'Lobby' Ha Jung-woo returns as both actor and director in a dual role. This is his first directorial work in 10 years.
On the morning of the 4th, a production briefing for the film 'Lobby' was held at Lotte Cinema in Konkuk University Entrance. The event was attended by the leading actor and director Ha Jung-woo, along with Kim Ui-sung, Kang Hae-rim, Lee Dong-hwi, Park Byung-eun, Choi Si-won, Cha Joo-young, Kwak Sun-young, and Kang Mal-geum.
'Lobby' (directed by Ha Jung-woo, produced by Workhouse Company and Film Momentum, provided by Michigan Venture Capital Co. and WYSIWYG STUDIOS, distributed by SHOWBOX) depicts the story of Choi-wook (Ha Jung-woo), a startup representative who knows nothing but research, starting his first lobbying golf game to secure a national project worth 4 trillion won. Ha Jung-woo, who debuted as a director with 'Roller Coaster' in 2013, has returned with his third directorial work after 'Heo Sam-gwan' (2015) in 10 years.
In the film, Ha Jung-woo plays Choi-wook, the startup representative who relies solely on technology, while Park Byung-eun portrays his rival company representative Kwang-woo, who succeeds through lobbying. Kim Ui-sung plays the veteran civil servant and political powerhouse, Choi Sil-jang, while Kang Hae-rim plays the pro golfer Jin-pro. Lee Dong-hwi is the reporter Park, who facilitates lobbying, while Choi Si-won portrays the charming national actor Mat-soo. Cha Joo-young plays the golf course lady Dami, Kwak Sun-young plays the assistant Kim, and Kang Mal-geum plays the ambitious but corrupt Minister Jo, who has no interest in practicalities.
Ha Jung-woo noted, "It took a long time to create my third work. During that time, I considered various projects, but ultimately, I couldn't make them. So I had a lot of concerns, but when the idea of 'Lobby' came to mind, I thought that I must do it. From an actor's perspective, the anticipation before the release is nerve-wracking, but being a director facing the release is even more exciting and confusing."
When asked, "How did you balance your roles as an actor and director?" he responded, "It still felt strange and awkward to act and say cut. More than I felt awkward, the actors and staff watching me were uncomfortable, so they had no choice but to turn a blind eye and pretend not to notice," he laughed.
Regarding director Ha Jung-woo, Kim Ui-sung said, "He is full of energy," while Kang Hae-rim called him "cool like Superman." Lee Dong-hwi described Ha Jung-woo as "a sharp director," and Park Byung-eun noted, "He is proactive yet sensitive as a director." Kang Mal-geum added, "He has a great love for actors," while Choi Si-won said, "He understands the actor's perspective better than anyone." Cha Joo-young called him "a wonderful director," and Kwak Sun-young praised him as "a good director with genius talent."
MC Park Kyung-rim asked, "I heard Kim Ui-sung was the last among the actors to express his intention to participate," to which Ha Jung-woo responded, "If we consider Kang Hae-rim's discovery, I think of Kim Ui-sung as a rediscovery. We discussed among the actors." Kim Ui-sung then joked, "Please stop discovering me," and laughed.
"What was it like waiting after revealing your intention to participate late?" Ha Jung-woo replied, "If you decide quickly, you can move on to the next step. He was hesitant, saying, 'I will do it, but let's wait and see.' He took that time. But I had faith in Ui-sung hyung and waited."
Regarding the reason for the delay, Kim Ui-sung humorously replied, "It was a guarantee issue." As the questions were about to finish, he quickly said, "Just kidding. I apologize," and confessed, "Honestly, what worried me the most was whether I could do it well. The role was too big, and I was concerned if I could handle the weight of the work."
Cha Joo-young, who is making her screen debut in 'Lobby,' expressed, "This is my first film, and I truly feel honored to act alongside such a wonderful director and senior. Among all the characters I've portrayed, this is the most relaxed and disordered one. Though it has been framed as elegance, I will show a new side of myself while meeting a controlling husband and encountering an ex-boyfriend."
Regarding her chemistry with Choi Si-won, she said, "I approached the performance with the mindset of having fun on set for the first time. Just watching his genuine acting was such a great help and a joy. I would love to work together again."
Choi Si-won expressed his satisfaction when asked about romance scenes with Cha Joo-young, saying, "I was impressed by how reactive and absorbent she was, even in the detailed parts of her portrayal. Director Ha Jung-woo is also a representative actor and director of South Korea, so he explained anything confusing quickly and concisely until it made sense. I think we had great chemistry."
Despite being a newcomer, Kang Hae-rim takes on the role of the female lead in 'Lobby.' He said, "I read the script, and it was so good. Since they are seniors I wanted to work with at least once, there was no way I couldn't accept. I feel very nervous as we approach the release, and I hope it goes well."
Ha Jung-woo praised, "I first saw her in the Netflix series 'Somebody,' and I thought it would be nice for the audience to wonder, 'Is she a real pro golfer?' I wanted to find actors like Hae-rim, who are fresh and not well known but have talent and energy. I was lucky and thankful to have met Hae-rim."
Like Kang Hae-rim, Cha Joo-young also makes her screen debut with 'Lobby.' She stated, "I found the scenario fun and I was a fan of Ha Jung-woo's genre. The opportunity to act alongside all these people on set is attractive. Without hesitation, I wanted to take on any role given to me. I feel very nervous as we approach the release."
When asked, "What made you choose a genre similar to your first directorial work 'Roller Coaster'?" Ha Jung-woo explained, "I took a break from directing for a long time. Reflecting on it, I pondered what I could do well and what I felt and saw over the years. While some of those thoughts became clearer, some faded away. As a director, I felt that a black comedy like 'Roller Coaster' would be the right way to express the story that meets the audience. I hope to discover the message inside. I find it interesting how characters come together through some event to unravel desires and thoughts. I felt these things, and when I decided to make my third directorial work, I thought it would be nice to tell such a story."
Ha Jung-woo, who has multiple professions as a painter, director, and actor, stated, "Creating makes me feel alive, and subconsciously, I think it is a form of survival reporting. I think this is the most luxurious game for humanity to play." He added, "I feel that I've probably been born and learned this way. I see all these activities and interests as everything that has shaped me. I believe that this is my entirety and the reason for my life."
Finally, Ha Jung-woo said, "It's a movie that anyone can enjoy, even without knowing golf. It's a film about lobbying golf. People unknowingly lobby throughout life, so I hope it won't be misunderstood as just a golf movie," and smiled.
Meanwhile, 'Lobby' will be released on April 2.
[Photo] Ji Hyung-jun, reporter
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