Ha Jung-woo, Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Dong-wook Arrive Late to 'People Upstairs' Talk, Offer No Apologies

The team behind the film 'People Upstairs' is facing criticism after keeping hundreds of fans waiting and failing to offer any apologies during an open talk event at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

The open talk session, scheduled to begin at 11 AM on the outdoor stage at the Busan Cinema Center, was delayed by 15 minutes due to traffic congestion, as announced by moderator Baek Eun-ha. Director and actor Ha Jung-woo, along with lead actors Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Dong-wook, were in attendance.

Despite the significant delay, the actors reportedly did not offer any form of apology upon their arrival or during the event. The session, which was meant to conclude at 11:50 AM, wrapped up around 11:43 AM, with the outdoor stage needing to be cleared for subsequent scheduled events.

While the venue's strict schedule is understandable, the lack of acknowledgment for the audience's time has drawn criticism. Many felt that a brief apology would have been a basic courtesy given the circumstances.

At the end of the session, Ha Jung-woo encouraged the audience to enjoy Busan and the film, stating, 'Life must be lived truly and enjoyably. I think this saying is really important as one gets older. I hope you thoroughly enjoy today.' However, his words felt disconnected from the earlier incident of disrespecting the audience's valuable time.

Ha Jung-woo is renowned for his versatile acting career, seamlessly transitioning between intense dramatic roles and lighthearted performances. Beyond acting, he has also established himself as a director, helming films such as 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant'. His directorial work often explores nuanced human relationships and societal themes. He is known for his meticulous preparation and dedication to his craft.