Gong Hyo-jin Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insights on 'The Neighbors Upstairs' at Busan International Film Festival

Gong Hyo-jin, enjoying newlywed life after her husband's military discharge, shared behind-the-scenes stories from the film 'The Neighbors Upstairs,' featuring both her and her husband.

On the 19th, an open talk for the film 'The Neighbors Upstairs' was held at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, under the 'Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere' section. The event took place at the Busan Cinema Center in Udong, with actor-director Ha Jung-woo, Gong Hyo-jin, and Kim Dong-wook in attendance.

'The Neighbors Upstairs' tells the story of an upstairs couple (played by Ha Jung-woo and Lee Ha-nee) who make loud noises every night, and a downstairs couple (played by Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Dong-wook) living a mundane married life. The plot unfolds as they share a dinner together.

Gong Hyo-jin expressed her excitement about attending the Busan Film Festival, saying, "It's been so long that I can't remember the last time. I've visited Busan for travel, but it's been a while since I've come for work and events. The city has developed a lot and looks amazing. I don't want to leave today."

Gong Hyo-jin plays the role of Jung-ah, the wife from the downstairs couple. She described her character as someone who recently completed a home renovation and lives with her husband. Jung-ah is an art teacher at an art college and has a keen interest in interior design, which caused the renovation to take a long time. She invites the upstairs couple for dinner to apologize for the inconvenience caused by the renovation, only to realize, "There are people like this in the world." She reflects on her own life, thinking, "Why have we been living like this?" The film portrays a seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary situation, leading to a couple's quarrel in front of their guests.

Gong Hyo-jin hinted, "The story might be hard to understand for some, but there will be those who relate to it and others who might be shocked by the portrayal of marriage."

'The Neighbors Upstairs' is set to be released in December.

The 30th Busan International Film Festival runs from September 17 to 26 at the Busan Cinema Center.

Gong Hyo-jin is married to singer Kevin Oh, who is 10 years her junior. Kevin Oh enlisted in the army in December 2022 and was discharged in July.

Busan - Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr