The streaming giant won a competitive bidding process to secure the series
Scores of movie fans waited for hours outside the Toronto premier of Harbin on Sunday, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lee Dong-Wook and Hyun Bin, the Korean stars paired for the first time in this historical drama.
Their patience was rewarded with red carpet appearances by both actors, who are identified with the surge in popularity of Korean culture around the world.
"It is my first time here, and I am so thankful and so happy to see my fans here," Lee said. It is also the first TIFF screening of a movie featuring the actor, who is perhaps best known for his breakout drama hit My Girl.
Harbin is about the small but courageous resistance army which fought to free Korea from Japanese oppressive rule in the early 20th century. The struggle brings the freedom fighters to the city of Harbin in China's frozen northeast, where they carry out a plan to assassinate Japan's first prime minister.
Harbin is directed by Woo Min-ho, whose credits include The Man Standing Next, South Korea’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Academy Awards.
Outside the Toronto screening, a 26-year-old fan named Angelah said she grew up watching K-dramas and being influenced by Korean films, K-pop, and Korean culture. For her, seeing the actors at TIFF made her realise how far-reaching these cultural influences have become.
"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 said.
ALSO READ:
The streaming giant won a competitive bidding process to secure the series
The actor and race car driver died on Wednesday, September 11
The 'Teste rasate' star died in Rome
The former couple was reportedly spotted arriving at a Los Angeles hotel with their children
The makers released the show's trailer on Instagram on Saturday, giving fans a sneak peek at what's to come
She will take the stage on December 20
The announcement came after her last tweet, which was shared earlier this month to mark the one-year anniversary of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan
Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, and Erling Haaland leading the pack with a top rating of 91 overall