Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Je-hoon Share a Passion for Soju in ‘Soju War’

Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Je-hoon come together for the first time in the upcoming film Soju War, a dramedy set during the 1997 IMF Currency Crisis that explores the soul of Korea’s iconic alcohol—soju—through a heartfelt and humorous narrative of rivalry and bonding.

Soju War tells the story of Pyoh Jong-rok (played by Yoo Hae-jin), a finance director whose life revolves around his company, and Choi In-beom (played by Lee Je-hoon), a cold, result-driven investment analyst from a global firm. Their worlds collide over the fate of “Kookbo Soju,” a beloved domestic soju brand, creating high-stakes drama with a splash of bitterness—and warmth—over countless shared drinks.

The contrast between the two characters is stark—Jong-rok is all heart and tradition, while In-beom is logic and ambition. Initially unable to understand Jong-rok’s emotional connection to soju, In-beom’s perspective begins to shift as he partakes in authentic Korean drinking culture. The transformation is as much about taste as it is about humanity, with each soju-fueled conversation bringing the two men closer, blurring the lines between corporate gain and personal growth.

Director’s stills reveal intimate scenes from their ‘Sojubang’—a small, cozy drinking room—where the unlikely duo slowly bridge their ideological gap. According to Lee Je-hoon, “In-beom, who had no familiarity with soju, starts to enjoy it after meeting Jong-rok. Their after-hours drinks lead to major changes in how he sees life—and work.”

This subtle character evolution, set against the backdrop of a nation in crisis, adds emotional depth to the film. The unusual bromance becomes central to the larger battle over soju’s future—it’s not just alcohol, but a symbol of identity, pride, and resilience for generations of Koreans.

Soju War received early buzz for spawning the witty on-screen duo dubbed “Yuilmuyi”—a clever wordplay combining ‘Yoo’ (from Yoo Hae-jin) and ‘Ilmu’i’ (meaning ‘harmless,’ from Lee Je-hoon’s name), hinting at the pair’s refreshing chemistry. Their dynamic is expected to become a standout feature of this summer’s cinema lineup.

Soju War arrives in theaters on June 3, promising a story that blends witty corporate banter with emotional realness, all infused with the comfort of a warm shot of soju in tough times.