On June 2, Lee joon He sat for an interview in a coffee in Sogyeook-Dong, Jonny-Gu, Seoul, to discuss his latest film Big deal (Distributed by Showbox, produced by The Lamp Co., Ltd.).
Big deal is on the background of the FMI financial crisis of 1997 and tells the story of Jong-Rok (Yoo Hae-Jin), a financial director dedicated to a Soju company, which clashes with the Beom (Lee joon), an employee based on the results at a global investment company. The two represent opposite values ​​while fighting on the fate of the National Soju industry of Korea.
Lee joon He describes Choi In-Beom, an employee of the elite investment company who initially cannot grasp Jong-Rok’s passion for the company or the culture of post-work soju, but undergoes a transformation through their meetings.
Following the art of negotiation, another project focused on company issues, Lee joon Once again he explores the financial and economic narratives through Big deal. He commented, “I think this genre is still rare in Korea. Hollywood has produced many films on financial crimes, which I liked and studied. I hoped for a long time in similar stories to emerge in Korea, so discovering Big Deal’s screenplay was incredibly exciting.”
The setting of the IMF crisis involves personal meaning for Lee joon. “It was significant to tell this story because I lived that difficult moment”, he said. “It was surreal to translate those real experiences into a film.”
Remembering the era, Lee joon shared, “From the middle school to my early 1920s, I vividly remember the FMI period. My family managed small businesses such as a rice shop and a restaurant, but after the crisis, my father had to do daytime work. I witnessed what things have become difficult. While someone who lived through the collapse of small businesses, this story hit the house, especially when he reflected on school days.”
He continued, “I wanted to show how Korea has changed since the IMF crisis – How foreign capital entered, the corporate government moved and the financial system has become more competitive. Although these changes have caused interruptions, they have also improved transparency, thanks to the determination of the public. Today forms of Soju.
Having worked on two projects centered on the loan, Lee joon’s The interest in the economy has grown. “I am curious to know how the company works”, he said. “Humans moderate the world and I am attracted to the way people connect and influence each other. I keep the step with news and trends, I think of living responsibly and these questions influence my work, especially since I manage a company. Soju Wars has aligned with my thoughts on society and the art of negotiation has deepened this. He continues to choose the stories that reflect the real issues, not just for me, but not just Today’s economy and society involved.
He added, “The future is uncertain. The elections, the cycles of news and global economic changes influence all our lives. As these forces evolve, people become more aware and curious. I am anxious to see how Big deal It will be remembered when it will be revisited in the years to come. “
Through Big deal, Lee joon Not only does it create a compelling character, but also opens a dialogue on economic history, the cultural identity and the evolution values ​​of Korea. His personal connection with the Crisis of the IMF adds authenticity to the film, while his growing interest in financial and social structures reports a weighted direction in his career.
