Gong Hyo-jin on Reuniting with Ha Jung-woo After 13 Years: 'Director's Confident Humor and Wit'

Actress Gong Hyo-jin has shared her thoughts on reuniting with director and actor Ha Jung-woo after 13 years for the film 'Neighbors.'

During an open talk held at the Busan Cinema Center's outdoor stage on the morning of the 19th, as part of the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), attendees included director Ha Jung-woo and lead actors Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Dong-wook.

Gong Hyo-jin mentioned their reunion, noting the reappearance of the term 'Love Tension' in 'Neighbors,' which was also a concept from their previous collaboration in the 2012 film 'Love Fiction.' This detail added a touch of nostalgic humor.

"Director Ha Jung-woo's confident humor and wit are thoroughly infused into this film," Gong Hyo-jin commented. "Audiences can look forward to seeing his evolved work." She added, "Back when we filmed 'Love Fiction,' both he and I were much younger, and the story had a lot of sharp observations about male-female psychology. This time, after so much time has passed, I felt compelled as an actress to deliver an even more developed performance as a director."

She also recalled, "Even amidst the stress he must have faced as a director on set, he gave me wonderful praise for my acting. It was a joyful experience."

'Neighbors' depicts the unpredictable story that unfolds when two couples, the upstairs residents (Ha Jung-woo and Lee Honey) and the downstairs residents (Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Dong-wook), find themselves sharing a meal due to daily noise disturbances. This marks Ha Jung-woo's fourth directorial venture and is slated for a December release.

Gong Hyo-jin debuted in the 1999 film 'Whispering Corridors 2' and has since established herself as a 'must-see actress' through her unique performances in various projects. She is widely loved by the public for her distinctive charming appeal and stable acting skills. Additionally, known for being a fashionista, she wields significant influence not only in dramas and films but also in the fashion industry.