Ha Jung-woo’s New Film: Choi Si-won ‘Apologizes in Advance’ for Romantic Chemistry with Cha Joo-young

Ha Jung-woo is making his highly anticipated return as a director after a decade.

On March 4, the press conference for Lobby was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Seoul. Director Ha Jung-woo was joined by cast members Kim Eui-sung, Kang Hae-rim, Lee Dong-hwi, Park Byung-eun, Kang Mal-geum, Choi Si-won, Cha Joo-young, and Kwak Sun-young to discuss the film.

Lobby follows Chang-wook (Ha Jung-woo), a research-driven startup CEO who, in a bid to secure a 4-trillion-won ($3 billion) government project, steps into the unfamiliar world of lobby golf. The film marks Ha Jung-woo’s first directorial project in nearly a decade since Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015).

“It took me a long time to bring my third film to life,” Ha admitted. “I had multiple projects in mind but couldn’t move forward with them. I kept debating my choices.”

However, once Lobby took shape, he knew it was the right decision. “When the idea for Lobby came to me, I instantly thought, ‘This is a must-do.’”

Despite being an industry veteran, Ha confessed that stepping back into the director’s chair made him more nervous than acting. “I’m feeling a mix of emotions—probably more nervous as a director than as an actor awaiting a film’s release.”

Actress Cha Joo-young officially makes her silver-screen debut in Lobby, marking a fresh transformation in her career.

“This is the most uninhibited and unrestrained character I’ve ever played,” she shared. “People describe her as elegant, but in reality, she’s someone caught in a whirlwind—stuck between an ex-boyfriend and a controlling husband, struggling to find her way.”

Cha, who plays Choi Si-won’s former lover in the film, described their filming experience as uniquely enjoyable. “For the first time ever, I approached filming with the mindset of simply going on a fun trip,” she said. “Just watching my co-stars act was incredibly helpful and enjoyable. I’d love to work together again.”

Likewise, Super Junior’s Choi Si-won, who stars as the free-spirited Ma Tae-soo, shared his thoughts on working with Cha Joo-young.

“I was deeply moved by how detailed her reactions and expressions were,” he praised. “The way she absorbed and delivered those subtle nuances was truly impressive.”

Reflecting on his own role, he humorously added, “I followed the director’s instructions to the best of my ability, and watching the film made me reflect on myself. I even debated whether I should invite my parents to see it. My character is someone who lives in his own romantic world when it comes to love, so I’d like to apologize in advance.”

Speaking about the overall experience, he credited director Ha Jung-woo, saying, “Since our director is one of Korea’s top actors and a talented filmmaker, whenever I didn’t fully understand something, he explained it so clearly and efficiently. Thanks to that, my chemistry with Cha Joo-young worked really well. And once again, I’d like to apologize in advance,” he joked, drawing laughter.

With a star-studded cast including Kim Eui-sung, Kang Hae-rim, Lee Dong-hwi, Park Byung-eun, Kang Mal-geum, Choi Si-won, Cha Joo-young, Park Hae-soo, and Kwak Sun-young, Lobby is set to deliver sharp wit and high-stakes drama.

The film premieres on April 2.