South Korean hip-hop artist Moon Ji-hoon, known as Swings, is making his official acting debut as the ruthless outlaw Abraham in Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub,
the final crime film installment of the Tazza
series directed by Choi Guk-hee, scheduled for release during the Chuseok holiday.
From Hip-Hop Stages to the Global Gambling Underworld
Rapper Swings, a prominent figure in South Korea’s hip-hop scene recognized for his bold lyrics and commanding stage presence, is stepping onto the silver screen. He plays Abraham, an outlaw characterized by a lack of fear, emotion, or hesitation in carrying out orders. The role required a striking physical transformation, featuring a shaved head and arms covered in tattoos that depart significantly from his usual stage persona.
The casting came about through a personal connection with lead actor Byun Yo-han. According to reports, Byun reached out to the rapper after discovering a video online of him practicing acting techniques. Coincidentally, that artistic pivot followed a near-miss with another high-profile project. During the December 2024 global release of Netflix’s hit series Squid Game
Season 2, director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed in interviews that he had initially considered Swings for the role of rapper Thanatos. The filmmaker ultimately chose BIGBANG member Top because Swings lacked formal acting experience at the time. That near-casting prompted the musician to begin serious acting training, directly setting the stage for his entry into the Tazza
franchise.
Plot Dynamics and the Final Chapter of the Franchise
Distributed by CJ ENM and produced by CIDERUS, Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub
adapts the final chapter of Huh Young-man’s original comic and manhwa series written by Huh Young-man. The narrative centers on Jang Tae-young, portrayed by Byun Yo-han, who believed his online casino business gave him control of the world. His life fractures when his childhood friend and longtime rival of the same name, Park Tae-young—played by Noh Jae-won—strips away everything he built. The two figures collide once more on the international gambling stage to settle their scores through a high-stakes revenge plot.
The production fills out its ensemble cast with characters who shift the balance of power between the two leads. Jo Woo-jin stars as Gwak Dong-wook, a legendary former poker player who taught Jang Tae-young the game. Once adrift running small tables in Vietnam, Gwak finds his competitive fire reignited by Jang’s arrival. Yoon Kyung-ho takes on the role of Jo Jung-hwan, a ruthless hitman operating in Vietnam whose unexpected curiosity toward Jang alters the destinies of both rivals. Kim Min-ho portrays Hama, a longtime friend who set up games during their school days and witnessed their corporate success firsthand. Lim Se-mi rounds out the core relationships as Jang Tae-hee, the protective older sister who raised her brother and welcomed Park Tae-young into their family home.
Box Office Momentum and Ensemble Expectations
The release timing places several key contributors back in familiar box-office territory. Jo Woo-jin returns for the second consecutive year during the Chuseok holiday window following his box-office success with Boss
during the same holiday season last year. Meanwhile, Kim Min-ho brings grounded realism derived from his work in the Recruit
series, and Lim Se-mi relies on an understated acting style demonstrated in past projects like Hijacking
and The Worst of Evil
to portray familial warmth without relying on heavy exposition.
What Remains Ahead for the Franchise Finale
With character stills now public and the promotional cycle underway, attention turns to how the ensemble cast wraps up one of South Korea’s most enduring crime-gambling properties. The intersection of seasoned screen veterans, established television stars, and a high-profile hip-hop artist making his dramatic debut creates a unique chemistry for the franchise’s conclusion. Audiences will see whether Moon Ji-hoon’s intense visual transformation and uncompromising outlaw role translate successfully from the music world to the international gambling arena when the film opens this Chuseok.
