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| Actor Hyun Bin. Korea Times file |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Actor Hyun Bin headed to Jordan Monday morning to film the thriller "Negotiations" amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Negotiations" is the first Korean flick to start overseas shooting following the virus outbreak that has deterred international travel.
Hyun Bin and other actors, including Hwang Jung-min, took a charter flight from Incheon International Airport. After they arrive in Jordan, they will go through COVID-19 checks and then self-isolate for eight days before to start filming.
The exact date of their return is unknown, but the Jordanian government reportedly allowed two months for the shooting.
Crew members initially planned to visit the Middle East country in March, but had to put off the plan when Jordan banned entry to people coming from Korea, due to a spike in confirmed virus cases here.
The film revolves around a National Intelligence Service agent (Hyun Bin) and a diplomat (Hwang) trying to arrange the release of Koreans kidnapped in the Middle East. Yim Soon-rye ― who was behind the success of popular movies including "Little Forest" (2018) ― directs the star-studded production.
With "Negotiations" leading the way, more Korean films are expected to start or resume overseas shooting.
Hyun Bin, whose real name is Kim Tae-pyung, debuted in 2003 in the drama "Bodyguard" and was catapulted to fame after starring in the TV series "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" in 2005. He recently appeared in another hit drama "Crash Landing on You" with actress Son Ye-jin.
