Actor and director Ha Jung-woo has been honored at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) with the LEAFF Honorary Award, recognizing his contribution to elevating the global status of Asian cinema.

Celebrating His Dual Talent

Ha's agency, Workhouse Company, announced on October 24 that the actor-filmmaker received the award for his fourth directorial and starring project, The Upstairs Neighbors. The film festival, which opened on October 23 (local time), has introduced Korean and Asian films to audiences across Europe since its launch in 2015.

Festival organizers praised The Upstairs Neighbors as "a work that perfectly reflects Ha Jung-woo's unique sense and cinematic touch," emphasizing his creative influence both in front of and behind the camera.

Honoring Icons of Asian Cinema

The LEAFF Honorary Award is presented to figures who have made outstanding contributions to promoting Asian cinema on the world stage. Previous recipients include director Chung Ji-young and actors Simon Yam, Louis Koo, and Lee Jung-jae.

Connecting with Global Audiences

Ha Jung-woo will walk the red carpet on October 24 (local time) and present The Upstairs Neighbors to UK audiences for the first time through a premium screening, followed by a Q&A session with about 800 attendees.

The film portrays two couples—played by Ha Jung-woo, Honey Lee, Gong Hyo-jin, and Kim Dong-wook—whose lives become entangled over a dinner after a dispute about noise between floors.

Ha Jung-woo is currently preparing for the film's domestic release in early December and filming the upcoming tvN drama How to Become a Building Owner in Korea.