Actors Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, and Lee Seung-gi, who captured the hearts of women through TV romance dramas, will reveal completely new charms that have not been shown before through the new films ‘Harbin’ and ‘Big Family’, respectively. He is broadening his spectrum by growing a rough beard or even shaving his head, and is also undergoing external transformations.

Hyun Bin, who has captivated fans not only in Korea but also around the world with ‘legendary’ romance dramas such as ‘My Name is Kim Sam Soon’, ‘Secret Garden’, ‘Crash Landing on You’, will play the role of Ahn Jung-geun in the movie ‘Harbin’, which will be released on the 24th, and will represent the face of an independence fighter who shouldered an important mission during his time.

Instead of the romantic image he showed in the drama, there is analysis in the industry that this work will be a ‘turning point’ for him, who portrays the various aspects of Ahn Jung-geun, including the loneliness and determination of a leader leading an independence army in a harsh situation, the desperate will to restore national sovereignty, and human agony.

In light of the fact that works set during the Japanese colonial period may cause resentment among some Japanese fans, Hyun Bin, a representative Hallyu star, There were also many reactions that his appearance in ‘Harbin’ was unexpected, but Hyun Bin rather caught attention by saying, “I was just grateful for the opportunity to play such an amazing and meaningful character. I tried to act with more sincerity than ever before in every movement and line.“

Lee Dong-wook also embarks on the most outstanding transformation in his filmography through ‘Harbin’. He plays the role of Lee Chang-seop, an independence fighter who shares the same belief of protecting his country but harbors resentment and confrontation with Ahn Jung-geun, who released Japanese prisoners of war rather than executing them in accordance with international law, heightening the tension of the drama.

For this character, he not only made his trademark white and clear skin rougher, but also attempted external changes such as long hair and a beard for the first time since his debut. Director Woo Min-ho expressed his confidence about this transformation, saying, ”You‘ll be able to see a new side of Lee Dong-wook.“

Meanwhile, Lee Seung-gi is receiving favorable reviews for his ‘drastic transformation’ in the film ‘Big Family’, his comeback on the big screen after six years, playing the role of a monk. ‘Big Family’ is a family comedy that depicts what happens when the ‘self-proclaimed’ grandchildren of a dumpling restaurant owner (Kim Yoon-seok) whose family lineage has died out because of his son (Lee Seung-gi) becoming a monk come visit.

Lee Seung-gi, who actually shaved his head instead of using special makeup to bring out the realism of his character, said, “I didn’t feel any pressure. More important than whether I shaved my head was the fact that I could work with Director Yang Woo-seok and Senior Kim Yoon-seok.”

Director Yang Woo-seok said, “I was worried because actors who frequently appear in commercials are the most reluctant to have their heads shaved. However, he readily agreed,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the passion Lee Seung-gi showed for the work.


Reporter Seungmi Lee smlee@donga.com