Japanese actor Miyoshi Ayaka missed the August 18 production briefing for her upcoming Korean film debut in Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub
due to health reasons. The crime film, directed by Choi Guk-hee, is scheduled for theatrical release during the Chuseok holiday on September 23.
Medical Absence Overshadows the Seoul Production Briefing
Japanese actor and model Miyoshi Ayaka was absent from the production briefing for the upcoming crime film held on August 18 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Ichon-dong, Seoul. The event brought together director Choi Guk-hee alongside cast members Byun Yo-han, No Jae-won, Kim Min-ho, Lim Se-mi, and Moon Ji-hoon.
The production team previously announced her absence on August 17, stating that medical advice recommended rest following careful consideration. MC Park Kyung-lim addressed the crowd at the start of the event regarding the scheduling change.
“Miyoshi Ayaka regrettably cannot attend the production briefing due to health reasons. After careful consideration, following medical advice recommending rest, we have decided to exclude her. We kindly request your understanding.”
Production team of Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub, via Chosun
Park added that the actor expressed deep regret over missing the gathering.
“She is the most regretful about this situation. She conveyed her apologies for not being able to attend.”
Park Kyung-lim, MC, via Chosun
Stepping Into the Franchise as Kaneko
Despite missing the press event, Miyoshi Ayaka holds a pivotal role in the narrative. She makes her Korean film debut in the franchise as Kaneko, a managing director at a Japanese company with ties to a yakuza organization. Her character sets the central plot in motion by expressing an intention to invest in an online casino business.
Director Choi Guk-hee cast the rising star after noticing her performance in the Netflix series Alice in Borderland
Season 2, drawn to her unique presence and powerful energy. To prepare for the demanding role, Miyoshi Ayaka learned how to play poker and her character personally designed a massive gambling game within the film involving influential figures from Japan and Vietnam.
Her preparation extended beyond gameplay mechanics. She also assisted co-star Roh Jae-won with his Japanese dialogue, carefully refining his delivery down to speech patterns and sentence endings.
Revenge on the Global Gambling Scene
The film follows Jang Tae-young, portrayed by Byun Yo-han, who built a thriving online casino empire and believed he had secured everything. That life unravels when his childhood friend Park Tae-young, played by No Jae-won, takes it all away. Fate eventually reunites the former friends on the global gambling scene for a high-stakes revenge match.
Director Choi Guk-hee noted that the new installment follows the clash between the two leads on the global gambling scene for a revenge match.
Continuing a Powerful Female Lineage
Byun Yo-han and No Jae-won anchor the central conflict, supported by an ensemble cast including Kim Min-ho, Lim Se-mi, and Moon Ji-hoon.
Kaneko joins a notable lineage of memorable female characters in the franchise, following Kim Hye Soo in the original film and Shin Sae-kyung in Tazza: The Hidden Card
. Newly released character stills highlight Kaneko’s piercing gaze, suggesting a character capable of reading the entire game.
Reflecting on her experience joining the project, Miyoshi Ayaka shared her appreciation for the crew.
“They treated me not as a foreign actress, but simply as an actress.”
Ayaka Miyoshi, Actor, via Soompi
“There wasn’t a single day during filming when I wanted to run away.”
Ayaka Miyoshi, Actor, via Soompi
Theatrical Release Timeline
Directed by Choi Guk-hee—known for The Day of Sovereign Default
and Life is Beautiful
—the film arrives in theaters on September 23, positioning its premiere directly during the Chuseok holiday window.
