South Korean actors Ha Jung Woo and Gong Hyo Jin, along with co-star Kim Dong Wook, drew criticism for arriving 14 minutes late to an open talk event in Busan without offering a formal apology to waiting attendees. The event, part of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, was held to promote their upcoming film “The People Upstairs.”
Event Details and Delay
The open talk session was scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. on September 19, 2025, at the outdoor stage of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu. The host initially appeared on stage to explain that the delay was due to heavy traffic near the venue, a common issue during the festival due to road controls. The actors arrived at 11:14 a.m., 14 minutes after the planned start time .
Instead of addressing the delay, the actors began the session by discussing Busanโs weather and their experiences at the festival. This lack of acknowledgment disappointed many audience members who had waited patiently for the event to begin .
Audience and Netizen Reactions
Many attendees and online commentators expressed frustration over the actorsโ failure to apologize. Some audience members noted that the actors wore sunglasses despite the cloudy weather, which further added to their disappointment .
Online reactions included comments such as:
โApologize if youโre late.โ
โYou can be late because of traffic, but what about the audience who arrived early and waited? They should apologize.โ
โThey didnโt even apologize? This is really surprising.โ
Film Background and Cast
“The People Upstairs” is Ha Jung Wooโs fourth directorial project, following previous works like “Fasten Your Seatbelt” and “Chronicle of a Blood Merchant.” The film tells the story of two couplesโHa Jung Woo and Lee Hanee as the upstairs neighbors, and Gong Hyo Jin and Kim Dong Wook as the downstairs coupleโwhose lives intertwine due to nightly disturbances, leading to an unusual dinner and unpredictable events .
Gong Hyo Jin and Ha Jung Woo reunited for this project after 13 years, having previously worked together in the 2012 film “Love Fiction.” During the event, Gong Hyo Jin mentioned her desire to showcase improved acting skills since their last collaboration .
Absence of Lee Hanee
Notably absent from the event was actress Lee Hanee, who plays a key role in the film. Lee Hanee, who recently gave birth to her second daughter, was unable to attend due to childcare commitments. During the talk, her co-stars praised her as a “happy virus” and an “energizer” on set, highlighting her positive attitude despite filming during her early pregnancy .
The 30th Busan International Film Festival began on September 17 and will run until September 26, featuring 328 works from 64 countries. “The People Upstairs” is scheduled for release in December 2025 .
Also Read: Son Suk Ku May Postpone Acting Break for New Drama Ordinary People with Ha Jung Woo
Credits: Chosun Ilbo
