Lobby (film)
| Lobby | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Hangul | 로비 |
| RR | Robi |
| MR | Robi |
| Directed by | Ha Jung-woo |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | So Jung-oh |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Dalpalan |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Showbox |
Release date |
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Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$1.8 million[1] |
Lobby (Korean: 로비) is a 2025 South Korean black comedy film written, directed, and produced by Ha Jung-woo. Ha leads a ten-actor ensemble cast as Chang-wook, a startup CEO who tries to win a government project through lobbyist golf.[2] The film was released on April 2, 2025.[3][4]
Plot
Chang-wook, a startup CEO who knows nothing but research, constantly loses opportunities and technology to his rival CEO, Kwang-woo, due to shady under-the-table deals. His company's only way out is to win a ₩4 trillion government project, a one-shot chance to secure capital. But Kwang-woo, who is one step ahead in the lobbying game, has already won over Minister Cho. Turning his sights elsewhere, Chang-wook approaches Choi, the minister's husband and her closest confidant who holds real influence behind the scenes.
Cast
- Ha Jung-woo as Yoon Chang-wook
- Kim Eui-sung as Choi Woo-hyun
- Kang Hae-lim as Jin Se-bin
- Lee Dong-hwi as Park Yong-hoon
- Park Byung-eun as Son Kwang-woo
- Kang Mal-geum as Cho Hyang-sook
- Choi Si-won as Ma Tae-soo
- Cha Joo-young as Da-mi
- Park Hae-soo as Bae-min
- Kwak Sun-young as Director Kim
Production
Development
Ha Jung-woo conceived the idea for Lobby during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he first began learning golf. Intrigued by the isolated and exclusive nature of golf courses, where private conversations often unfold among powerful individuals, Ha was inspired to set a political satire against this backdrop.
Filming focused heavily on ensemble scenes involving politicians, businessmen, and lobbyists during a golf round, blending dark comedy with tightly orchestrated dialogue. Ha emphasized precision during production, conducting more than ten full cast script readings and numerous scene-specific rehearsals to ensure rhythm and timing. Despite being a comedy, Ha directed the film with a serious tone, instructing the actors to treat their characters as if they were in a high-stakes drama, enhancing the film's satirical impact.[5]
Casting
Ha cast Kang Hae-lim as pro golfer Jin after prioritizing natural presence and an authentic golf swing over acting experience, aiming for realism on the course.[6] Kang Mal-geum joined the film later in production, replacing Ra Mi-ran as the corrupt Minister Cho. She was drawn to the script and learned golf for the first time to prepare for the role.[7]
Filming
Principal photography for Lobby began on 14 September 2023 and ended on December.[8]
Release
Lobby premiered in South Korean theaters on 2 April 2025, distributed by Showbox.[9][10] The film was released on digital platforms in South Korea on April 29.[11]
Box office
The film was released on April 2, 2025 on 1,010 screens.[12] It opened at second place at the South Korean box office with 37,157 admissions.
As of April 5, 2025, the film has grossed US$1,071,184 from 165,311 admissions.[12][1]
References
- ^ a b "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) The Box office: Korean films of 2025". KOFIC. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ Lim Jeong-won (January 16, 2024). "Ha Jung-woo's 'Lobby' wraps filming". Korea JoongAng Daily (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ "Lobby (2025)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
- ^ Choi Jae-wook (February 24, 2025). 로비 골프 세계 폭로한 하정우 연출 '로비', 4월2일 개봉 확정! ['Lobby', directed by Ha Jung-woo, which exposed the world of lobby golf, confirmed for release on April 2nd!] (in Korean). Ize. Retrieved February 24, 2025 – via Naver.
- ^ Son Jeong-bin (April 4, 2025). [인터뷰]루틴이 하정우를 만든다 [[Interview] Routine Makes Ha Jung-woo]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ Jang Ju-yeon (April 2, 2025). '로비' 하정우 "강해림, 연기보다 골프폼 중요했다" [인터뷰②] ['Lobby' Ha Jung-woo "Kang Hae-rim, golf form was more important than acting" [Interview ②]]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ Park Rosa (April 4, 2025). 강말금, '폭싹' 이어 '로비' 출격 "하정우 특유의 말맛 재밌어" [MD인터뷰](종합) [Kang Mal-geum, 'Bok-ssak' followed by 'Lobby' sortie "Ha Jung-woo's unique way of speaking is fun" [MD Interview] (Comprehensive)]. MyDaily (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ No I-seul (January 16, 2024). 하정우 감독 신작 '로비', 2023년 12월 27일 크랭크업...로비 골프 이야기 [Director Ha Jung-woo's new film 'Lobby', crank-up on December 27, 2023...Lobby Golf Story]. SportsW (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ Kim Ji-woo (March 13, 2025). '로비' 하정우 "더러워도 싸워보자" ['Lobby' Ha Jung-woo "Let's fight even if it's dirty"]. MyDaily (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ Kim Bo-young (March 17, 2025). '로비' 하정우, 고개 숙이고 진흙 뒤집어쓰고…예측불가 재미 예고 ['Lobby' Ha Jung-woo, bowing his head and covering himself with mud... Unpredictable fun ahead]. Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.
- ^ Kim Ji-hye (April 29, 2025). 하정우 연출작 '로비', 안방에서 보자…IPTV & 케이블 TV VOD 서비스 [Ha Jung-woo's 'Lobby', watch it at home... IPTV & Cable TV VOD service]. Seoul Broadcasting System (in Korean). Retrieved April 29, 2025.
- ^ a b "Daily Box Office". KOBIS (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2025.