The upcoming Korean spy movie "Harbin" explores the lesser-known emotional dimensions of Ahn Jung-geun, one of Korea's most revered independence fighters against Japanese colonial rule, its director Woo Min-ho said Wednesday.

"Beyond the familiar image the public holds of him, I would like to shed new light on the fear and camaraderie he must have felt," Woo said during a press event detailing the film's production.

"Framed by the vast landscapes and the grandeur of nature, I tried to convey a sense of reverence and depth for the hero through a cinematic lens," he said.

Director Woo Min-ho speaks during a press event for the upcoming spy thriller "Harbin" in Seoul on Nov. 27, 2024. (Yonhap)

Set in 1909, the espionage thriller depicts the tense pursuit between those heading to Harbin in northern China for a mission. Among them is renowned Korean independence fighter Ahn (1879-1910) who assassinated Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister and resident-general of Korea, at Harbin Station. Korea was under brutal Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.

Hyun Bin stars as Ahn, and other cast members include Park Jung-min, Jeon Yeo-been, Jo Woo-jin, Yoo Jae-myung, Park Hoon and Lee Dong-wook.

It marks the latest feature by the director, known for his sharp insight into historical and political themes in his previous work, such as "The Man Standing Next" (2020) and "Inside Man" (2015).