Lee Je-hoon, star of 'Big Deal,' shares insights on his dual role as an actor and management company CEO.
On November 2, at a café in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul, actor Lee Je-hoon discussed his role in the film 'Big Deal.'
'Big Deal' is set during the 1997 IMF financial crisis and follows the story of Pyo Jong-rok (played by Yoo Hae-jin), a finance director for whom the company is life, and Choi In-beom (played by Lee Je-hoon), an employee of a global investment firm focused solely on results. The film depicts their battle over the fate of Korea's national soju. Lee Je-hoon plays Choi In-beom, who is involved in the M&A of the Gukbo Group by the global investment firm Solqueen.
Pyo Jong-rok lives by the motto 'the company is life,' while Choi In-beom believes 'work is work, and life is life.' The film explores the conflict and friendship between these two characters with differing values.
In addition to being an actor, Lee Je-hoon is also the CEO of a management company. When asked about his personal values, he stated, "I live by the idea that work is work, and my life is my life, which makes it easier to separate the two. This approach helps me continue my acting career." He added, "Running a management company while acting makes me feel like work is me, and I am work. If I were to describe myself without the actor label, there wouldn't be much to say. It's a bit unfortunate, but it's the life I've chosen. I'm contemplating how to move forward in a better direction." He also expressed, "I always tell my company members that I hope they enjoy enough rest and work-life balance. However, when I reflect on myself, despite being busy now, I feel anxious about not having a schedule for next year. It's confusing, and I'm thinking about how to navigate it wisely."
Lee Je-hoon also shared his aspirations as both an actor and a company leader. He said, "As an actor, if I work actively, I hope to look back and feel satisfied that I lived well. Even if there are shortcomings, I want to remember pouring my abilities and talents into my work." He continued, "From a management perspective, it's important to create an environment where not only I but other artists can dream. It's crucial not to settle and to show better versions of ourselves. I hope the company becomes a place where members can project their dreams and future without anxiety." He concluded, "I'm contemplating how to ensure both my acting and management roles are well-established."
Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr