Ha Jung-woo's 'Lobby' Blends Comedy with Personal Insights

Ha Jung-woo has declared, "I think I've finally found my style." His latest comedy film, 'Lobby' (로비), showcases a refined version of his unique humor. The actor and director shared insights about the film during an interview on April 2 at the Showbox office in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, coinciding with the film's release.

'Lobby' tells the story of Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), a startup CEO who, unfamiliar with lobbying, embarks on his first golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won government project. This marks Ha's third directorial effort, following 'Roller Coaster' (롤러코스터) and 'The Client' (허삼관), where he takes on both directing and leading roles.

Despite preparing an ambitious promotional schedule, Ha faced a health setback when he underwent emergency surgery for acute appendicitis on March 25, missing the press screening on the same day. However, he appeared healthy during the interview, stating, "I’m recovering well," and humorously added, "I had my appendix burst, so I took a good rest."

Ha, who was eager to promote 'Lobby', left the hospital two days earlier than recommended on March 28, saying, "I had to attend the GV (Guest Visit) event, where I had invited actress Yoon Ji-suk. I was also disappointed to miss the press screening that evening, where I had arranged for Lee Soo-ji to attend. The hospital wanted me to stay until Sunday, but I left two days early."

Reflecting on the audience's reactions after the screening, he noted, "During the GV, many fans were present, and they seemed to have a positive view. I was a bit dazed from the strong painkillers I had taken, so I couldn't fully grasp the atmosphere. However, I felt good reading the positive reviews that came in after the VIP screening."

This film is significant for Ha, as it is his first directorial project in ten years since 'The Client'. He explained, "I had written 'Seoul Times' and was unsure if I could handle it well. I decided to wait until I felt certain, and then I came across 'Lobby'." He added that he had been conceptualizing the film since 2021, inspired by his experiences learning golf during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Ha shared that his personal experiences influenced the film's narrative. He observed, "When I go golfing, I notice a lot of pretense. People often say things like, 'I’m not feeling well today' or 'I might not hit the ball well.' But once we start playing, everyone has their own style. I found it interesting how people's true characters emerge on the golf course."

He also discussed the film's themes, including a subplot involving a wireless charging system for electric cars, inspired by a friend's caution as a public servant. Ha noted, "He always attaches a name tag to his golf bag with his son's name to avoid misunderstandings. This led me to explore the complexities of public service and the potential for innovation in electric vehicle charging."

The character of the antagonist, Manager Choi (played by Kim Ui-sung), is based on people Ha has encountered in real life. He described Choi as someone who believes he is charming and sophisticated, yet is perceived as uncomfortable and unlikable by others. Ha humorously remarked that he drew from his own experiences with difficult personalities to create this character.

'Lobby' features a more polished version of Ha's signature humor, which he attributes to careful attention to timing and pacing. He explained, "In 'Roller Coaster', I used my own pacing, but I realized it was a film that only I could enjoy. For 'Lobby', I asked editor Kim Sang-beom to help adjust the tempo. I tend to speed things up, so I wanted to ensure a balanced edit."

Ha also reflected on his directorial style, stating, "I tend to be expressionless in real life, which contrasts with the expressive characters we see in films. I want to portray the hidden desires and true emotions of people."

Regarding the use of profanity for comedic effect, he acknowledged its controversial nature but viewed it as a natural part of dialogue. He mentioned, "In our film, Park Hae-soo's character uses a lot of strong language, but it’s not meant to carry a negative connotation. It’s just part of the character's expression."

Having worked with many esteemed directors, Ha acknowledged their influence on his own filmmaking approach. He praised director Choi Dong-hoon for his deep affection for actors and his meticulous attention to character development. Ha also noted the action sequences in 'Lobby', which were ultimately cut during editing, emphasizing the importance of efficient shooting methods he learned from director Ryu Seung-wan.

As 'Lobby' hits theaters, Ha expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about its release, especially given the current climate. He remarked, "People around me have asked if I’m nervous about the timing, but I believe it’s all part of nature’s flow. I didn’t decide this alone; it just happened. I’m grateful for the opportunity to release this film."

In closing, Ha hopes audiences find joy in 'Lobby', saying, "I want it to be a fun experience. If it resonates with you, I hope you enjoy it. Each film is meaningful to me, but ultimately, it’s about the audience's enjoyment. I appreciate any laughter and memories it brings."

'Lobby' premiered in theaters nationwide on April 2.