Lee Je Hoon in "Big Deal" EXPOSED: The Soju War is Just the Beginning... You Won't BELIEVE What It's REALLY About!

lewishooper1
Jun 22
3 min read

Do you think Lee Je Hoon's new film Big Deal is about drinking? Think AGAIN! The real conflict will hook you in! We break down why this is a must-watch film!

Image: Actors Lee Je Hoon, left, and Yoo Hae Jin appear in a scene from Big Deal. / Courtesy of Showbox — Image: Actors Lee Je Hoon, left, and Yoo Hae Jin appear in a scene from *Big Deal*. Courtesy of Showbox.

What is this new film about?

Big Deal is a brand-new Korean film set to bring more than just a boozy night out. The title in Korean, "Soju Jeonjaeng" (literally "Soju War"), might have you thinking it's all about Korea's favorite spirit, so prepare to have your expectations shattered as the film progresses, and if you have it, have some soju to hand to drink while watching the show.

As the journey heats up, it also tries to tug at your heartstrings, as it delves into work, loyalty, and personal values, which attempt to make the viewers think about what truly matters in life.

Lee Je Hoon stars as Choi In Beom. Courtesy of Showbox.

If we go back in time to the dramatic 1997 financial crisis, at its core lies a much-loved soju company teetering on the brink after an ambitious expansion. Now, its destiny hangs precariously in the balance, left to the chance of ruthless global investors. Will their cherished values survive the cutthroat world of high finance? You won't want to miss this powerful exploration of ambition, ethics, and the enduring strength of human connection. The Dojeon team is super excited to see how the plot of this movie progresses.

What other drama can we expect?

As the film progresses, the clashes with Pyo Jong Rok, played by the incredible Yu Hae Jin, and the super cool Choi In Beom (Lee Je Hoon).

For Pyo, his beloved Korean soju company, which has been crafted more into a passion rather than a job, is a symbol of his hard work, loyalty guided by his sweat and tears that have gone into making the company what it is.

That said, his main opposition is Choi, who prides himself on being a brilliant strategist in the harsh world of global finance. He views the soju company as a struggling burden through his narrow lens, and that of a business opportunity and nothing more.

Image: Actor Byron Mann in a scene from Big Deal. Courtesy of Showbox — Image: Actor Byron Mann in a scene from *Big Deal*. Courtesy of Showbox.

As he chillingly states in the film, "A company is just a place to make money, not the vessel of my life." This cold, calculating perspective sets the stage for an epic ideological battle against Pyo's heartfelt dedication. Will Big Deal crack later as the tension rises, from the mixed opinions of global viewers?

What role does Soju play?

Soju plays a major role in this drama, not only as a popular drink, but also because it is a symbol of Korean identity and a cultural icon, which is portrayed well in this movie. It also shows the choices that we make to shape the order of our lives, and the values and decisions that we make. But do they always come easily since tradition clashes with ambition?!

West meets East

West finally meets East in this film as the narrative focuses on the strong global investment firm and cutthroat director, which injects an intriguing international element into the unfolding drama.

Yu Hae Jin as Pyo Jong Rok. Courtesy of Showbox.

During the film making process, it was decided that due to the soft power rise of Korean dramas and music world wide, that this film would try and cater to a more global audience, through the meticulous detailed storyboard, and the impressive presence of an on-set editor, highlighting the precision and efficiency of the Korean film industry. This international perspective further underscores the film's broad appeal and the talent it has drawn from across the globe.

Struggling with English

Actor Lee Je Hoon expressed he had difficulties learning English lines during the filming of Big Deal, as it is not his native language. Let's see if he took the challenge!

Check out the trailer and see for yourself!