Lobby () 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. The film was released on April 2, 2025.
Plot 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 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 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 as Kim Gwang-guk 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.
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.
Filming Principal photography for Lobby began on 14 September 2023 and ended on December.
Release
Lobby premiered in South Korean theaters on 2 April 2025, distributed by Showbox. The film was released on digital platforms in South Korea on April 29.
Box office
The film was released on April 2, 2025 on 1,010 screens. It opened at second place at the South Korean box office with 37,157 admissions.
, the film has grossed from 165,311 admissions.
Reception
Accolades Award ceremony Year Category Recipient(s) Result Golden Cinematography Awards 2025Best Supporting ActressKwak Sun-young
References
External links