[INTERVIEW] Hyun Bin: Son Ye-jin and my son are my top priorities in life

Returning to big screen with 'Harbin,' actor says he felt great pressure playing Ahn Jung-geun

By KTimes

For actor Hyun Bin, "Harbin" is a film that holds great significance. The day after the traditional ceremonial warship for the project, his second child was born. Now a father, Hyun Bin said that his wife, Son Ye-jin, and their son are tied as the top priority in his life.

In a recent interview at a cafe in Seoul, Hyun Bin talked about his family life and his upcoming film, "Harbin."

Set in 1909, the period drama centers on Korean independence fighters, led by Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910), as they plan and carry out the assassination of Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister and resident-general of Korea, at Harbin Station. The event unfolds just prior to Japan's annexation of Korea.

Reflecting on how his life has changed since becoming a father, Hyun Bin said, "Getting married and having a child has changed so much. My thoughts and responsibilities have shifted. I used to live with myself at the center, but now, my child and my wife have become the center of my life." He added, "My son and Son Ye-jin are my top priorities, and I'm second."

When asked about his Japanese fans, who greatly admire him due to the hit drama "Crash Landing on You," and the concerns they might have regarding his role in the period film, Hyun Bin said, "There were many worries about whether this was the right choice." Yet, he felt the project carried deep meaning.

"Not just with 'Harbin,' but historical stories like this, when made into films, remind us of things we may have forgotten and make us feel gratitude again," he said.

Hyun Bin said that filmmaker Woo Min-ho wanted to capture the journey leading to Ahn Jung-geun's historic mission.

"The movie starts with the question: What might the hidden side of independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun have been like? It explores the groundwork rather than ending with a climactic resolution," Hyun Bin said. "It portrays the journey and efforts of independence fighters while encouraging the audience to take their own steps forward."

Walking in the shoes of independence fighters

Hyun Bin described his portrayal of Ahn as “a man who faced repeated failures before his mission.” True to his words, the film focuses deeply on Ahn’s unwavering resolve as he perseveres through despair toward a single goal.

The actor brings the character to life with striking contrasts — sometimes with long hair and a scruffy beard, other times as a lone figure, shrouded in despair as he hides in a room sobbing. Yet, through it all, he embodies Ahn’s relentless determination to accomplish his mission.

Hyun Bin reflected on a scene set on a vast frozen lake, where he experienced the unsettling sounds echoing beneath his feet.

“When you’re actually there, standing on the ice, it makes these eerie noises. Walking across it alone, the sound creates a sense of fear,” he said. “I imagine their journey to an unknown destination must have been incredibly lonely, desolate and cold.”

However, portraying such a significant historical figure came with immense pressure.

"I couldn't fully overcome the pressure, even after filming ended," Hyun Bin said. "The weight of Ahn Jung-geun’s presence and importance is enormous, and I still feel some of that pressure. It was even heavier during filming. When we wrapped up, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief."

Balancing family and work

Hyun Bin described how "Harbin" became a memorable project for him not only because of its story but also because of personal milestones. "We held the ceremonial worship for the film, and the next day, my son was born. I've started doing more for my child than I ever did for myself."

Hyun Bin recently appeared on the variety show "You Quiz on the Block," marking his return to entertainment shows after 13 years.

"I’m not used to talking about myself. I prefer listening. I’ve avoided variety shows because I’m not comfortable sharing my stories for long periods. But I thought fans might enjoy it if I appeared once, so I decided to do it," he said.

Like the message of "Harbin," Hyun Bin is steadily moving forward, step by step. "I try hard to express the things I’ve come to understand. Appearing on 'You Quiz on the Block' was part of that effort," he said.

Set to premiere on Tuesday, "Harbin" was filmed over six months across Mongolia, Latvia and Korea, with a production budget of 30 billion won ($22 million).

"Harbin" is topping the overall reservation rate on the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system for nine consecutive days and surpassing 400,000 presale tickets ahead of its release.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.