[Dispatch = Kim Ji-ho] Ha Jung-woo is back—with his signature flair for dry humor and sharp character insight.

In his upcoming film Lobby, everything from the script and direction to casting carries the imprint of "Ha Jung-woo style." For 106 minutes, the actor-director takes the audience on a ride powered by his uniquely subtle and biting sense of humor.

What defines his comedy? Ha never tries too hard. His gags are never overstated, nor are his emotional beats overtly dramatic. The laughs come from irony, awkward situations, and unexpected verbal exchanges—much like the opening scene in Movie 43, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet, which Ha often referenced during production.

"In that scene, Hugh Jackman goes on a blind date with a bizarre physical attribute—yet plays it completely straight. That tone of deadpan absurdity was exactly what I wanted my actors to channel," Ha explained.

"Ten Years Between Films—A Director's Journey"

Lobby marks Ha Jung-woo's return to the director's chair after nearly a decade. His last directorial credit was Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (Heo Sam-gwan) in 2015, following his debut with Fasten Your Seatbelt (Rollercoaster) in 2013. Why the long gap?

"I've always believed in making films about things I know," he said. But in between Blood Merchant and Lobby, he pursued a script titled Seoul Times, a black comedy about investigative journalism.

"I got through three drafts. But I'm not a journalist—I started to feel unsure. Was I really the right person to tell this story?"

Ha then shifted focus to Hawaii Koreatown, a project inspired by Korean independence activists in Hawaii. Despite its rich themes, it didn't click either. "The characters just didn't move me. I considered changing the setting to LA, but budget constraints pulled me back."

While he struggled as a writer, Ha continued to evolve as an actor, working with top Korean filmmakers like Park Chan-wook, Na Hong-jin, and Choi Dong-hoon. "Watching these directors work helped me grow and find clarity in my own voice."

"Golf Changed the Way I Saw People"

Ha's eureka moment came during the pandemic, when he took up golf.

"It's just a sport, but it stirred up all kinds of emotions—triumph, frustration, even shame," he recalled. "You start noticing how people change once they hold a golf club. It's black comedy in motion."

Observations from the golf course inspired character sketches for Lobby. One example: the idea of a celebrity invited to a round of golf, only to be awkwardly paired with total strangers—some of whom cross the line in subtle yet uncomfortable ways.

The concept of "lobbying" also emerged from personal stories. A civil servant friend once brought a golf bag labeled with his son's name, underscoring how wary he was about being seen as corrupt. Ha added:

"What surprised me was that the people being courted weren't even in office—they were retirees. It's all about leveraging past power and connections."

"Ha Jung-woo Is Lobby"

Ha took on multiple roles in Lobby—as director, lead actor, scriptwriter, and casting director. The ensemble includes Kim Eui-sung, Lee Dong-hwi, Park Byung-eun, Kang Mal-geum, Choi Si-won, Cha Joo-young, and Park Hae-soo.

Emerging talents also shine in the film. Eom Ha-neul plays Ho-sik, the cousin of Ha's character Chang-wook and a key to unraveling the plot. Kang Hae-rim portrays Jin, a straight-laced golf pro who adds grounded contrast.

"Eom Ha-neul surprised me with her delivery. She's also a writer and aspiring director. Originally, her character had only one scene, but I rewrote the script to expand her arc."

Ha oversaw extensive rehearsals—ten full script readings and over 20 smaller group sessions—to fine-tune the tone.

"I didn't want punchline-driven comedy or ad-libs on set. I wanted dry, detached delivery. We found those rhythms during the readings, and the actors brought that restraint to the screen."

Choi Si-won's character was inspired by veteran actor Choi Min-soo, while Ha also drew from Woody Allen films and even reworked lines from The Godfather.

"I'm a Black Comedy Filmmaker"

More than 20 years into his career, Ha continues to challenge himself. Directing, he says, is as exhilarating as it is terrifying.

"Releasing a film is always nerve-wracking. But that stress is part of the thrill. It makes my heart race."

His next directorial project is tentatively titled The Upstairs Neighbors, another black comedy that continues the tonal thread from Lobby and Fasten Your Seatbelt.

When asked why he gravitates toward dark humor, he replied:

"It's just what excites me. Some people see No Country for Old Men as a thriller—I saw it as a dark comedy. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri? That movie had me laughing. I love that kind of understated humor."

Even as an actor, Ha's style is known for its emotional restraint. "Some directors tell me, 'You're underplaying it—go bigger.' But I think my strength lies in subtlety."

In closing, he shared his hopes as a filmmaker:

"Every director wants their film to be loved, no matter the form. I want Lobby to be understood, enjoyed, and hopefully, remembered."

[Photo Credit: Showbox]