South Korean actors Ha Jung-woo and Gong Hyo-jin are reuniting on screen after a 13-year hiatus in the upcoming comedy film "The People Upstairs," which marks Ha's fourth directorial project. The highly anticipated collaboration was discussed during an open talk session at the Busan Cinema Center on Friday as part of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, where both stars appeared alongside co-star Kim Dong-wook.
"The People Upstairs" is an adaptation of a Spanish film that explores the dynamics between two couples - one living upstairs and another downstairs - who come together for dinner after noise disputes create tension between their neighboring apartments. The story unfolds entirely within a single location, showcasing Ha's distinctive comedic vision and keen observational skills about human relationships.
Ha Jung-woo, who serves as both director and lead actor, explained his attraction to the source material during the festival discussion. "I watched the original, and it was very entertaining," he said. "It all unfolds in one space, but it felt diverse and engaging. The characters were charming enough to avoid monotony." The actor-director added that he enhanced the script by incorporating new elements such as yoga and cooking scenes to create a richer experience than the original Spanish version.
The reunion between Ha and Gong carries special significance as their last collaboration was in the 2012 romantic comedy "Love Fiction." Gong Hyo-jin admitted that working with Ha again, this time in his capacity as director, brought unique pressures and expectations. "I thought I had to show him that I had grown as an actor since then," she revealed. "My goal was to deliver a performance that would satisfy him as a director." She praised Ha's evolution as a filmmaker, noting, "Ha has gained a lot of confidence in comedy and humor, and that's fully reflected in 'The People Upstairs.'"
The cast also includes actress Lee Ha-nee, who Ha Jung-woo specifically commended for her nuanced performance. "She balanced the tone beautifully," he explained. "While the four characters swam on the surface, she was like someone underwater supporting them. She created a character that is quiet yet strange, and strange yet charming." The film required intensive shooting schedules with the actors maintaining the same costumes and hairstyles throughout to preserve continuity.
Gong Hyo-jin shared insights about working closely with Lee Ha-nee, describing their off-screen friendship and professional chemistry. "We had to film in sequence, with no changes to costume or hairstyle, and spend entire days delivering lines together," Gong said. "Lee never tired, and her energy created a happy atmosphere. Even while pregnant, she gave us so much strength." Kim Dong-wook, who has now collaborated with Lee Ha-nee three times, echoed these sentiments, calling her "the same happy virus, full of energy."
The film promises to offer audiences a relatable yet potentially surprising look at marriage and relationships. Gong suggested that viewers might find the content both familiar and shocking, explaining, "You'll see many different forms of married life." Ha Jung-woo emphasized the film's underlying philosophy, referencing a key line from the movie: "There's a line in the film that says, 'Life should be fun.' It may sound simple, but the older I get, the more important it feels."
"The People Upstairs" represents Ha Jung-woo's fourth directorial effort, following "Fasten Your Seatbelt" in 2013, "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" in 2015, and "Lobby" in 2025. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in December, giving audiences the chance to witness the long-awaited reunion of two of South Korea's most beloved actors in what promises to be a comedy that balances humor with deeper observations about modern relationships and domestic life.
