South Korean film star and director Ha Jung-woo is the latest recipient of the prestigious Ha Jung-woo LEAFF Honorary Award at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival. The award, which recognizes individuals who have significantly elevated the status of Asian cinema globally, was presented to the celebrated actor on Friday, October 24, 2025. The honor spotlights his remarkable career spanning acting, directing, and producing diverse projects.
The festival specifically highlighted Ha’s latest work, The People Upstairs, which he both directed and stars in. His agency confirmed the film was praised as a production that perfectly showcases his unique sensibility and creative vision. The dark comedy follows two couples one upstairs, one downstairs whose nightly noise disturbances lead to an unpredictable dinner that exposes raw truths.
Joining the ranks of distinguished past recipients like director Chung Ji-young and actor Lee Jung-jae, the Ha Jung-woo LEAFF Honorary Award positions him among the leading figures in East Asian filmmaking. His visit to the UK is marked by a special Special Gala screening of The People Upstairs followed by a Q&A session with approximately 800 attendees at the major festival.
The star’s presence and recognition underscores the festival’s commitment to promoting key figures who bridge Asian cinema with European audiences. Ha Jung-woo’s ability to draw large crowds and critical acclaim demonstrates why he is a deserving Ha Jung-woo LEAFF Honorary Award winner and a continuous force in the global film industry.
