Ha Jung-woo's Directorial Return with 'Lobby' Sparks Anticipation

Ha Jung-woo, known for his impressive titles as the youngest actor to reach 100 million ticket sales in Korean cinema, is stepping back into the director's chair with his third film, 'Lobby' (로비). This film, produced by Workhouse Company and Film Momentum, tells the story of Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), a startup CEO who embarks on his first lobbying golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won government project. After debuting as a director with 'Roller Coaster' (롤러코스터) in 2013 and following it up with 'Huh Sam-kwang' (허삼관) in 2015, 'Lobby' marks his return to directing after a decade.

In 'Lobby', Ha Jung-woo takes on multiple roles as director, writer, and lead actor. He infuses his sharp wit and humor into the script, ensuring that the dialogue flows naturally among the characters. The film introduces unique characters in unexpected situations, such as a foreign wife at a friend's mother’s funeral and a former monk turned surveillance agent, adding a layer of quirky humor.

The film shares similarities with Ha's debut, 'Roller Coaster', despite differing storylines and main actors. 'Lobby' is a black comedy that captures the chaotic events aboard a flight from Japan to Korea, featuring top star Ma Jun-kyu (played by Jung Kyung-ho) and showcasing clever setups and engaging dialogue.

While 'Roller Coaster' was reminiscent of a confined theatrical performance, appealing to a niche audience but struggling at the box office, 'Lobby' retains the charm and creativity of its predecessor while adhering to more mainstream commercial film conventions. It distinguishes itself from typical B-movies filled with meaningless puns.

The film also features a strong ensemble cast, including Park Byung-eun as a rival company CEO, Kim Ui-sung as a powerful political figure, professional golfer Kang Hae-rim, and the charismatic actor Choi Si-won as the beloved national actor Ma Tae-soo, among others, creating a rich tapestry of characters.

Without being overly serious, the film effectively conveys the director's intended message to the audience in its latter half.

'Lobby' is set to be released on April 2, rated for audiences aged 15 and above, with a runtime of 105 minutes.