Lobby (film)

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. The film was released on April 2, 2025.

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.

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. 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.