Actors Ha Jung Woo, Gong Hyo Jin, and Kim Dong Wook met with audiences in Busan through an open talk session to discuss their upcoming film 'The People Upstairs.' The event drew significant anticipation, but disappointment followed when the cast arrived 14 minutes late and did not offer a proper apology to the waiting crowd.
The open talk took place on September 19 at 11 a.m. at the outdoor stage of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae. Director and lead actor Ha Jung Woo appeared alongside co-stars Gong Hyo Jin and Kim Dong Wook. The session, which was also livestreamed, gave the audience a preview of the film scheduled for release later this year.
'The People Upstairs' (2025, 1h 48m) was officially invited to the 'Korean Cinema Today: Special Premiere' section. The story follows two couples. Ha Jung Woo and Lee Hanee play the upstairs neighbors, while Gong Hyo Jin and Kim Dong Wook portray the couple living downstairs. A series of nightly disturbances leads the two couples to share an unusual dinner, sparking unpredictable events. This is Ha Jung Woo’s fourth directorial project following 'Fasten Your Seatbelt,' 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant,' and 'Lobby.'
Although the stars attracted strong attention, the event began on a disappointing note. The host first came on stage to greet the audience and explained that the actors had been delayed by traffic congestion near the Busan Cinema Center. The actors finally appeared at 11:14 a.m., which was 14 minutes later than planned.
The delay itself was understandable since traffic in the area is often heavy during the festival due to road controls. However, the lack of acknowledgment was notable. Instead of apologizing, the actors began by commenting on Busan’s pleasant weather and sharing their impressions of the festival. For the many audience members who had waited patiently, the absence of even a brief apology left an unfortunate impression on what was otherwise a celebratory event.
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