Actor Lee Je-hoon revealed his heartbreaking family history during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Based on the reality and sense of responsibility he gained from that pain, he is currently in a 'dilemma that cannot rest' as the representative of his agency, bearing the responsibility for the livelihoods of his employees.
On the 2nd, Lee Je-hoon conducted an interview for the movie 'Big Deal' (distributed by SHOWBOX, produced by The Lamp) at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
'Big Deal' depicts the story of financial director Jong-rok (played by Yoo Hae-jin), who treats the soju company as life itself, and In-beom (played by Lee Je-hoon), an employee of a global investment firm that solely pursues profit, as they clash over the fate of soju for the Korean people during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
Lee Je-hoon reflected on the IMF period and candidly shared the pain that pierced through his childhood. During the IMF crisis, he was a middle school student in his early twenties, and he stated, "My family had a store and did some self-employment. We ran a rice shop and a restaurant, but after the IMF crisis, I saw my father working as a day laborer, and that made me realize how tough the situation was."
Continuing, Lee Je-hoon mentioned that he belonged to a generation that directly experienced the struggles of unstable business, which made the story in the film feel more realistic. He revealed that his personal experiences were deeply reflected in the work and remarked, "After the IMF, Korea's economy has strengthened its transparency and efficiency, but considering what we went through, I often think about how moral hazard has become more prevalent now."
Having directly witnessed the economic difficulties his family faced during the IMF crisis, Lee Je-hoon is currently living an intense life as both an actor and the representative of his agency. He is busy handling promotional activities for 'Big Deal' while simultaneously filming tvN's 'Signal 2' and SBS's 'Taxi Driver 3'. Speaking of his hectic schedule, he said, "People are shocked when they see my schedule."
Such a grueling schedule stems from 'responsibility' that goes beyond mere passion for work. Lee Je-hoon expressed his strong determination, stating, "From my perspective, I've anticipated the situation and set it down. No matter where I go, I intend to give my best today."
Lee Je-hoon candidly shared his struggles, saying, "Currently, if I don't work hard as a player, there is a risk in operating the company, so that's the dilemma." He added, "Although those around me say that I should rest now, I realize that, considering the company situation, I have an obsession that I cannot take a break," conveying his deep concerns as a representative responsible for the livelihoods of his employees.
Nevertheless, Lee Je-hoon stated, "I can say that it is obviously hard not to have a day off in the current situation, but ultimately, it is a moment I feel thankful for," showing his ability to maintain gratitude even amidst responsibility.
Amid his busy schedule, Lee Je-hoon is managing his health well and steadily walking his path. Unlike last year when he underwent surgery for colitis, he received a report during his health check-up in January stating that he is 'very healthy', reassuring his fans.
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