Ha Jung-woo's fourth directorial feature 'The People Upstairs' locks December release after BIFF spotlight

Early festival bow

Ha Jung-woo

's fourth directorial feature, '

The People Upstairs

,' will screen in the

Korean Cinema Today

- Special Premiere lineup at the 30th

Busan International Film Festival

, followed by a confirmed December theatrical rollout, according to industry reports. The BIFF program frame underscores a sharp chamber dramedy streak with lively dialogue, positioning it among notable Korean commercial titles this season.

Star ensemble and premise

Led by Ha Jung-woo, Lee Ha-nee, Kim Dong-wook, and Gong Hyo-jin, the story follows two neighboring couples whose apartment noise friction escalates into a boundary-testing dinner that unsettles, teases, and exposes vulnerabilities. Casting traction dates to late 2024 notices with momentum into early 2025, aligning the project for a domestic 2025 launch window.

Trailer, poster, and tone

A launch poster and teaser unveiled on Sept. 8 highlight four contrasting expressions and provocative lines, signaling the film's dialogue-forward bite and audacity. Xportsnews press-style coverage has emphasized "keen observational" humor that turns discomfort into comic charge, fueling anticipation ahead of BIFF showcases.

Market context and momentum

Festival materials and social posts amplified the December timing in tandem with teaser drops, consolidating a Q4 corridor push. With inter-floor noise an everyday urban tension widely discussed in 2025 columns, the film's theme taps into relatable friction with wide audience recognition.

About Ha Jung-woo

Ha Jung-woo is a leading Korean actor-filmmaker whose career spans acclaimed crime, thriller, and drama titles, alongside steady box office draw and festival presence. 'The People Upstairs' marks his fourth feature as director, extending a creative signature for incisive observation and verbal rhythm