"As Alluring as Soju, Lingering Like a Hangover"... 'Soju War,' A Tasteful Bromance

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"This is a movie that makes you ponder, like a lingering hangover." (Yoo Hae-jin)

Soju has long been a friend to the Korean people, sharing their joys and sorrows. While it frequently appears in films and dramas, there has rarely been a work truly centered around soju itself.

The film 'Soju War' intricately unravels the conflict among those who brew, protect, and covet soju, offering diverse perspectives. Two individuals, with entirely different approaches to their company and contrasting goals, meet and engage in a tense standoff.

The film transports the era's crisis of the IMF bailout onto the screen, posing questions to the current generation. Lee Je-hoon expressed his hope, "Through the stories of people who lived diligently during that time, I want to discuss how we should live our lives."

'Soju War' held a press preview and press conference at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul on the 29th. Actors Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Je-hoon, Son Hyun-joo, and Choi Young-joon were in attendance.

The director's seat was notably vacant. Director Choi Yoon-jin was dismissed by the production company 'The Lamp' but received a 'On-site Direction' credit. The MC stated on the day, "We will not be issuing any further statements regarding the director issue."

'Soju War' tells the story revolving around 'Gukbo Soju,' a soju company facing financial difficulties due to the 1997 IMF crisis. Financial director Jong-rok (played by Yoo Hae-jin) and global investment firm employee In-beom (played by Lee Je-hoon) engage in a battle of wits over the company's sale.

Lee Je-hoon takes on the role of Choi In-beom. Hiding his ambition to acquire 'Gukbo Soju,' he approaches Jong-rok. In-beom struggles to comprehend the ordinary daily routine of sharing drinks with colleagues after work.

As In-beom encounters Jong-rok, he slowly begins to change. The two grow closer through soju. He gradually comes to understand both Jong-rok's fervent sincerity towards the company and the deeper meaning embedded within soju.

Following JTBC's 'The Art of Negotiation,' Lee Je-hoon once again transforms into an M&A expert. Lee Je-hoon explained, "The subject matter and story might feel similar, but the characters are entirely different."

He added, "This film constantly poses questions to the audience. It's a work that makes you reflect on, 'What values do I hold regarding work and life?'"

Yoo Hae-jin plays Pyo Jong-rok, the financial director of 'Gukbo Group.' With the motto "The company is my life," he thinks about the company constantly. When the company faces bankruptcy due to the IMF foreign exchange crisis, he even personally engages in soju promotion.

He delivers a poignant performance depicting the bitter taste of alcohol. Yoo Hae-jin confessed, "When I came home, there was no warm embrace (from family), only soju. I thought there would be a quiet sadness. I deeply empathized with Jong-rok's story."

As the film progresses, his character also undergoes a transformation. He begins to rebel against the company he had devoted himself to and Chairman Jin-woo (played by Son Hyun-joo). This marks another reversal for Yoo Hae-jin, following his previous work 'Opposition Party.'

He highlighted the difference from 'Opposition Party,' stating, "In the previous work, I acted for personal desires. Jong-rok is the opposite kind of character. His beliefs and values reside within the company."

A key viewing point is the "soju chemistry" between Jong-rok and In-beom. The two clash over the fate of Gukbo Soju. However, as time passes, In-beom, as if intoxicated by soju, gradually becomes absorbed by Jong-rok.

Their actual acting chemistry was also perfect. Yoo Hae-jin recalled, "(Lee Je-hoon) has a clean and natural charm. Thanks to that, we could express the bromance even better." Lee Je-hoon also highly praised, "Senior (Yoo Hae-jin) was the best partner."

Adding a delightful touch is Chairman Jin-woo of Gukbo Group (played by Son Hyun-joo). Lee Je-hoon commented, "The role of Jin-woo was the best villain across all films. He infused vitality into the movie."

Byron Mann, a Hong Kong actor active in Hollywood, served as a hidden gem, portraying Gordon, the head of SolQueen Hong Kong headquarters. Lee Je-hoon praised him, saying, "He wonderfully depicted the greedy nature of a global investment firm."

Regarding Byron Mann, he praised, "He wonderfully portrayed the role of Gordon. His mere presence changed the atmosphere on set," and "He wonderfully depicted the greedy nature of a global investment firm."

Finally, Son Hyun-joo expressed his wish, "There have been many social issues recently. I hope many people can watch the movie, have a glass of soju, and share many conversations."

Yoo Hae-jin added, "There was a lot to think about after watching. It makes you look back and think, 'What did I do yesterday?'" and elaborated, "It's a movie that leaves a slight hangover, like alcohol."

Lee Je-hoon also hoped, "The movie poses many questions to the audience. I hope that after watching, we can talk together about what values we hold in our work and lives."

Meanwhile, 'Soju War' is set to open on May 30th.