Netflix Thriller '84 Square Meters' Explores Apartment Life and Noise Issues

The much-anticipated Netflix film '84 Square Meters' promises more than just a thrilling plot; it showcases a powerful performance by a talented cast. The film's press conference was held on the morning of the 14th at the Grand Ballroom of the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, attended by actors Kang Ha-neul, Yum Hye-ran, Seo Hyun-woo, and director Kim Tae-jun.

'84 Square Meters' is a thriller about Woo-sung, played by Kang Ha-neul, who finally secures his own 84-square-meter apartment but is tormented by mysterious noise from the apartment above. This is director Kim Tae-jun's second film, following his 2023 debut with 'Unlocked'.

Director Kim explained the significance of the title, '84 Square Meters', noting that "apartments are prevalent in Korea, and the 84-square-meter size is a standard representation of the typical Korean apartment." He added, "Many people experience noise issues between floors. With 80% of the population living in shared housing, and most of those being apartments, it's a relatable and timely subject. I wanted to delve deeply into the various perspectives on this issue."

Kang Ha-neul shared his reason for joining the project, saying, "The script was intriguing. It felt more like a storyboard written for directing rather than a typical script meant to convey understanding to the reader. The director's style was evident, and I was drawn to the imaginative direction."

Director Kim further elaborated, "Woo-sung is a reflection of today's youth, embodying their struggles and desires. Initially, the character was too dark and troubled, but with Kang Ha-neul's naturally bright and positive image, Woo-sung became a character audiences could empathize with and root for."

Yum Hye-ran plays Eun-hwa, the resident representative living in the penthouse. She described her character as "a former prosecutor turned powerful figure adept at navigating legal loopholes. Eun-hwa is a character that seems beneficial to one's desires and can be advantageous if used wisely." She humorously added, "Our set was filled with expensive items, and the art team was constantly on edge. If I admired a glass, they'd say it was Hermes, and if I sat down, they'd mention it was worth a million won."

Seo Hyun-woo portrays Jin-ho, Woo-sung's upstairs neighbor in apartment 1501. He shared, "When I received the script, I was also experiencing noise issues, so I could relate." Describing Jin-ho, he said, "He appears intimidating with tattoos and scars, suggesting a tough life, but he's also relatable. He empathizes with Woo-sung and passionately helps him."

Director Kim concluded, "Through Woo-sung, I wanted to capture the stories of young people in Korea, dealing with cryptocurrency, the desire to live in Seoul, and the struggles of making ends meet. It's not about criticizing these aspects but showing them through Woo-sung's experiences to garner empathy." He urged audiences to anticipate the "immersive performances" from the cast.

'84 Square Meters' will be available on Netflix starting the 18th.

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr