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"Big Deal,” a new Korean film, takes its Korean title — "Soju Jeonjaeng," literally meaning soju war — from Korea’s most popular distilled spirit, but it’s about more than just alcohol.

Its story invites audiences to reflect on the meaning of work, loyalty and personal values by showing how people’s choices are tested as the world and ideas of success change around them.

Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1997 financial crisis, the movie centers on a beloved soju company in financial trouble because of aggressive expansion which causes it to puts its fate in the hands of ruthless global investors.

At the heart of the story are two opposing forces — Pyo Jong-rok (Yoo Hae-jin) and Choi In-beom (Lee Je-hoon).

Pyo is a loyal employee who takes pride in his company and the cherished Korean spirit it produces. He believes in doing what’s right for the company.

In contrast, Choi is a sharp strategist from a global investment firm who sees the company as a business opportunity. “A company is just a place to make money, not the vessel of my life,” Choi said in the film, showing a sentiment that sharply contrasts with Pyo’s unwavering commitment.

The film’s narrative is driven by the collision of these two worldviews, with soju serving as more than just a drink — it’s a symbol of Korean identity and a lens through which the movie examines how we choose to live our lives.

For actor Lee, becoming a global investment banker was a challenge that demanded extensive preparation.

“I needed to deliver a lot of English lines, so I studied hard with a coach to get the pronunciation and intonation right,” he said after a press screening at a theater in Seoul, Thursday.

“I also read financial articles a lot to understand the mindset and knowledge required for the role. I even researched Korea’s crisis-era history to better portray the period.”

When asked why audiences should see the film, Yoo described the movie as more than just entertainment.

“I thinks it’s the kind of film that leaves you with a lingering aftertaste, like a hangover, prompting you to think about what you just experienced,” Yoo said. He added that while the film features a twist in the latter half, it’s ultimately about the difference between living for personal ambition and living for the sake of a company and its people.

Lee echoed this sentiment, noting that the film invites viewers to reflect on their own values and choices.

“The movie asks, ‘What kind of values do you live by?’ It’s a question that will resonate with everyone who watches it,” he said.

The film also shows stellar cast as veteran actor Son Hyun-joo portrays Seok Jin-woo, the chairman of the struggling soju company, and Choi Young-joon as Goo Young-mo, a lawyer of the company.

<Actor Byron Mann in a scene from “Big Deal” / Courtesy of Showbox>

Hollywood meets Korean cinema

Adding to the film’s international appeal is Hollywood actor Byron Mann, who plays a managing director of an investment company.

Mann said the movie gave him a precious experience. “Filming in Korea was one of the highlights of my career. Working with such an incredible cast was truly an honor. Returning to Korea after two years felt like coming home,” he said.

The actor also noted the differences between Korean and Hollywood production systems, highlighting how impressed he was by the detailed storyboarding system and the presence of an on-set editor.

“The production team gave me a book, which is the storyboard of an entire film. In Hollywood, where I filmed for many years, that does not exist. I was so impressed that the entire film was storyboarded in a book, and they shot according to this book,” he said.

“And on the set, we have an editor who edits the film… At the end of the day, we saw exactly what was shot. Again. I thought that was so impressive.”

“Big Deal” hits theaters on Friday (June 30).

By Baek Byung-yeul

The Korea Times (click)