77.1m $214.5m 53 2. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (Paramount) $112m $211.5m $74m $74m 53 3. Moana 2 (Disney) $54.3m $882.5m $36.1m $487.9m 53 4. Wicked (Universal) $33.1m $634.7m $13.6m $210.1m 82 5. Big World (various) $29.2m $29.2m $29.2m $29.2m 1 6. Nosferatu (Universal) $24.1m $43.3m $3m $3m 6 7. Octopus With Broken Arms (various) $21.5m $21.5m $21.5m $21.5m 1 8. A Complete Unknown (Searchlight) $11.6m $23.1m 1 9. Gladiator II (Paramount) $10.1m $435.2m $6m $272.1m 66 10. Harbin (various) $7.4m $7.6m $7.4m $7.5m 2
Credit: Comscore. All figures are estimates.
Broad appeal for ‘Mufasa...
Credit: Comscore. All figures are estimates.
Broad appeal for ‘Mufasa...
- 12/30/2024
- ScreenDaily

Updated: Paramount’s Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is off and running overseas, where the threequel officially began rollout on Wednesday after last week’s sizable previews. Through Sunday, and with previews included, the little critter has amassed $74M from 52 offshore markets. That lifts the global tally to $211.5M; recall that Sonic started domestically last session.
Overall, we’re seeing a healthy holiday frame with family fare the big draw, including Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King (which saw royal holds) and Moana 2 (also holding and closing in on $900M worldwide), as well as Universal’s Wicked which has now become the biggest stage musical adaptation ever globally.
Taking the newest overseas entry first, the Jeff Fowler-directed Sonic 3 raced in with the biggest overseas start of the franchise. On a like-for-like basis, including previews, the $74M launch is is 83% ahead of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
So far, 84% of the...
Overall, we’re seeing a healthy holiday frame with family fare the big draw, including Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King (which saw royal holds) and Moana 2 (also holding and closing in on $900M worldwide), as well as Universal’s Wicked which has now become the biggest stage musical adaptation ever globally.
Taking the newest overseas entry first, the Jeff Fowler-directed Sonic 3 raced in with the biggest overseas start of the franchise. On a like-for-like basis, including previews, the $74M launch is is 83% ahead of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
So far, 84% of the...
- 12/29/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV

Cannes premiering Santosh from Metrograph Pictures joins Neon’s 2073 in limited release with comedy horror Bloody Axe Wound from Rlj Entertainment/Shudder on several hundred screens for the last weekend of the year. Some of the highest profile films from Searchlight Pictures’ A Complete Unknown to Focus Features’ Nosferatu and A24’s Babygirl and more arrived in theaters on Christmas making for a nice cluster of year-end releases. They’re capping a solid run for indie films in 2024’s recovering post-strike box office.
Italian thriller Vermiglio from Sideshow/Janus Films opened 12/25 on one NYC screen (IFC Center) where it stays, adding LA and Chicago Jan 3. Directed and written by Maura Delpero (Maternal). Premiered at Venice. The distributor’s Latvian animated Flow, which has been an awards season phenomenon, is still out on 107 screens and just passed $2 million – making a run for Sideshow’s highest grosser, Drive My Car at $2.35 million.
Italian thriller Vermiglio from Sideshow/Janus Films opened 12/25 on one NYC screen (IFC Center) where it stays, adding LA and Chicago Jan 3. Directed and written by Maura Delpero (Maternal). Premiered at Venice. The distributor’s Latvian animated Flow, which has been an awards season phenomenon, is still out on 107 screens and just passed $2 million – making a run for Sideshow’s highest grosser, Drive My Car at $2.35 million.
- 12/27/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV


‘Harbin’, the highly anticipated historical action film starring Hyun Bin, has taken the Korean box office by storm, surpassing 1 million viewers in a record-breaking two days. This unprecedented success underscores the film’s powerful resonance with audiences, tapping into a deep-seated national sentiment and igniting a wave of patriotic fervor.
Set in 1909, a period of intense Japanese colonial rule in Korea, “Harbin” tells the gripping story of Ahn Jung Geun, a Korean independence activist who dedicated his life to resisting Japanese imperialism. The film masterfully weaves together historical events with thrilling action sequences, creating a cinematic experience that is both emotionally resonant and deeply moving.
Highly Anticipated ‘Harbin’ About Activist Ahn Jung Geun Storms South Korean Box Office To Over 1 Million Viewers In 2 Days
Hyun Bin delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Ahn Jung Geun, capturing the character’s unwavering resolve, his deep-seated patriotism, and his profound sense of duty to his country.
Set in 1909, a period of intense Japanese colonial rule in Korea, “Harbin” tells the gripping story of Ahn Jung Geun, a Korean independence activist who dedicated his life to resisting Japanese imperialism. The film masterfully weaves together historical events with thrilling action sequences, creating a cinematic experience that is both emotionally resonant and deeply moving.
Highly Anticipated ‘Harbin’ About Activist Ahn Jung Geun Storms South Korean Box Office To Over 1 Million Viewers In 2 Days
Hyun Bin delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Ahn Jung Geun, capturing the character’s unwavering resolve, his deep-seated patriotism, and his profound sense of duty to his country.
- 12/26/2024
- by Daniel Babis
- Daily Soap Dish


Disney’s newest movie, Mufasa: The Lion King, has been shown for the first time in several Asian markets. It dominated the box office in China, but it was hard to beat in South Korea.
“Mufasa” made Rmb 56.1 million during its first weekend in China, about $8 million. Thanks to this performance, it passed the local favorite “Her Story,” which had been number one for four weeks. Despite this success, the Chinese box office is experiencing a slowdown overall, with year-to-date numbers down 21.5% compared to 2023.
With $1.6 million in weekend sales, “Mufasa” debuted in second place in South Korea. It made a total of $2.1 million in the first five days. The movie couldn’t beat the local hit “The Firefighters,” which stayed at the top for a third weekend, making $3.3 million for a total of $16.8 million.
How “Mufasa” was received in these important areas shows Hollywood and local films’ competitiveness. Along with Donnie Yen,...
“Mufasa” made Rmb 56.1 million during its first weekend in China, about $8 million. Thanks to this performance, it passed the local favorite “Her Story,” which had been number one for four weeks. Despite this success, the Chinese box office is experiencing a slowdown overall, with year-to-date numbers down 21.5% compared to 2023.
With $1.6 million in weekend sales, “Mufasa” debuted in second place in South Korea. It made a total of $2.1 million in the first five days. The movie couldn’t beat the local hit “The Firefighters,” which stayed at the top for a third weekend, making $3.3 million for a total of $16.8 million.
How “Mufasa” was received in these important areas shows Hollywood and local films’ competitiveness. Along with Donnie Yen,...
- 12/23/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Opens in Second Place at Korea Box Office as ‘The Firefighters’ Stays on Top

Local hit “The Firefighters” continued to lead the South Korean box office above a brace of Disney titles.
In its third weekend, “The Firefighters” remained in the top spot with a $3.3 million gross, 510,975 admissions and a 35.4% market share, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. The film now has a cumulative gross of $16.8 million in the territory. However, the total box office for the top 10 titles remains below $10 million, continuing its sluggish pace.
Directed by Kwak Gyeong-Taek (“A Love”), “The Firefighters” revolves around a fire station in Seoul, where a rookie firefighter joins the Rescue Unit and is quickly sent out on his first mission alongside a seasoned veteran, celebrated for saving many lives. In the chaos of a raging fire, the veteran defies the chief’s orders to withdraw, determined to save an occupant. Though he succeeds in rescuing a young girl,...
In its third weekend, “The Firefighters” remained in the top spot with a $3.3 million gross, 510,975 admissions and a 35.4% market share, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. The film now has a cumulative gross of $16.8 million in the territory. However, the total box office for the top 10 titles remains below $10 million, continuing its sluggish pace.
Directed by Kwak Gyeong-Taek (“A Love”), “The Firefighters” revolves around a fire station in Seoul, where a rookie firefighter joins the Rescue Unit and is quickly sent out on his first mission alongside a seasoned veteran, celebrated for saving many lives. In the chaos of a raging fire, the veteran defies the chief’s orders to withdraw, determined to save an occupant. Though he succeeds in rescuing a young girl,...
- 12/23/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV

Which Shah Rukh Khan Song Did Seventeen’s The8 Perform? (Photo Credit – Instagram)
For those of us who love Bollywood and K-pop, a mashup between the two would be a dream come true. But more often than not, this is just a daydream. Recently, Dua Lipa combined her song Levitating with the evergreen song Woh Ladki from Shah Rukh Khan’s archives, but K-pop fans still dream of their favorites dancing to Hindi songs.
Hold on because you’re in for a treat! If you are a multi-stan or a Carat who loves Seventeen, this news is perfect for you. Did you know that our very own Xu Minghao once danced to an iconic song from Mohabbatein while wearing a peacock suit?
Xu Minghao, Aka The8, Danced To A Shah Rukh Song
The8 from Seventeen left people’s hearts racing when he danced to the Chinese version of Aankhein Khuli...
For those of us who love Bollywood and K-pop, a mashup between the two would be a dream come true. But more often than not, this is just a daydream. Recently, Dua Lipa combined her song Levitating with the evergreen song Woh Ladki from Shah Rukh Khan’s archives, but K-pop fans still dream of their favorites dancing to Hindi songs.
Hold on because you’re in for a treat! If you are a multi-stan or a Carat who loves Seventeen, this news is perfect for you. Did you know that our very own Xu Minghao once danced to an iconic song from Mohabbatein while wearing a peacock suit?
Xu Minghao, Aka The8, Danced To A Shah Rukh Song
The8 from Seventeen left people’s hearts racing when he danced to the Chinese version of Aankhein Khuli...
- 12/19/2024
- by Tanushree Bhowmick
- KoiMoi

Did You Know BTS Jin Once Accidentally Dyed His Hair Purple Before A Show? (Photo Credit – Instagram)
If you are an avid fan of BTS and have been stanning them for a long time, then you know Kim Seokjin, aka Jin, does not listen to anyone! He is his own boss, and there have been many funny incidents where he did not listen to a staff member about something.
Jin, the eldest of the world-famous K-pop band with the most melodious voice, can be one of the funniest members among the seven. One such hilarious instance was when he accidentally created a masterpiece related to his hair colour.
BTS Jin Accidentally Coloured His Hair In The Shades Of The Galaxy
Worldwide Handsome, aka Jin, has always made the headlines by speaking the truth or protecting his members. On his birthday, December 4, Jin made it a happy day for the Army...
If you are an avid fan of BTS and have been stanning them for a long time, then you know Kim Seokjin, aka Jin, does not listen to anyone! He is his own boss, and there have been many funny incidents where he did not listen to a staff member about something.
Jin, the eldest of the world-famous K-pop band with the most melodious voice, can be one of the funniest members among the seven. One such hilarious instance was when he accidentally created a masterpiece related to his hair colour.
BTS Jin Accidentally Coloured His Hair In The Shades Of The Galaxy
Worldwide Handsome, aka Jin, has always made the headlines by speaking the truth or protecting his members. On his birthday, December 4, Jin made it a happy day for the Army...
- 12/19/2024
- by Tanushree Bhowmick
- KoiMoi


Korean filmmaker Kwak Kyung-taek has responded to calls to boycott his latest feature Firefighters, sparked by recent political unrest in the country.
The film has come under fire from an angry public as the director’s brother is Kwak Gyu-taek, a member of South Korea’s People Power Party (Ppp), who failed to attend the parliamentary vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
In a statement, director Kwak said: “Recently, my younger brother, representative Kwak Gyu-taek of the People Power Party, did not participate in the impeachment vote in accordance with the party’s stance, which has led some people to criticise the film Firefighters.
The film has come under fire from an angry public as the director’s brother is Kwak Gyu-taek, a member of South Korea’s People Power Party (Ppp), who failed to attend the parliamentary vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
In a statement, director Kwak said: “Recently, my younger brother, representative Kwak Gyu-taek of the People Power Party, did not participate in the impeachment vote in accordance with the party’s stance, which has led some people to criticise the film Firefighters.
- 12/13/2024
- ScreenDaily


"I must kill that old wolf." Well Go USA has revealed an official US trailer for a Korean historical thriller called Harbin, the latest from director Woo Min-ho. This premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival a few months ago, giving it a chance to shine at a film festival before its debut in theaters in the US & also in Korea this winter. In 1909, several years after Korea is forced into becoming a Japanese colony, freedom fighters plot the daring assassination of Japan’s prime minister during their quest for independence. The film tells the true story of the 1909 assassination of Itō Hirobumi - who was the Prime Minister of Japan and former Resident General of Korea. It's the story of a group of passionate Korean freedom fighters who organized and planned the assassination in opposition to the Japanese rule of Korea. The film stars Hyun Bin, Park Jeong-min, Jo Woo-jin,...
- 12/10/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net

Is Hyun Bin making a comeback with Harbin? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
The South Korean film industry has repeatedly delivered good historical fiction stories. The themes are often about patriotism, valor, freedom struggle, etc. These movies familiarise viewers with the country’s history and transport them to a time when things were starkly different from the present. Actors in the South Korean industry have been well-noted for their roles in period dramas.
Hyun Bin is one of the most celebrated actors in the South Korean film industry. He is known for roles in dramas and movies like Crash Landing on You, Secret Garden, The Negotiator, Confidential Assignment 1 & 2, and The Point Men. Now he is set to return to the screen after pausing Crash Landing on You. He will be seen as the lead in the upcoming historical fiction period drama Harbin. Woo Min Ho, known for movies like Inside Men and The Drug King,...
The South Korean film industry has repeatedly delivered good historical fiction stories. The themes are often about patriotism, valor, freedom struggle, etc. These movies familiarise viewers with the country’s history and transport them to a time when things were starkly different from the present. Actors in the South Korean industry have been well-noted for their roles in period dramas.
Hyun Bin is one of the most celebrated actors in the South Korean film industry. He is known for roles in dramas and movies like Crash Landing on You, Secret Garden, The Negotiator, Confidential Assignment 1 & 2, and The Point Men. Now he is set to return to the screen after pausing Crash Landing on You. He will be seen as the lead in the upcoming historical fiction period drama Harbin. Woo Min Ho, known for movies like Inside Men and The Drug King,...
- 12/8/2024
- by Nandini Iyengar
- KoiMoi

‘Harbin’ To Be Present At Christmas
Poised to be one of the biggest blockbusters of an uneven year for Korean cinema, “Harbin” is finally confirmed to release on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). The movie had its premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival but its distributor and financier Cj Enm chose to hold back the commercial release in its native Korea until the busy end-of-year season.
The period action film follows Korean independence activists who launch a daring attack against the Japanese occupying forces in Manchuria (modern-day China).
It is directed by Woo Min-ho and stars Hyun Bin (“Crash Landing on You”), Park Jeong-min (“Decision to Leave”) and Jeon Yeo-been (“Cobweb”), who were all in action at a press launch event Monday in Seoul.
Apple Cider
Netflix has unveiled a trailer for Australian-produced “Apple Cider Vinegar,” a limited series which it will upload in 2025. The six-part drama chronicles the...
Poised to be one of the biggest blockbusters of an uneven year for Korean cinema, “Harbin” is finally confirmed to release on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). The movie had its premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival but its distributor and financier Cj Enm chose to hold back the commercial release in its native Korea until the busy end-of-year season.
The period action film follows Korean independence activists who launch a daring attack against the Japanese occupying forces in Manchuria (modern-day China).
It is directed by Woo Min-ho and stars Hyun Bin (“Crash Landing on You”), Park Jeong-min (“Decision to Leave”) and Jeon Yeo-been (“Cobweb”), who were all in action at a press launch event Monday in Seoul.
Apple Cider
Netflix has unveiled a trailer for Australian-produced “Apple Cider Vinegar,” a limited series which it will upload in 2025. The six-part drama chronicles the...
- 11/19/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV


South Korea’s Acemaker movieworks has revealed a first look at supernatural thriller Gory: A Horror Tale, which it will introduce to buyers at the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan this weekend.
The film is directed by Hong Won-ki, whose credits include 2020 series Goedam and its spin-off feature Urban Myths, horror anthologies based on popular Korean urban legends that feature K-pop idols.
The cast includes Yoo Jae-myung of period action film Harbin, which premiered at Toronto, and Moon Chae-Won of TV series Payback: Money And Power and features Fengshui and Mood Of The Day.
Also part of the ensemble...
The film is directed by Hong Won-ki, whose credits include 2020 series Goedam and its spin-off feature Urban Myths, horror anthologies based on popular Korean urban legends that feature K-pop idols.
The cast includes Yoo Jae-myung of period action film Harbin, which premiered at Toronto, and Moon Chae-Won of TV series Payback: Money And Power and features Fengshui and Mood Of The Day.
Also part of the ensemble...
- 10/4/2024
- ScreenDaily


South Korea’s Acemaker movieworks is set to launch international sales on horror thriller Gory: A Horror Tale and romantic comedy Dreams Of You at the upcoming Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan.
Gory: A Horror Tale is directed by Hong Won-ki, whose credits include 2020 series Goedam and its spin-off feature Urban Myths, horror anthologies based on popular Korean urban legends that feature K-pop idols.
The feature stars Yoo Jae-Myung of period action film Harbin, which premiered earlier this month at Toronto, and Moon Chae-Won of TV series Payback: Money And Power and features Fengshui and Mood Of The Day.
Gory: A Horror Tale is directed by Hong Won-ki, whose credits include 2020 series Goedam and its spin-off feature Urban Myths, horror anthologies based on popular Korean urban legends that feature K-pop idols.
The feature stars Yoo Jae-Myung of period action film Harbin, which premiered earlier this month at Toronto, and Moon Chae-Won of TV series Payback: Money And Power and features Fengshui and Mood Of The Day.
- 9/24/2024
- ScreenDaily

This year, Toronto International Film Festival was back. TIFF typically kicks off the North American fall festival season alongside Telluride, but it has had a rocky past couple of years. The pandemic in 2020 put a temporary pause on in-person festivities, and 2021-2022 featured a tentative rollout of hybrid festivities. Though 2023 committed to total in-person attendance, the SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 limited the amount of American celebrity presence on the red carpet; festival buzz too had been similarly muted. This year’s edition, however, witnessed the famed festival in full swing. With 278 films in this year’s programming, the 2024 edition of TIFF was jam-packed with Berlin/Cannes favorites, Awards season’s to-be-darlings, and of course, a good chunk of independent cinema.
Among the Asian cinema contenders, Korean and Taiwanese cinema have held an especially strong presence this year. There were nine Korean and Korean-adjacent entries – almost 100% more than in 2022, when there were...
Among the Asian cinema contenders, Korean and Taiwanese cinema have held an especially strong presence this year. There were nine Korean and Korean-adjacent entries – almost 100% more than in 2022, when there were...
- 9/23/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse

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Korean cinema returns to the Toronto International Film Festival with director Woo Min-ho's latest effort Harbin, starring Hyun Bin as the Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun. The period piece, which is told as a spy thriller, follows Jeung-geun's planned assassination of It Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea. Aside from the gorgeous visuals, the story rests on the tenacity of Korea's Righteous Army in the face of their oppressor's onslaught of colonization.
Hyun Bin leads an all-star cast in Harbin, including Decision To Leave's Park Jeong-min, Jo Woo-jin, Vincenzo's Jeon Yeo-been, Yoo Jae-myung, and the perennially popular Lee Dong-wook in a memorable special appearance. Hyun himself has been at the top of the Korean entertainment industry for two decades, ever since he first skyrocketed to fame with the Bridget Jones' Diary-esque drama My Lovely Sam Soon. More recently, he made...
Korean cinema returns to the Toronto International Film Festival with director Woo Min-ho's latest effort Harbin, starring Hyun Bin as the Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun. The period piece, which is told as a spy thriller, follows Jeung-geun's planned assassination of It Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea. Aside from the gorgeous visuals, the story rests on the tenacity of Korea's Righteous Army in the face of their oppressor's onslaught of colonization.
Hyun Bin leads an all-star cast in Harbin, including Decision To Leave's Park Jeong-min, Jo Woo-jin, Vincenzo's Jeon Yeo-been, Yoo Jae-myung, and the perennially popular Lee Dong-wook in a memorable special appearance. Hyun himself has been at the top of the Korean entertainment industry for two decades, ever since he first skyrocketed to fame with the Bridget Jones' Diary-esque drama My Lovely Sam Soon. More recently, he made...
- 9/16/2024
- by Tatiana Hullender
- ScreenRant

In the early 1900s, Korea found itself occupied by Japanese forces and embroiled in a fight for independence. Director Woo Min-ho’s film Harbin shines a light on this volatile period through the eyes of revolutionary Ahn Jung-geun. Played by renowned Korean actor Hyun Bin, Jung-geun is a commander in the Independence Army struggling to free his homeland. After a costly battle, he forms a desperate plan: travel incognito to Russia and assassinate Hirobumi Ito, Japan’s powerful prime minister.
This forms the basis of the intricate plot that Woo Min-ho weaves. But beyond recounting Jung-geun’s mission, the film also aims to convey the turmoil of the era. Scenes depict the brutality of clashes between Korean rebels and Japanese troops. We see how Jung-geun’s compassionate release of enemies earns distrust from his own allies. And as the assassination scheme launches, creeping paranoia sets in over a suspected mole within their ranks.
This forms the basis of the intricate plot that Woo Min-ho weaves. But beyond recounting Jung-geun’s mission, the film also aims to convey the turmoil of the era. Scenes depict the brutality of clashes between Korean rebels and Japanese troops. We see how Jung-geun’s compassionate release of enemies earns distrust from his own allies. And as the assassination scheme launches, creeping paranoia sets in over a suspected mole within their ranks.
- 9/16/2024
- by Shahrbanoo Golmohamadi
- Gazettely

A visually striking period drama from Woo Min-ho, “Harbin” follows Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin) as he plans the assassination of Japan’s Prime Minister in 1909, shortly after Korea’s annexation. The ploy involves numerous trains and several moving parts, resulting in a gripping last act that makes for a wonderful historical imagining. En route to this engaging climax, Woo also introduces a mystery element that keeps the wheels of the story turning, even when it may not have enough steam.
Woo’s eye-popping vistas stand out right from the start, during lonely shots of Ahn traversing an icy hellscape. Context is eventually added to this scene of wandering, just as it’s added to the lives of Ahn and his fellow freedom fighters. The events that led them to the movie’s central scheme, and those that cause mistrust between them, are depicted in stark and ugly detail,...
Woo’s eye-popping vistas stand out right from the start, during lonely shots of Ahn traversing an icy hellscape. Context is eventually added to this scene of wandering, just as it’s added to the lives of Ahn and his fellow freedom fighters. The events that led them to the movie’s central scheme, and those that cause mistrust between them, are depicted in stark and ugly detail,...
- 9/16/2024
- by Siddhant Adlakha
- Variety Film + TV

“Harbin,” the South Korean spy action thriller that debuted this week at the Toronto International Film Festival, has been picked up for North American release.
Well Go USA, a specialty distributor which has a long track record of handling commercial film titles from Asia, has licensed the rights for the U.S. and Cananda. It has confirmed to Variety that it will give the film a theatrical release, but did not confirm a schedule.
Directed by Woo Min-ho, who previously helmed 2015 hit “Inside Men” and “The Man Standing Next,” the film dramatizes pivotal events in the arduous struggle for Korean sovereignty.
In 1905, Japan forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty, stripping the nation of its diplomatic rights and reducing the entire Korean peninsula to a Japanese colony. By 1909, when “Harbin” begins, Korea’s small but tenacious Righteous Army militia is deep into a campaign of armed resistance against the Japanese.
Well Go USA, a specialty distributor which has a long track record of handling commercial film titles from Asia, has licensed the rights for the U.S. and Cananda. It has confirmed to Variety that it will give the film a theatrical release, but did not confirm a schedule.
Directed by Woo Min-ho, who previously helmed 2015 hit “Inside Men” and “The Man Standing Next,” the film dramatizes pivotal events in the arduous struggle for Korean sovereignty.
In 1905, Japan forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty, stripping the nation of its diplomatic rights and reducing the entire Korean peninsula to a Japanese colony. By 1909, when “Harbin” begins, Korea’s small but tenacious Righteous Army militia is deep into a campaign of armed resistance against the Japanese.
- 9/13/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV

Song Kang-ho, star of Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” will headline a series adaptation of hit film “Inside Men.”
The project was revealed on Thursday by producer Hive Media Corp. which said that the show is in the early stages of pre-production. Cameras are expected to roll in 2025.
No broadcaster or streamer has yet been attached.
The 2015 film was a political thriller that was adapted from an incomplete webtoon, penned by Yoon Tae-ho called “The Insiders” and which was published 2010-2012 in the Hankyoreh newspaper.
The webtoon featured a political bruiser, played by Lee Byung-hun in the film, who seeks revenge after being ruined by politicians and the media. Directed and written by Woo Min-ho, the film added other elements including a prosecutor (portrayed by Cho Sueng-woo), a presidential candidate Portrayed by Lee Gyeong-young) and a newspaper editor (portrayed by Baek Yoon-sik).
The series, which will be directed by Mo Wan-il (“The World of the Married...
The project was revealed on Thursday by producer Hive Media Corp. which said that the show is in the early stages of pre-production. Cameras are expected to roll in 2025.
No broadcaster or streamer has yet been attached.
The 2015 film was a political thriller that was adapted from an incomplete webtoon, penned by Yoon Tae-ho called “The Insiders” and which was published 2010-2012 in the Hankyoreh newspaper.
The webtoon featured a political bruiser, played by Lee Byung-hun in the film, who seeks revenge after being ruined by politicians and the media. Directed and written by Woo Min-ho, the film added other elements including a prosecutor (portrayed by Cho Sueng-woo), a presidential candidate Portrayed by Lee Gyeong-young) and a newspaper editor (portrayed by Baek Yoon-sik).
The series, which will be directed by Mo Wan-il (“The World of the Married...
- 9/12/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV

This review may contain spoilers.
Of the nine Korea-centered stories this year, Woo Min-ho’s blockbuster “Harbin” stands out in this year’s Toronto International Film Festival line-up. For the film’s world premiere, the Gala Presentation filled the Roy Thomson Hall to the brim. For each time visiting talent – including none other than Lee Dong-wook and Hyun Bin himself – walked along the aisles, squeals and stray “Saranghae’s” rippled through the crowd. Needless to say, the excitement in the air was palpable.
Harbin is screening at Toronto International Film Festival
The film itself was not as brilliant as its festival sheen, however. “Harbin” revives the Korean independence hero, Ahn Jung-geun (reincarnated through Hyun Bin) in early 20th century Manchuria. Ahn, alongside a group of dedicated independence militia the Righteous Army, plots to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea who totally annexed Korea to the Japanese Imperial Army.
Of the nine Korea-centered stories this year, Woo Min-ho’s blockbuster “Harbin” stands out in this year’s Toronto International Film Festival line-up. For the film’s world premiere, the Gala Presentation filled the Roy Thomson Hall to the brim. For each time visiting talent – including none other than Lee Dong-wook and Hyun Bin himself – walked along the aisles, squeals and stray “Saranghae’s” rippled through the crowd. Needless to say, the excitement in the air was palpable.
Harbin is screening at Toronto International Film Festival
The film itself was not as brilliant as its festival sheen, however. “Harbin” revives the Korean independence hero, Ahn Jung-geun (reincarnated through Hyun Bin) in early 20th century Manchuria. Ahn, alongside a group of dedicated independence militia the Righteous Army, plots to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea who totally annexed Korea to the Japanese Imperial Army.
- 9/10/2024
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse

Cinema box office in South Korea amounted to a dismal $5.45 million over the weekend, propelling “Alien: Romulus” back to top spot, despite the film’s steep week-on-week decline. Among new releases there was joy for a Korean-produced panda documentary and disappointment for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
“Alien: Romulus” earned $905,000 between Friday and Sunday, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. That represented a 45% week-on-week decline and market share of less than 17%, but it pushed the horror franchise title to a $14.0 million cumulative since releasing on Aug. 14.
Early September has historically been a weak spot on the calendar for Korean cinema business as the summer season fades out and the biggest local titles delay their releases until the Chuseok (or Korean thanksgiving) holiday season towards the end of the month. The latest Friday-Sunday aggregate followed that seasonal pattern and represented the third weakest weekend haul of the year.
“Alien: Romulus” earned $905,000 between Friday and Sunday, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. That represented a 45% week-on-week decline and market share of less than 17%, but it pushed the horror franchise title to a $14.0 million cumulative since releasing on Aug. 14.
Early September has historically been a weak spot on the calendar for Korean cinema business as the summer season fades out and the biggest local titles delay their releases until the Chuseok (or Korean thanksgiving) holiday season towards the end of the month. The latest Friday-Sunday aggregate followed that seasonal pattern and represented the third weakest weekend haul of the year.
- 9/9/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV

Exclusive: Although Korean star Hyun Bin first hesitated to take on the role of Korean independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun in Harbin, he knew deep down that he could not pass up such a rare opportunity.
Director Woo Min-ho tried three times before he managed to convince Hyun to take on the leading role. Woo understood Hyun’s hesitation, given the magnitude of Ahn’s stature in Korean history.
“It isn’t easy as an actor to accept the offer to play the role of Ahn Jung-geun, because Koreans have their own ideas and thoughts about him as a patriotic martyr,” Hyun told Deadline. “I knew that playing Ahn wouldn’t be an easy task and it took a lot of courage. But after discussing with the director, I thought about how there might not be a lot of opportunities to play a great hero of Korean history, and that it...
Director Woo Min-ho tried three times before he managed to convince Hyun to take on the leading role. Woo understood Hyun’s hesitation, given the magnitude of Ahn’s stature in Korean history.
“It isn’t easy as an actor to accept the offer to play the role of Ahn Jung-geun, because Koreans have their own ideas and thoughts about him as a patriotic martyr,” Hyun told Deadline. “I knew that playing Ahn wouldn’t be an easy task and it took a lot of courage. But after discussing with the director, I thought about how there might not be a lot of opportunities to play a great hero of Korean history, and that it...
- 9/8/2024
- by Sara Merican
- Deadline Film + TV

Fall festival season picked up this last week with Venice and Telluride, and now Toronto is just around the corner, from 5-15 September 2024. This year, we’re seeing an exciting number of festival-favorite auteurs return, including Jia Zhang-ke (“Caught with the Wind”), Kiyoshi Kurosawa (“Cloud”), Mohammad Rassoulof (“The Seed of the Sacred Fig”), and Hong Sang-soo (“By the Stream”). For those who are in Toronto and are interested in the older classics, TIFF Classics offers some delectable 4k restorations of South Asian and Iranian selects this year, including Raj Kapoor‘s classic “Awara” (1951) and Sohrab Shahid Saless‘ “Time of Maturity” (1976).
In addition to these, genre films seem to make up a healthy number of Asian selections this year. Korean blockbuster star Hyun-bin returns in Woo Min-ho’s latest historical spy movie, “Harbin,” and Tumpbal Tampubolon‘s “Crocodile Tears” promises a “slow-burning suspense thriller.” Three of the infamously-campy Midnight Madness screenings...
In addition to these, genre films seem to make up a healthy number of Asian selections this year. Korean blockbuster star Hyun-bin returns in Woo Min-ho’s latest historical spy movie, “Harbin,” and Tumpbal Tampubolon‘s “Crocodile Tears” promises a “slow-burning suspense thriller.” Three of the infamously-campy Midnight Madness screenings...
- 9/3/2024
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse

Two of South Korea’s biggest male stars Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung will go head-to-head in “Made in Korea,” an upcoming crime series.
Set in the turbulent 1970s, “Made in Korea” is a crime thriller about Kitae, a man consumed with a desire for wealth and power, and Geonyoung, a stalwart prosecutor that stands in his way. Constantly at loggerheads, the pair find themselves involved in an era-defining incident that will forever change their futures.
The show stars Hyun Bin as Kitae, and Jung as Geonyoung. Other cast members include: Won Ji-an, Seo Eun-soo, Cho Yeo-jeong and Jung Sung-il.
The screenplay was written by Park Eun-kyo and Park Joon-seok (“A Normal Family”) and is directed by Woo Min-ho. Production is by Hive Media Corp., which was previously responsible for feature films “Inside Men,” “The Man Standing Next,” “12.12 The Day” (aka “Seoul Spring”).
For Woo, it is his first TV series as director.
Set in the turbulent 1970s, “Made in Korea” is a crime thriller about Kitae, a man consumed with a desire for wealth and power, and Geonyoung, a stalwart prosecutor that stands in his way. Constantly at loggerheads, the pair find themselves involved in an era-defining incident that will forever change their futures.
The show stars Hyun Bin as Kitae, and Jung as Geonyoung. Other cast members include: Won Ji-an, Seo Eun-soo, Cho Yeo-jeong and Jung Sung-il.
The screenplay was written by Park Eun-kyo and Park Joon-seok (“A Normal Family”) and is directed by Woo Min-ho. Production is by Hive Media Corp., which was previously responsible for feature films “Inside Men,” “The Man Standing Next,” “12.12 The Day” (aka “Seoul Spring”).
For Woo, it is his first TV series as director.
- 8/30/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV

Two of Korea’s A-listers, Hyun Bin and Jung Woosung, are set to appear in Disney+ original Made in Korea. The series will premiere next year.
Set in the turbulent 1970s, crime thriller Made in Korea follows Kitae, a man consumed with a desire for wealth and power, and Geonyoung, a stalwart prosecutor that stands in his way. Constantly at loggerheads, the pair find themselves involved in an era-defining incident that will forever change their futures.
Hyun Bin, who has starred in hits like Crash Landing On You and Confidential Assignment, will play the role of Kitae. After featuring in 12.12: The Day and Hunt, Jung will play the role of Geonyoung.
Made in Korea will be director Woo Min-ho’s first series. He also recently collaborated with Hyun Bin on biographical period film Harbin, which will premiere in the Gala section of the Toronto International Film Festival on September...
Set in the turbulent 1970s, crime thriller Made in Korea follows Kitae, a man consumed with a desire for wealth and power, and Geonyoung, a stalwart prosecutor that stands in his way. Constantly at loggerheads, the pair find themselves involved in an era-defining incident that will forever change their futures.
Hyun Bin, who has starred in hits like Crash Landing On You and Confidential Assignment, will play the role of Kitae. After featuring in 12.12: The Day and Hunt, Jung will play the role of Geonyoung.
Made in Korea will be director Woo Min-ho’s first series. He also recently collaborated with Hyun Bin on biographical period film Harbin, which will premiere in the Gala section of the Toronto International Film Festival on September...
- 8/29/2024
- by Sara Merican
- Deadline Film + TV


In 1905, Japan forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty, stripping the nation of its diplomatic rights and reducing the entire peninsula to a Japanese colony. By 1909, when Harbin begins, Korea's small but tenacious Righteous Army militia is deep into a campaign of armed resistance against the Japanese. After emerging as the sole survivor of an especially bloody skirmish, Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin) heads an operation to assassinate Itō Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea and a key symbol of violent colonial oppression. [Source: Toronto International Film Festival]
Woo Min-ho (Inside Men) directs a biographical historical thriller showcasing pivotal events and freedom fighters in the arduous struggle for Korean sovereignty. Starring Hyun Bin, Jeon Yeo-been and Park Jeong-min (TIFF '22's Decision to Leave), Harbin will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024.
Woo Min-ho (Inside Men) directs a biographical historical thriller showcasing pivotal events and freedom fighters in the arduous struggle for Korean sovereignty. Starring Hyun Bin, Jeon Yeo-been and Park Jeong-min (TIFF '22's Decision to Leave), Harbin will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024.
- 8/15/2024
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse


The Toronto Film Festival has unveiled speakers for its 2024 edition next month, to include discussions with Cate Blanchett, Zoe Saldaña and Steven Soderbergh.
Blanchett will be in Toronto along with two of her latest projects: Alfonso Cuarón’s TV series Disclaimer and Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson and Guy Maddin’s Rumours, which bowed in Cannes. The star of Tár, Blue Jasmine, Carol and Elizabeth will also be honored in Toronto with a Tribute Award, while also participating in the In Conversation With … event.
TIFF lineup speakers tend to have films in Toronto’s official lineup. Saldaña is also bringing to Toronto her star turn in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, while Soderbergh will be in Toronto to present Presence, his ghost tale starring Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan.
Elsewhere, Korean stars Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook will talk about about their respective careers in the Korean film and television industry...
Blanchett will be in Toronto along with two of her latest projects: Alfonso Cuarón’s TV series Disclaimer and Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson and Guy Maddin’s Rumours, which bowed in Cannes. The star of Tár, Blue Jasmine, Carol and Elizabeth will also be honored in Toronto with a Tribute Award, while also participating in the In Conversation With … event.
TIFF lineup speakers tend to have films in Toronto’s official lineup. Saldaña is also bringing to Toronto her star turn in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, while Soderbergh will be in Toronto to present Presence, his ghost tale starring Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan.
Elsewhere, Korean stars Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook will talk about about their respective careers in the Korean film and television industry...
- 8/13/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News


The Toronto Film Festival has turned up the star power for its 49th edition, having added the latest movies from Alicia Vikander, Lupita Nyong’o, Steve Coogan, Ralph Fiennes, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, Lily James and Riz Ahmed.
For the Gala section at Roy Thomson Hall, there’s world bows for two music specials: the Andrea Bocelli biopic Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe, a doc about the Italian tenor by director Cosima Spender; and Thom Zimny’s Bruce Springsteen doc for Disney+ and Hulu, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Zimny was in Toronto last year with his Sylvester Stallone documentary Sly for Netflix.
TIFF will also give a first look to Uberto Pasolini’s historical epic The Return, with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche reteaming after The English Patient. And there’s gala world premieres for Peter Cattaneo’s The Penguin Lessons, toplined by Steve Coogan and...
For the Gala section at Roy Thomson Hall, there’s world bows for two music specials: the Andrea Bocelli biopic Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe, a doc about the Italian tenor by director Cosima Spender; and Thom Zimny’s Bruce Springsteen doc for Disney+ and Hulu, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Zimny was in Toronto last year with his Sylvester Stallone documentary Sly for Netflix.
TIFF will also give a first look to Uberto Pasolini’s historical epic The Return, with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche reteaming after The English Patient. And there’s gala world premieres for Peter Cattaneo’s The Penguin Lessons, toplined by Steve Coogan and...
- 7/22/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News


The 49th Toronto International Film Festival is set to run from September 5th to the 15th, 2024, and with those dates swiftly approaching, the festival has just revealed their first wave of titles and honorees (both via The Hollywood Reporter).
The film line-up includes “the world premiere of R.J. Culter’s new documentary Elton John: Never Too Late about the legendary British singer; the Korean drama Harbin from director Woo Min-ho (Inside Men) starring Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min, and Jeon Yeo-been; Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck, a genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz, adapted from the Stephen King short story, and starring Jacob Tremblay, David Dastmalchian and Tom Hiddleston; Netflix’s Rez Ball, a coming-of-age tale about Indigenous basketball, directed by Sydney Freeland and produced by LeBron James; the world premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s animated feature The Wild Robot,...
The film line-up includes “the world premiere of R.J. Culter’s new documentary Elton John: Never Too Late about the legendary British singer; the Korean drama Harbin from director Woo Min-ho (Inside Men) starring Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min, and Jeon Yeo-been; Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck, a genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz, adapted from the Stephen King short story, and starring Jacob Tremblay, David Dastmalchian and Tom Hiddleston; Netflix’s Rez Ball, a coming-of-age tale about Indigenous basketball, directed by Sydney Freeland and produced by LeBron James; the world premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s animated feature The Wild Robot,...
- 6/18/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com

The Toronto Film Festival on Tuesday announced the first six titles set to make their world premieres at the 49th edition, in the Gala and Special Presentation program, also naming this year’s TIFF Tribute Award recipients.
Films selected thus far include R.J. Cutler and David Furnish’s Disney+ doc Elton John: Never Too Late, Woo Min-ho’s Harbin, Mike Flanagan’s Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck, Marielle Heller’s Amy Adams-led dark comedy Nightbitch, Netflix’s Indigenous coming-of-age basketball film Rez Ball from Sydney Freeland, and DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot.
“We know the TIFF audience has been eagerly anticipating what films will be coming to Toronto this September, and today’s announcement is a snapshot of what’s to come this year: a wonderfully wide range of titles that span genres and generations, with discoveries for everyone,” said the festival’s Chief Programming Officer,...
Films selected thus far include R.J. Cutler and David Furnish’s Disney+ doc Elton John: Never Too Late, Woo Min-ho’s Harbin, Mike Flanagan’s Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck, Marielle Heller’s Amy Adams-led dark comedy Nightbitch, Netflix’s Indigenous coming-of-age basketball film Rez Ball from Sydney Freeland, and DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot.
“We know the TIFF audience has been eagerly anticipating what films will be coming to Toronto this September, and today’s announcement is a snapshot of what’s to come this year: a wonderfully wide range of titles that span genres and generations, with discoveries for everyone,” said the festival’s Chief Programming Officer,...
- 6/18/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV


The Toronto Film Festival has unveiled its first titles for its upcoming 2024 edition, leading off with world premieres for Elton John: Never Too Late, Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck and Marielle Heller’s Nightbitch, the latter which stars Amy Adams as a stay-at-home-mom whose domestic life takes a surreal turn.
The Life of Chuck is based on the 2020 Stephen King short story of the same name. Toronto, set to run this year from Sept. 5 to 15, also plans career honors for David Cronenberg and Adams as part of its Tribute Awards.
The Elton John doc, from director David Furnish and R.J. Cutler, is set for the gala program at Roy Thomson Hall, as is a world premiere for South Korean director Woo Min-ho’s Harbin — which stars Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min and Jeon Yeo-been — and Chris Sanders’ The Wild Robot from DreamWorks Animation.
The Wild Robot is...
The Life of Chuck is based on the 2020 Stephen King short story of the same name. Toronto, set to run this year from Sept. 5 to 15, also plans career honors for David Cronenberg and Adams as part of its Tribute Awards.
The Elton John doc, from director David Furnish and R.J. Cutler, is set for the gala program at Roy Thomson Hall, as is a world premiere for South Korean director Woo Min-ho’s Harbin — which stars Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min and Jeon Yeo-been — and Chris Sanders’ The Wild Robot from DreamWorks Animation.
The Wild Robot is...
- 6/18/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News


Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has made its first 2024 line-up announcements, setting world premieres for six films including Marielle Heller’s dark comedy Nightbitch starring Amy Adams, DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, and documentary Elton John: Never Too Late.
Also heading to the 49th edition of TIFF, which runs September 5-15, 2024, are Stephen King adaptation The Life Of Chuck starring Tom Hiddleston, South Korean spy thriller Harbin, and coming-of-age Indigenous basketball film Rez Ball produced by LeBron James.
R.J. Cutler and Elton John’s husband David Furnish co-direct Elton John: Never Too Late, which screens as a Gala presentation...
Also heading to the 49th edition of TIFF, which runs September 5-15, 2024, are Stephen King adaptation The Life Of Chuck starring Tom Hiddleston, South Korean spy thriller Harbin, and coming-of-age Indigenous basketball film Rez Ball produced by LeBron James.
R.J. Cutler and Elton John’s husband David Furnish co-direct Elton John: Never Too Late, which screens as a Gala presentation...
- 6/18/2024
- ScreenDaily

TIFF is almost underway!
The film festival has unveiled part of its film lineup along with the first honorees for the sixth annual Tribute Awards, taking place Sunday, September 8. Meanwhile, “Nightbitch” starring Amy Adams will have its world premiere at the festival, with Oscar-nominated actress Adams receiving the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. The festival will take place from September 5 through 15. Six titles from the gala and special presentation programs were also announced.
Elton John documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late” will debut, along with “Harbin” starring Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min, and Jeon Yeo-been. Marielle Heller’s aforementioned “Nightbitch” will be unveiled, as well as Stephen King’s “The Life of Chuck” starring Tom Hiddleston. LeBron James produces Indigenous basketball coming-of-age film “Rez Ball,” and animated film “The Wild Robot” will screen with Lupita Nyong’o voicing the titular android.
The 11-day celebration also hosts the annual Tribute Awards. This year,...
The film festival has unveiled part of its film lineup along with the first honorees for the sixth annual Tribute Awards, taking place Sunday, September 8. Meanwhile, “Nightbitch” starring Amy Adams will have its world premiere at the festival, with Oscar-nominated actress Adams receiving the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. The festival will take place from September 5 through 15. Six titles from the gala and special presentation programs were also announced.
Elton John documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late” will debut, along with “Harbin” starring Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min, and Jeon Yeo-been. Marielle Heller’s aforementioned “Nightbitch” will be unveiled, as well as Stephen King’s “The Life of Chuck” starring Tom Hiddleston. LeBron James produces Indigenous basketball coming-of-age film “Rez Ball,” and animated film “The Wild Robot” will screen with Lupita Nyong’o voicing the titular android.
The 11-day celebration also hosts the annual Tribute Awards. This year,...
- 6/18/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire


The Toronto Film Festival unveiled its first raft of titles for its 49th edition in September, presenting a lineup that will include the world premiere of R.J. Culter and David Furnish’s new documentary Elton John: Never Too Late about the legendary British singer; the Korean drama Harbin from director Woo Min-ho (Inside Men) starring Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min, and Jeon Yeo-been; and Nightbitch, a horror comedy from director Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, The Diary of a Teenage Girl) starring Amy Adams as a stay-at-home mom whose life takes a surreal turn. Adams will also be honored this year with the TIFF Tribute Performer Award for her life’s work.
“We know the TIFF audience has been eagerly anticipating what films will be coming to Toronto this September, and today’s announcement is a perfect snapshot of what’s to come this year,” said Anita Lee,...
“We know the TIFF audience has been eagerly anticipating what films will be coming to Toronto this September, and today’s announcement is a perfect snapshot of what’s to come this year,” said Anita Lee,...
- 6/18/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News

Geng Zihan has just won Best Director in the Fei Mu Awards of Pingyao International Film Festival for her debut feature, A Song Sung Blue, a coming-of-age tale set in Harbin in northeast China.
The film, which premiered in Directors Fortnight at this year’s Cannes film festival, is produced by Jane Zheng with backing from Liang Jing and Guan Hu’s Seventh Art Pictures. Zheng’s producing credits include Lulu Wang’s The Farewell, starring Awkwafina, and Cathy Yan’s Dead Pigs.
Written by Liu Yining, the story revolves around a teenage girl, Liu Xian, who is left with her father for the summer when her mother gets a job in Africa. While her father is more interested in his relationship with the receptionist at his photography studio, Liu Xian strikes up a friendship with the receptionist’s daughter, Mingmei – a glamorous older girl who is training to be...
The film, which premiered in Directors Fortnight at this year’s Cannes film festival, is produced by Jane Zheng with backing from Liang Jing and Guan Hu’s Seventh Art Pictures. Zheng’s producing credits include Lulu Wang’s The Farewell, starring Awkwafina, and Cathy Yan’s Dead Pigs.
Written by Liu Yining, the story revolves around a teenage girl, Liu Xian, who is left with her father for the summer when her mother gets a job in Africa. While her father is more interested in his relationship with the receptionist at his photography studio, Liu Xian strikes up a friendship with the receptionist’s daughter, Mingmei – a glamorous older girl who is training to be...
- 10/18/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
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