'Tazza: Song of Beelzebub' breaks from series' shared universe, says lead actor

Actor Byun Yo-han announced on Tuesday that the latest Tazza installment, "Tazza: Song of Beelzebub," ventures into a distinct storyline, signifying a new chapter in the 20-year-old crime franchise. The film follows Jang Tae-young (Byun), a former online casino mogul, as he seeks vengeance against his former best friend Park Tae-young (Roh Jae-won), who betrayed him.

Unlike the preceding three films, which expanded within an interconnected world, "Song of Beelzebub" presents a standalone narrative, according to Byun, who addressed reporters at a press conference in Seoul. He emphasized that viewers, whether familiar with the original webtoon or not, will find the film's story accessible and engaging.

Director Choi Guk-hee pointed out that while gambling remains the central theme, the focus shifts to the characters' inner lives and emotions, such as envy, jealousy, and betrayal, as two friends with the same name face betrayal and revenge. Byun described his character as lucky, optimistic, sociable, bold, and unrestrained, contrasting him with Roh's Park Tae-young.

Roh expressed his admiration for Byun's performance, stating that the actor embodied the character perfectly. Both actors relied on poker chips during preparation to acclimate themselves to handling the props. The film also stars Japanese actress Ayaka Miyoshi and Korean actors Jo Woo-jin, Yoon Kyung-ho, Kim Min-ho, Lim Se-mi, and Moon Ji-hoon.

The title, "Song of Beelzebub," references medieval European beliefs that playing cards were the devil's tools, with each spade card named after a devil, including Beelzebub, representing the ace of spades and the two of spades. Choi Guk-hee expressed his gratitude and responsibility as the series concludes, pouring his affection into the final installment, set to release on September 23, just before the Chuseok holiday.