"After you watch the movie, I hope you feel like, 'I want to have a glass of soju.'" — Lee Je-hoon

A film that's as refreshing as a drink is heading to theaters. 'Soju War' (directed by Choi Yoon-jin) dives into the bittersweet battle over Korea's national drink, soju. The story pits those trying to protect a soju company against those attempting to take it over.

Starring Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Je-hoon, the film promises a compelling bromance with Yoo as a devoted company man and Lee as a sharp investor with a hidden agenda.

🎬 The Setup: Soju, Loyalty, and Corporate Battles

At the production briefing held April 24 at Megabox COEX, Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Je-hoon, Son Hyun-joo, and Choi Young-joon shared insights into the film. (Director Choi Yoon-jin was notably absent due to ongoing legal disputes.)

Set during Korea's 1997 IMF crisis, the story revolves around "National Treasure Soju," a struggling company.

• Yoo Hae-jin plays Pyo Jong-rok, a finance executive fighting to protect the brand.
• Lee Je-hoon portrays Choi In-beom, an ambitious employee of a global investment firm aiming to buy it out.

Yoo shared,

"Maybe it's because I love drinking, but the script flowed smoothly for me. I was drawn to Pyo Jong-rok's human side."

He also joked,

"Filming drinking scenes wasn't hard. I just focused on drinking 'smoothly and freshly,' like a new soju brand launch."

Lee Je-hoon praised Yoo, calling him,

"A true master whose life is dedicated to film, just like Pyo Jong-rok's life revolves around soju."

🕴️ Lee Je-hoon's Role: A Smart, Calculating Strategist

Lee's character, In-beom, blends ambition with calculated charm.

He reflected,

"Even though I usually have an ENTP personality, In-beom's ENTJ vibe felt natural to me."

Despite appearing similar to his role in JTBC's Negotiation Skills, Lee noted:

"This time, my character shows more emotional layers."

Veteran actor Choi Young-joon praised Lee as a "young veteran," highlighting his polished acting and adaptability.

🥂 A Bromance Built on Soju

The movie charts how professional rivals Pyo and In-beom slowly develop trust — with soju as the catalyst.

Yoo explained,

"Initially, In-beom doesn't understand Jong-rok at all, but drinking together brings them closer."

Lee Je-hoon added,

"I grew up dreaming of becoming an actor while watching Yoo Hae-jin's performances. Working with him has been truly inspiring."

⚖️ Behind the Scenes: Director Dispute

Though initially helmed by rookie director Choi Yoon-jin, Soju War now lists her under "on-site director" credits after a dispute with production company The Lamp. Both parties are currently engaged in legal proceedings over creative rights.

MC Park Kyung-rim addressed the controversy:

"As legal proceedings are underway, the cast and staff are unable to comment in detail. A future Q&A session will be arranged."

🎥 Release Date
Soju War is set to hit theaters on June 3.