[Dispatch=Yuha Haneul Reporter] "I threw away the burden of this being the last, and we completed our own 'Tajja.'" (Byun Yo-han)

The 'Tajja' film series concludes its 20-year journey. The stage for the final showdown is a global gambling arena. Beyond a simple hold'em game, it delves into human desire and instinct.

Actors Byun Yo-han and Noh Jae-won held the final cards. The film is inspired by 'Lucifer,' an angel fallen into hell within a spade card, and 'Beelzebub,' the ruler of hell.

Which of the two is Lucifer and which is Beelzebub? The film flips their relationship until the very end.

The 'Tajja: Song of Beelzebub' side held a press screening and press conference on the 9th at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Byun Yo-han, Noh Jae-won, and director Choi Guk-hee attended.

'Tajja: Song of Beelzebub' is the final film in the 'Tajja' series. It depicts the revenge story of Jang Taeyoung, who thought he had everything through online casino business, and his close friend Park Taeyoung, who took everything from him.

It marks the finale of a 20-year history. Director Choi Guk-hee shared, "I was an avid fan of the original webtoon," and "It was an honor to make the final work 'Song of Beelzebub' together."

This showdown's game is hold'em. Every poker hand appearing in the film was designed with cards that could actually be dealt. For viewers unfamiliar with hold'em, related terms were explained through subtitles.

Hold'em maximizes psychological warfare between characters. From the flop, turn, to river. Each time a community card is dealt, the game swings. Players constantly read their opponent's hand, deceive, and reverse strategy.

Byun Yo-han played Jang Taeyoung. A gambler who bets boldly, trusting his natural talent. He succeeds even in online casino business and rises unceasingly, but collapses in an instant due to his best friend's betrayal.

After that, his gambling method changes. He, who relied on luck, relearns the fundamentals for a fair confrontation. Meeting a new mentor, he learns how to lose before learning how to win.

Byun Yo-han handled three languages in the film—Korean, English, and Japanese. "I prepared various approaches depending on the situation. In the English dialogue during the rest scene on the boat, I wanted to show Jang Taeyoung's growth. Rather than fluency, I pushed forward with a rough energy," he noted.

He also paid attention to weight management for a brief bed scene. Byun Yo-han emphasized, "I lost over 10kg for the shirtless scene. It's only a few seconds on screen, but I did my best. I invested all my time to make it."

Noh Jae-won played Park Taeyoung. Unlike the genius Jang Taeyoung, he is someone who has proven himself through effort. However, he feels inferiority toward his friend's talent that he cannot surpass, and brings him down.

After crushing his friend, he appears to be on the road to success. He becomes elated, thinking that 'God's unfairness, which was always the case, seemed to finally be evened out.' In that moment, the roar that erupts sounds like 'Song of Beelzebub.'

Director Choi said, "Park Taeyoung is an acquired genius who grew by filling his shortcomings through his own effort," and "We needed a sense of lack somewhere. After considering various combinations, I chose Noh Jae-won," explaining the casting decision.

Noh Jae-won delicately expressed inferiority and anxiety. With wavering eyes and trembling voice, he burst with emotion. As his first commercial film lead requiring long breath control, the burden was considerable.

He found that momentum in Byun Yo-han. Noh Jae-won shared, "During filming, Park Taeyoung and I formed an intersection," adding "Watching my brother, I felt envious, and experienced jealousy and envy. At the same time, he was someone I wanted to learn from."

A solid supporting cast also lent their strength. Jo Woo-jin appeared as Kwak Dong-wook and Yoon Kyung-ho as Cho Jung-hwan, respectively playing Jang Taeyoung's mentor and a contract killer. The two served as Jang Taeyoung's benefactors.

Byun Yo-han spoke about his chemistry with Jo Woo-jin: "When filming with the senior, it felt like meeting a mentor I had never seen before," adding "I fully immersed myself in that moment. He played a role in balancing the film," expressing his gratitude.

As the stage expanded to a global gambling arena, actors transcending nationality joined in large numbers. Miyoshi Ayaka (as Kaneko), Hong Dao (Chairman Tao), and Ihara Tsuyoshi (as Sasaki) participated.

The actors became each other's language teachers. Noh Jae-won recalled, "Miyoshi Ayaka became my Japanese teacher," and "She took time to do readings together. She was a benefactor who expanded my freedom in delivering lines."

This work takes on the nature of a side story to the series. The atmosphere differs from previous films. Director Choi explained, "The original webtoon also has a much darker tone than seasons 1~3," and "I worked with a focus on human desire."

The highlight is the final group game. With a massive pot at stake, the two protagonists have their final showdown. Against the backdrop of the top floor of '81 Landmark' in Vietnam, they engage in tense psychological warfare.

Noh Jae-won said, "It's a story about betrayal and revenge, but the final scene contains complex emotions," adding "It's a mix of affection and regret toward my friend, and anger beyond that."

The 'Tajja' series has consistently targeted the Chuseok box office. The final installment also aims at holiday audiences. Director Choi requested anticipation, saying "I wanted to make an entertainment film for adults. I added bold bed scenes and action sequences."

Byun Yo-han focused on the new showdown rather than the weight of this being the last 'Tajja.' He expressed confidence, saying "I threw away the burden of it being the final work," and "We came together tightly and completed our own 'Tajja.'"

'Tajja: Song of Beelzebub' opens on the 23rd.

<Photo=Reporter Song Hyo-jin>