Latest news with #BigDeal
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘Taxi Driver' actor Lee Je Hoon opens up about his family's past; shares how they dealt with the IMF financial crisis
Popular actor Lee Je Hoon recently opened up about his personal life and how he and his family had to suffer from a financial crisis at one point in time. The actor, during an interview, opened up about how his family and he had to suffer because of the massive crisis that hit the country alongside Thailand and Indonesia in 1997. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lee Je Hoon opens up about dealing with the 'real' IMF crisis The popular actor, well known for his roles in 'Signal', 'Move to Heaven', and 'Where Stars Land', starred in an interview for the promotion of his next project titled 'Big Deal'. The actor was seen on June 2 sitting for an interview, according to Koreaboo, where the actor talked about how he dealt with the financial crisis too. His latest project, 'Big Deal', is also set during the time of the crisis, sparking the impromptu conversation. While getting candid about his past, the actor shared that 'I actually experienced a difficult time during the IMF crisis, so it was meaningful to tell this story.' He then detailed how the crisis came to be and how his family managed to survive through everything. He shared during the interview that 'From my middle school to when I was in my early 20s, I remember the IMF period. My family ran a business— a rice shop and a restaurant. After the IMF crisis, I saw my father going out to do day labour, and that's when I realised just how difficult things had become.' Cites that shooting for 'Big Deal' felt more personal While discussing his time during the IMF crisis, the actor also detailed how special shooting his latest project was. He shared during the interview that the experience hit close to home and felt a lot more personal to him. More about Lee Je Hoon's 'Big Deal' 'Big Deal' is an up-and-coming film that stars Lee Je Hoon along with Yoo Hae Jin, Son Hyun Joo, and Choi Young Joon. It is set against the backdrop of the IMF crisis and shows the story of the CFO of Korea's no. 1 company producing Soju, how that company deals with financial turmoil and an ambitious investment firm employee.
Pink Villa
8 hours ago
- Business
- Pink Villa
Lee Je Hoon reveals his father turned to day labor after IMF crisis shut family business, calls Big Deal ‘meaningful'
South Korea was plunged into one of the worst financial crises in 1997, now remembered as the IMF crisis. Businesses folded overnight, unemployment skyrocketed, and middle-class families across the country saw their lives unravel. For actor Lee Je Hoon, this wasn't just history; it was part of his own story. On June 2, a press interview was held to promote Lee Je Hoon 's latest film Big Deal. He candidly reflected on how the events of 1997 disrupted his childhood and reshaped the trajectory of his life. As it turns out, the film's subject matter (which portrays South Korea during the peak of its economic collapse) aligns closely with Lee's lived experience. Lee Je Hoon's firsthand account of family collapse Reflecting on his younger years, Lee Je Hoon shared that he was in middle school when the financial crisis hit. At the time, his family owned two small businesses: a rice store and a restaurant. They were modest but stable ventures that helped them maintain a comfortable life. However, like countless small business owners during that period, the crash came swiftly and without mercy. His family's businesses couldn't withstand the economic shock, and they were forced to shut down. The most painful moment for Lee Je Hoon, he shared, was seeing his father 'going out to do day labor' to make ends meet. It was a sobering experience for a teenager to watch. 'That's when I realized just how difficult things had become,' he shared. From Biotechnology to the big screen Though the crisis brought severe hardship, it also instilled in Lee a level of emotional maturity beyond his years. He witnessed not only his family's hardship but also the collective pain of a nation. Small shops closed, neighbors lost jobs, and people who once lived comfortably had to rethink everything. Interestingly, Lee didn't begin his adult life on an acting path. He was initially enrolled as a Biotechnology student at Korea University, a route that promised academic stability. But the desire to pursue acting led him to abandon that conventional track. He later transferred to the Korea National University of Arts, where he studied drama. Over the next two decades, Lee worked his way up from indie films to mainstream blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas. Big Deal marks a full-circle moment For Lee Je Hoon, working on Big Deal is more than just another acting project; it feels like a full-circle moment. He expressed, 'I actually experienced a difficult time during the IMF crisis, so it was meaningful to tell this story.' Big Deal is set in the chaotic financial landscape of 1997. The film focuses on a conflict between two professionals caught in a high-stakes struggle over control of Korea's national soju industry. While the characters are fictional, the backdrop is historically accurate.
Pink Villa
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Lee Je Hoon promises Signal Season 2 will ‘meet expectations', shares thoughts on reuniting with Kim Hye Soo and Cho Jin Woong
After years of speculation and anticipation, the popular drama Signal is finally getting a second season. First broadcast in 2016, the series left a lasting mark on Korean television with its narrative that bridged timelines and tackled cold cases. Now, almost ten years later, Signal 2 is in production and set to air in the first half of 2026. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans and among the cast themselves. Actor Lee Je Hoon, who played profiler Park Hae Young in Season 1, recently shared his thoughts on returning to the role after nearly a decade. Lee Je Hoon on reuniting with the cast During a group interview held on June 2 in Seoul's Samcheong-dong, Lee Je Hoon opened up while promoting his upcoming film Big Deal. The conversation quickly shifted to Signal. And the actor spoke warmly about reuniting with co-stars Kim Hye Soo and Cho Jin Woong. As quoted by AllKpop, 'It's rare (for a cast) to reunite and act together again after 10 years. For me, it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life,' he said. Lee Je Hoon expressed that reuniting with his co-stars after such a long time brought a sense of comfort and renewed inspiration. He noted that everyone had matured over the years and felt the atmosphere on set had become more relaxed compared to the past. A confident promise As filming for Season 2 continues, Lee Je Hoon confidently expressed that the production is going well. He emphasized the dedication of the cast and crew and hinted that viewers won't be disappointed. 'It will definitely be a project that meets expectations,' he said. 'We're filming in good spirits, so I hope everyone will wait just a bit longer.' With the original trio back and production already underway, Signal 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated drama sequels in recent memory. Fans who have waited nearly a decade for answers may finally get the closure they've been hoping for. What fans can expect in Season 2 Signal originally concluded with several mysteries still unresolved, particularly the fate of detective Lee Jae Han, played by Cho Jin Woong. The series followed detectives from different timelines who collaborated to crack long-forgotten cases. They get linked by a walkie-talkie that allows them to communicate across time. Season 2 promises to pick up where the original left off. Kim Hye Soo will return as Cha Soo Hyun of the Cold Case Squad. Cho Jin Woong reprises his role as the missing detective Lee Jae Han, and Lee Je Hoon resumes his part as profiler Park Hae Young. Their reunion has raised expectations for a powerful continuation of the story.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Hi-Five' tops weekend box office, edging out 'Mission: Impossible 8'
South Korean action comedy "Hi-Five" seized the top spot at the local weekend box office, unseating the latest "Mission: Impossible" installment, data showed Monday. According to the Korean Film Council, the comedy movie, directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, drew approximately 380,000 moviegoers from Friday to Sunday. Premiering Friday, the movie follows five ordinary people whose lives take a dramatic turn after receiving organ transplants. "Hi-Five" ended the reign of "Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning," Tom Cruise's eighth installment of the popular action franchise, which had held the No. 1 position since its local theatrical debut May 17. It has attracted a cumulative audience of 2.47 million to date. During the weekend, the film attracted about 371,000 moviegoers. Coming in third was "Big Deal," starring Lee Je-hoon and Yoo Hae-jin, which sold 131,000 tickets over the weekend. Inspired by a real-life story, the film revolves around two men entangled in a merger case during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. (Yonhap)
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘I think people severely underestimate India': US founder praises India's booming startup scene
A US businesswoman and author Codie Sanchez has shared a post praising India, saying that it is "severely underestimated " as a business powerhouse. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Codie added that she is planning a trip to India. Codie tweeted, "I'm planning an Indian tour... I think people severely underestimate India as a business powerhouse. 1) Past = It's only call centres. Now = millions speak fluent English. 2) Past: IT back office for the world. Now = tons of engineers with complex skills. 3. Past: Copycat Indian startups. Now = Billion-dollar native creative startups." Codie concluded her note, "Functioning democracy. Rule of law. Intellectual property rights. Entrepreneurial attitude. All ingredients for the next startup innovation hub." The Entrepreneur on a journey page asked, "This tour, will it be in India, or in the north Dallas suburbs?" She replied, "lol real ones know." A woman wrote, "I'd love to join & my family would be happy to host you with factory tours in Morbi, Gujarat, massive export town. India is amazing. Despite its reputation, it is truly the future in terms of business." Codie responded, "Thank you I have never been to those parts of India!" A tweet read, "Definitely visit factories in India. The startup world will be easily accessible, but get into as many factories as possible." A person wrote, "Totally agree! India's transformation is incredible. From innovation hubs to startup unicorns, the potential is massive. Excited for your tour—bet you'll find it eye-opening!" "As someone from India, I feel this shift every day. It's not just talent, but it's hunger, creativity, and a new wave of builders who aren't just following trends, but setting them. The world's watching now," wrote another person. An X user said, "It's crazy how fast things have changed, India's emerging as a major global business force." A comment read, "Good luck with the tour. You will experience many different versions of India. So let's see what you come back with." A person said, "India is going to become the new China for the USA. We move a lot over to them. They copy and replicate. Their economy will grow. Millions will come out of poverty. Hopefully, this time, we do it smartly so we don't build up our next strategic competitor. Maybe that's inevitable." Currently based in Texas, Codie studied at Arizona State University and then did her MBA from Georgetown University. She has worked for several companies such as Vanguard, Goldman Sachs, State Street and First Trust, among others. She is the founder of Contrarian Thinking. Codie also has her own podcast channel, Big Deal.
