During a recent interview for the upcoming film Big Deal on the 2nd, Lee Je Hoon reflected on how the film’s IMF-era setting mirrored his own childhood struggles.
“I actually lived through the difficulties of the IMF crisis, so being able to make a film based on those experiences was incredibly meaningful,” he shared. “I remember it was between my middle school days and my early twenties—back then, my family ran a rice shop and restaurant. But after the IMF hit, I watched my father leave for day labor jobs, and that’s when I truly felt how economically devastating that time was.”
The actor explained how those personal experiences brought authentic realism to his latest project. “The crisis brought out people’s sense of urgency and dedication, which ultimately strengthened market transparency and efficiency,” the actor noted. “Through this film, I wanted to highlight both the reality we faced after the crisis and the moral decay we’re seeing in today’s society.”
Having recently tackled corporate and economic themes in two consecutive projects, Lee admits his interest in financial planning has naturally grown. “As an actor, I’m always interested in how the world works. My realistic concerns and values about relationships, society, and the future heavily influence which projects I choose,” he explained. “Both Big Deal and The Art of Negotiation showcase our generation’s economic reality, which made them feel even more significant to me.”
“The future is uncertain, but given how sensitive people are to political and economic situations these days, I hope this work continues to resonate with audiences,” he concluded. “I’m hoping ‘Big Deal’ will be remembered as a meaningful piece for generations to come.”
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