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Actors Ha Jung-woo and Gong Hyo-jin are teaming up again after 13 years in the upcoming film “The People Upstairs,” which Ha also directed. Gong said the film is packed with Ha’s signature humor, raising expectations for their reunion.

An open talk for the film took place Friday at Busan Cinema Center during the 30th Busan International Film Festival, with Ha, Gong and Kim Dong-wook in attendance.

“The People Upstairs,” adapted from a Spanish film, tells the story of two couples — one living upstairs and the other downstairs — who get together for dinner after tensions arise over noise between their homes. The film showcases Ha’s sharp observations and comic sensibility.

“I watched the original, and it was very entertaining,” Ha said. “It all unfolds in one space, but it felt diverse and engaging. The characters were charming enough to avoid monotony. I added new elements such as yoga and cooking scenes while working on the script to make it richer than the original.”

Ha and Gong last worked together on the 2012 film “Love Fiction.” Gong said meeting Ha again in the role of director came with its own pressure.

“I thought I had to show him that I had grown as an actor since then. My goal was to deliver a performance that would satisfy him as a director,” she said. “Ha has gained a lot of confidence in comedy and humor, and that’s fully reflected in ‘The People Upstairs.’”

Ha also spoke about working with actress Lee Ha-nee. “She balanced the tone beautifully. 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.”

Gong added that she and Lee are close friends who often share life stories off-screen. “We had to film in sequence, with no changes to costume or hairstyle, and spend entire days delivering lines together. Lee never tired, and her energy created a happy atmosphere. Even while pregnant, she gave us so much strength,” Gong said.

Kim Dong-wook, who has now worked with Lee three times, added, “She’s still the same happy virus, full of energy.”

Gong said viewers may find the film relatable or even shocking. “You’ll see many different forms of married life,” she explained. Ha added, “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,” Ha’s fourth directorial effort after “Fasten Your Seatbelt” (2013), “Chronicle of a Blood Merchant” (2015) and “Lobby” (2025), is set for release in December.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. (Click)