Lobby (film)
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| Lobby | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Hangul | 로비 |
| RR | Robi |
| MR | Robi |
| Directed by | Ha Jung-woo |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | So Jung-oh |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Dalpalan |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Showbox |
Release date |
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Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$1.8 million[1] |
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 Yoon Chang-wook, a startup CEO who tries to win a government project through golf course lobbying.[2] The film was released on April 2, 2025.[3][4]
Yoon Chang-wook, a startup CEO who knows nothing but research, constantly loses opportunities and technology to his rival, 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 Manager Choi
- Kang Hae-lim as Jin Se-bin
- Lee Dong-hwi as Reporter Park
- Park Byung-eun as Son Kwang-woo
- Kang Mal-geum as Minister Cho
- Choi Si-won as Ma Tae-soo
- Cha Joo-young as Da-mi
- Park Hae-soo as Bae-min, golf course owner
- Kwak Sun-young as Director Kim
- Hyun Bong-sik as Garcini
- Uhm Ha-neul as Ho-sik
- Kim Jong-soo as Motors CEO
- Lee Ji-hoon as Kim Gwang-guk
- Chung Ye-jin as Sister
- Yoo Seung-mok as Director
- Park Kyung-hye as Jung-sook
- Sung Dong-il as Jin Se-bin's father
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.[5]
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.[6] 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.[7]
Filming
Principal photography for Lobby began on 14 September 2023 and ended on December.[8]
Release
Lobby premiered in South Korean theaters on 2 April 2025, distributed by Showbox.[9][10] The film was released on digital platforms in South Korea on April 29.[11]
Box office
The film was released on April 2, 2025 on 1,010 screens.[12] It opened at second place at the South Korean box office with 37,157 admissions.
As of April 5, 2025[update], the film has grossed US$1,071,184 from 165,311 admissions.[12][1]