[TF Interview] Byun Yo-han, Overcoming Pressure to Fiercely Complete 'Tazza 4'

Played the role of Jang Tae-young, who succeeded with innate luck and intuition"I want to persistently conclude a series with a 20-year history."Actor Byun Yo-han held an interview regarding the release of the movie 'Tazza 4'. /CJ ENM[THE FACT|Reporter Park Ji-yoon] Actor Byun Yo-han has returned with 'Tazza 4', which marks the finale of the 'Tazza' series, which has spanned 20 years. He did not shy away from the pressure but faced it head-on, fiercely filling it with his own color, successfully completing his growth as an actor and a meaningful challenge.Byun Yo-han held an interview with on the 14th at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of the movie 'Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub' (Director Choi Gook-hee, hereinafter referred to as 'Tazza 4'). He played the lead role of Jang Tae-young, brilliantly decorating the finale of the 20-year-old 'Tazza' series.The movie 'Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub' (Director Choi Gook-hee, hereinafter referred to as 'Tazza 4'), which was released on screen on the 23rd, is a crime film about Jang Tae-young, who thought he had the world at his fingertips with his online casino business, and his best friend Park Tae-young (played by Noh Jae-won) of the same name, who took everything from him, meeting again in the global gambling world for a revenge match.If you were to pick the busiest actor recently, it would undoubtedly be Byun Yo-han. In 'Kyungju Gihang' (Director Kim Mi-jo), released on August 26th, he played Baek Sang-hyun, who took the youngest child from Ok-sil's (played by Lee Jung-eun) family, showing a drastic visual transformation. In 'Father's Home Cooking' (Director Lee Joon-ik), released on the 9th, he played Myung-bok, the son of Ha-eung (played by Jung Jae-young) and Soon-ae (played by Lee Jung-eun), marking a significant addition to his filmography by being the first short drama to be released in theaters.Byun Yo-han played the role of Jang Tae-young, who succeeded with innate luck and intuition. /CJ ENMAnd shortly after, Byun Yo-han is meeting audiences with a new film, 'Tazza 4', on screen again. Regarding this, he said, "I just worked as usual, and it all piled up. Although it wasn't planned, I am very grateful that three films were released around the same time. It's so exciting to be able to meet the audience."'Tazza 4' is based on the work of the same name, which Huh Young-man selected as his favorite story among his series. It is the fourth sequel and finale of the 'Tazza' movie series, which has expanded its unique world for 20 years and received much love, drawing much attention from the production stage.In particular, 'Tazza' (2006) was loved by many, attracting 5.69 million viewers despite its R-rated classification, and its famous lines are still talked about today. After the second and third installments failed to surpass the box office success of the first, the pressure of taking on the role of the protagonist in the fourth installment, which concludes the series, was expected to be considerable.Nevertheless, Byun Yo-han, who jumped into the project with the mindset of "If someone is going to close the door, I want it to be me," fiercely completed a new 'Tazza' by preserving the franchise's identity while adding his own color. Along with this, he achieved growth as an actor, becoming even more solid by not avoiding daunting and pressured challenges."I didn't want to make a fuss just because it was the finale. If I hadn't appeared, it would have just been a passing project, but if I avoided it, I felt like I would be remembered as an actor who only does the acting he wants to do. Of course, I had simple thoughts like 'Can I do well?' and 'Can I make it my own color?' I felt like I had nothing to lose if I did well, and everything to lose if I didn't, but I grow when I do difficult projects, so I was able to keep going. Fortunately, I found the answers while working with the team. It was a set where we worked passionately with one heart."Byun Yo-han said, "I had the mindset that I had nothing to lose if I did well and everything to lose if I didn't, but I grow when I do difficult projects, so I was able to keep going," regarding his role in concluding the 20-year-old 'Tazza' movie series. /CJ ENMIn the play, Jang Tae-young had succeeded in the gambling world and the online casino business with his innate luck and intuition, but due to complacency bred by success, he failed to notice the jealousy harbored by his close partner Park Tae-young, and was betrayed by him, losing everything and falling into ruin in an instant. Afterward, he returns to the game with revenge as his sole motivation, starting a showdown where he risks everything."I tried to act similarly to the webtoon. And what I considered important in the script were emotions like human ambition, jealousy, envy, and inferiority. I tried to clearly portray emotions that everyone knows, seeking clarity."This work featured poker instead of Hwatu, and expanded its setting beyond Korea to Japan and Vietnam, completely breaking away from the connections of previous installments and presenting an independent story. Therefore, it required an understanding of Hold'em and training to master hand techniques."I observed people's subtle actions through Hold'em match videos to understand their tendencies, and I trained with professional players for several months. Understanding poker was important, but the essence of what the work wanted was also crucial. So, I practiced reading opponents' minds, maintaining a poker face, and finding their weaknesses. Unlike Hwatu, where emotions are expressed through dialogue, I tried to win with my gaze and energy."Byun Yo-han also expressed special affection for Noh Jae-won, who accompanied him through all these processes. The two, who worked together again in 'Tazza 4' after Disney+'s 'Uncle Samsik', created the work in the same direction, based on their shared love for acting and their frighteningly persistent concentration."I wanted to honestly convey and express the love I received from my seniors from my 20s to my 30s. In that regard, Noh Jae-won, although a junior and younger than me, was a passionate and inspiring person who awakened me. I think the reason I wasn't stingy in my expressions is because Noh Jae-won is a good person. Our chemistry was really great and enjoyable. I think it will be remembered for a long time."Byun Yo-han expressed his hope that "'Tazza 4' would be a film that persistently concludes a series with a 20-year history," and asked for much interest. /CJ ENMByun Yo-han also put a lot of effort into his physical appearance for the nude and bed scenes. He lost a significant amount of weight to create different bodies depending on the character's situation, even going to the emergency room."I felt fatigued, but I thought it would fit the character's condition well. There were times when I overdid it, but I found the process very fun and had a subtle certainty that these were moments when I became closer to the character. I believe that hard work is visible to the audience."After the preview screening held before the release, reactions like "Don't let Tiffany see it" emerged, given the bed scenes. Hearing this, Byun Yo-han shyly replied, "She's someone who supports me through everything. She trusts me and, having worked in the industry for a long time, she understands professionalism, so she would probably comfort me by saying I worked hard," and also mentioned changes after marriage."I've been told a lot recently that I look more comfortable and have become more of a man. In reality, my mind has become more at ease. Marriage is very significant, and I consider it an accomplishment harder than acting. Now, I want to be an actor who well protects my beloved family and does his job well."Finally, Byun Yo-han expressed his joy at being responsible for a part of the Chuseok theater season, which features Korean films of various genres, and said, "'Tazza 4' has a distinct difference from previous installments in its worldview and in the fact that Byun Yo-han and Noh Jae-won acted in it. We tried to make it our own by acting in a way that fits 2026. I hope it becomes a film that persistently concludes the 'Tazza' series, which has a 20-year history," encouraging many to watch it.jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]