The legendary Korean movie franchise Tazza is coming to a dramatic close after two decades. The final showdown moves past classic card tricks and steps onto the international Texas Hold'em stage, digging deep into human greed and survival instincts.
Lead actors Byun Yo-han and Noh Jae-won take center stage in the closing chapter. The story draws inspiration from biblical mythology—contrasting Lucifer, the fallen angel cast into hell, with Beelzebub, the ruler of darkness.
The film constantly flips their dynamic, keeping audiences guessing who is truly playing which role until the very end.
A 20-Year Legacy Reaches Its Final Hand
Director Choi Kook-hee joined lead actors Byun Yo-han and Noh Jae-won at CGV Yongsan Ipark Mall in Seoul on September 9 for a press conference introducing Tazza: Song of Beelzebub.
"As a massive fan of the original comic series, it was an absolute honor to direct this final chapter," Director Choi shared.
This installment centers on Texas Hold'em poker, with every hand carefully engineered around realistic card combinations. The production team added on-screen graphic guides explaining poker terminology so casual viewers can follow the tactical moves effortlessly.
The shared community cards—the flop, turn, and river—keep the psychological tension high as players bluff, calculate odds, and continuously adjust their strategies.
Friendship, Betrayal, and the Downfall of a Prodigy
Byun Yo-han plays Jang Tae-young, a born gambler who builds a fortune in the online casino business before losing everything to a devastating betrayal by his closest friend.
After hit rock bottom, Tae-young rebuilds his approach from the ground up. He finds a new mentor who teaches him how to fold before learning how to win.
Byun delivered lines in Korean, English, and Japanese for the role. "I tailored my speech to fit his personal growth," Byun explained. "For his English scenes on the boat, I intentionally focused on raw, gritty energy rather than polished fluency."
Byun also dropped over 10 kilograms to prepare for a brief shirtless sequence. "Even though the shot lasts just a few seconds, I gave it everything I had during training," he said.
Noh Jae-won plays Park Tae-young, a self-made player driven by a deep inferiority complex toward his friend's natural talent. Noh captures his character's internal turmoil through trembling vocal tones and shifting gazes.
"While filming, my real-life dynamic with Yo-han mirrored my character's feelings," Noh admitted during his first commercial leading role. "I admired him, felt jealous, and desperately wanted to learn from his experience."
An International Ensemble for a Global Showdown
The film features strong supporting performances from veteran actors. Jo Woo-jin stars as Tae-young's wise mentor Kwak Dong-wook, while Yoon Kyung-ho plays a ruthless hitman.
The production also expanded its international cast, welcoming Japanese actress Ayaka Miyoshi, Hong Dao, and Tsuyoshi Ihara.
"Ayaka Miyoshi actually acted as my Japanese language tutor on set," Noh recalled. "She took time out of her schedule to run lines with me, which gave me so much more freedom in my delivery."
Unlike previous installments, this spin-off embraces a darker tone. The story culminates in a tense high-stakes game held at the top of Vietnam's Landmark 81 skyscraper.
Tazza: Song of Beelzebub hits theaters nationwide on September 23, aiming for the holiday box office rush.
https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2347688
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