Yoo Hae-jin Shines in Korean Cinema with Dual Roles in 'Soju War' and 'Opposition'

This year, the spotlight in Korean cinema is on actor Yoo Hae-jin. With back-to-back releases of 'Opposition' and 'Soju War', Yoo has been a constant presence in theaters for three months, even as the film industry faces challenges. Yoo captivates audiences by portraying contrasting characters in these films.

Yoo Hae-jin is currently engaging audiences with 'Soju War', which premiered on May 30. The film depicts the struggle between those trying to take over and those defending the NGB Group, a company known for its 'national soju', during the 1997 IMF crisis. Yoo plays Pyo Jong-rok, the CFO fighting to save the company.

Pyo Jong-rok views the company as his life. As NGB Group faces bankruptcy due to the IMF crisis, he meets with investors and law firms and even promotes soju at restaurants to save the company.

Yoo's performance as a loyal and determined character is compelling. His portrayal of Pyo's warmth and charm, especially in scenes involving soju, brings smiles to audiences. Yoo skillfully balances the character's various facets.

Prior to 'Soju War', Yoo starred in 'Opposition', released on April 16. The crime action film follows a drug broker, a prosecutor, and a detective with different motives in a drug investigation. Despite its R-rating, the film attracted 3.37 million viewers.

In 'Opposition', Yoo plays Gu Kwan-hee, an ambitious prosecutor. His nuanced performance of Gu's ambition and internal conflict adds depth to the film. Yoo's intense gaze and dynamic acting keep audiences engaged. Gu's rise and fall are dramatically portrayed by Yoo.

Yoo draws from personal experiences to develop his characters naturally. Regarding Pyo Jong-rok in 'Soju War', Yoo said, "I relate to him a lot. There were many fathers like him in my neighborhood growing up." To convincingly portray Gu Kwan-hee's ambition in 'Opposition', Yoo added lines about Gu's mother urging him to succeed, enhancing the character's backstory.

The contrasting food scenes in 'Soju War' and 'Opposition' are noteworthy. In 'Soju War', soju scenes depict life's struggles, while in 'Opposition', a jokbal scene builds camaraderie between Gu and broker Lee Kang-soo (played by Kang Ha-neul). Originally, the scene featured beef, but Yoo suggested jokbal for better focus, enhancing the emotional connection.

Yoo Hae-jin's ability to immerse himself in diverse roles is evident. He emphasizes the importance of blending into scenes naturally, rather than forcing expressions.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr