Appearing on the December 8 episode of YouTube channel 짠한형 신동엽, Ha Jung-woo was joined by castmates Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Dong-wook and Lee Ha-nee. The actors recalled the difficult production process of their film while drinking with host Shin Dong-yup.
The Neighbor Upstairs is Ha’s fourth film as a director and revolves around a dinner party between upstairs and downstairs neighbors (played by Ha Jung-woo and Lee Ha-nee and Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Dong-wook) triggered by noise complaints, leading to a chaotic and unpredictable night.
But behind the laughs, the production faced serious challenges. He admitted that, due to the grueling indoor shooting schedule, “we didn’t see the light of day for five weeks.” Adding to the confusion, Gong revealed that even shortly before filming began, casting for who would play which couple had not been finalized.
The spotlight then shifted to Gong Hyo-jin’s role as a hands-on guardian on set. Known for her assertiveness, Gong didn’t hold back after receiving the first draft of the script from Ha. “She gave him a king-size roast,” Ha joked. “He called me and said, ‘How are you going to shoot this thing, oppa?’”
While Ha appreciated Gong’s brutally honest feedback – likening her in spirit to a producer – she also admitted that it was difficult to deal with. “She pointed out every weak point. After the movie ended, my appendix burst. I blame her for 80 percent of it,” he said, laughing.
Adding more color to the dynamic, Ha recounted how Lee Ha-nee often played the role of peacemaker between him and Gong. He jokingly called her a “sister-in-law who likes to mix things up,” shedding light on the tense but fun atmosphere on set.
Despite the creative clashes, the camaraderie within the cast is clear – and it looks like their passionate contributions will result in a bold and comedic experience for audiences when The Neighbor Upstairs hits theaters.
Sources: Daum
