A simple noise complaint between neighbors turns into a night of unexpected and bold conversations in the new Korean film “The People Upstairs.” The movie, directed by and starring Ha Jung-woo, follows two couples whose apartment dispute leads to an awkward dinner with a provocative proposal that tests everyone’s boundaries. The film is set for release in Korea on December 3, 2025.
The Story Behind the Dinner
“The People Upstairs” tells the story of two couples living in the same apartment building. The downstairs couple, Jung Ah (Gong Hyo-jin) and Hyun Soo (Kim Dong-wook), find their peace constantly shattered by the noisy lives of the upstairs couple, Mr. Kim (Ha Jung-woo) and Soo Kyung (Lee Ha-nee). The conflict comes to a head when the four decide to sit down for a dinner to address the issue.
What begins as a simple meal quickly spirals into unpredictable territory. Mr. Kim makes a bold and suggestive proposal that throws the evening into chaos. Newly released stills from the film show the clear tension, with Hyun Soo looking visibly uncomfortable while his wife, Jung Ah, shows a growing curiosity about the idea. Meanwhile, Mr. Kim’s wife, Soo Kyung, appears intrigued by her husband’s unexpected move.
A Film with International Roots
The movie is Ha Jung-woo’s fourth project as a director. It is an adaptation of the 2020 Spanish film of the same name, which was itself based on a play. The Korean version had its world premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in September 2025.
At a BIFF open talk event, Ha Jung-woo explained his connection to the project. He mentioned he first received the script three years ago and found it very interesting even before seeing the original film.
“Despite the story being told in one space, it felt colorful,” he explained. “When I was working on the scenario, I organized it a little more colorful than the original.”
He purposely added new elements like yoga and cooking scenes to expand the story for the Korean adaptation.
The Cast and Their On-Set Chemistry
The film brings together a celebrated cast. For Gong Hyo-jin, this project marks a reunion with Ha Jung-woo after 13 years, having previously worked together on the movie ‘Love Fiction’. She shared her positive experience on set, especially praising her absent co-star, Lee Ha-nee, who could not attend the Busan event due to childcare.
“Hani doesn’t get tired and works in a happy mode until the end,” Gong Hyo-jin said. “The set was so dark… Hani was in the early stages of pregnancy. It must have been physically difficult, but he gave me a cheer-up with good energy and played the role of a ‘mental coach’.”
Kim Dong-wook, who plays the newlywed husband Hyun Soo, also had warm words for Lee Ha-nee, calling her a “happy virus.” He noted that this was his third time working with her, and her overflowing energy was a constant on set. He also shared that, as a newlywed himself, the film offered him some lessons.
“I think I got my first lesson to become a solid couple through the movie,” Kim Dong-wook mentioned. “We are going to make an effort to be a couple who are as solid as the upper house and love each other.”
Film’s Tone and Early Reception
Early reviews from the Busan International Film Festival have described “The People Upstairs” as a “cheeky comedy of manners.” The film unfolds entirely within a single apartment, giving it the feel of a stage play, and is praised for its breezy pace and lighthearted tone. While the story explores themes of sexual openness and challenges conservative views, it has been noted that the film remains wholesome at its heart, reinforcing monogamy and traditional family values.
The risqué elements are conveyed through sounds and fast-paced dialogue, with nothing explicitly erotic shown on screen. Director Ha Jung-woo has been commended for his improved technical skill and confidence, with this film being called his most accomplished directorial effort to date.
“The People Upstairs” will screen at the 10th London East Asian Film Festival in October 2025 before its domestic release in Korean theaters on December 3, 2025.
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