"Kim Soon-ok's participation, pace quickened" Lee Jun-young to continue the world of 'chaebol family' in 'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' inherits the world of 'the youngest son of a chaebol family' and, through the touch of writer Kim Soon-ok, is completed with actor Lee Jun-young's "possession-style acting."

On the afternoon of the 28th, a production presentation for JTBC's Saturday-Sunday drama 'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' (script by Hyun Jimin, directed by Ko Hye-jin, hereinafter 'Kang (Chairman)') was held at Seoul Link Hall, The Link Hotel, Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Ko Hye-jin, actors Lee Jun-young, Lee Ju-myung, Jeon Hye-jin, and Jin Gu attended.

'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' is a drama about a re-imagined life story where Choi Seong Geu-rup-ui (Chairman) Kang Yong-ho, a top conglomerate CEO known as the "god of business," is forced to live an unwanted second life due to an accident. Writer Kim Soon-ok, known for 'Temptation of Wife' and 'The Penthouse' series, participated as a creator, drawing attention.

In the drama, Lee Jun-young plays soccer player Hwang Jun-hyun, possessed by the soul of Choi Seong-geu-rup (Chairman) Kang Yong-ho (played by Son Hyun-joo), forming a unique relationship with the Choi Sung-il family. Lee Ju-myung plays Kang Bang-geul, the hidden youngest daughter of Kang Yong-ho (Chairman), while Jeon Hye-jin plays Kang Jae-kyung, the eldest daughter of Kang Yong-ho (Chairman) who displays an overwhelming desire to own the Choi Sung Group. Jin Gu portrays Kang Jae-seong, the eldest son who takes the succession of the Choi Sung Group for granted under the principle of primogeniture.

Director Ko Hye-jin introduced 'Kang (Chairman)' as follows: "Choi Choi Seong-geu-rup (Chairman) Kang Yong-ho, who aims to be the fifth-largest conglomerate in Korea, enters the company after his soul inhabits soccer player Hwang Jun-hyun. It is a story of him reflecting on himself, his family, and the company. There are many fun elements."

This work has attracted attention due to the participation of Kim Soon-ok, known as the "master of melodramas," as a creator. Director Ko stated regarding Kim Soon-ok's involvement: "It is very different from the original work; only the basic setting was adopted. Writer Kim Soon-ok participated significantly in high-level script meetings, offering many ideas regarding characters, and even organized a beef banquet to encourage the actors and staff. She played a role like a captain, which was very encouraging." She continued, "Both writers are experienced, so their deep consideration for the script was very apparent. The pace of the script's development is extremely fast. I read it all in one go as soon as I held it."

Director Ko emphasized, "I wanted to show that 'Kim Soon-ok dramas can be like this.' As my debut drama, I wanted to sharpen my skills and show my own style. I thought of it as drawing a new picture on a new page."

The original author of 'New Employee Kang (Chairman)', San-kyung, is also the original author of JTBC's successful drama 'The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family'. Director Ko stated, "Rather than feeling burdened, I tried to enjoy the halo of 'The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family.' Even if there were overlapping characters, I thought of them as part of the same universe and filmed it enjoyably."

Will Hwang Jun-hyun, possessed by Kang Yong-ho's soul, and Kang Bang-geul be seen as having a father-daughter chemistry or a romantic chemistry? Director Ko said, "There is a saying that 'men are attracted to men like fathers,' right? (Hwang Jun-hyun and Kang Bang-geul) have moments of excitement, moments of irritation, and moments of dislike, but we aimed to make it appear more comedic than romantic."

Regarding his role in 'Kang (Chairman)', Lee Jun-young said, "Hwang Jun-hyun is a promising figure in the soccer world and has a kind heart. Kang Yong-ho is stubborn and lives his life according to routine for his company. These two aspects were described in a fun way. Please look forward to it."

To prepare for the possession acting of Son Hyun-joo's soul, Lee Jun-young mentioned that the two met directly: "I had dinner with Senior Son Hyun-joo and spent about six hours together. The director also developed the character before filming. I watched many of Senior Son Hyun-joo's works and commercials to make the acting come out naturally. I tried to avoid it feeling like mere impersonation." He added, "Senior Son Hyun-joo told me, 'From now on, I am Kang Yong-ho, so please act freely,' and he seemed satisfied with my performance."

Lee Jun-young revealed, "People around me asked why I chose this work instead of a romance. I was 29 when I filmed this, and I approached it with the mindset of making it immortal in my 20s." When asked about the efforts he made to portray soccer player Hwang Jun-hyun, he stated, "I went to practice soccer during filming breaks and also practiced ceremonies."

Regarding her role as Kang Bang-geul in 'Kang (Chairman)', Lee Ju-myung stated, "She is the hidden daughter of the Choi Sung Group." The chemistry between Lee Jun-young and Lee Ju-myung as new employees of the Choi Sung Group is also a viewing point. Lee Jun-young shared, "I usually get called 'uncle-like,' but I told (Lee Ju-myung) 'You can't just eat yogurt. You have to eat rice,' like a nagging remark. Then (Lee Ju-myung) said, 'You sound like a father.'" In response, Lee Ju-myung laughed, "He really did sound like a father. I was grateful while acting together."

Regarding her role in 'Kang (Chairman)', Jeon Hye-jin stated, "Kang Jae-kyung, the twin younger sister of Kang Jae-seong, is a person who stops at nothing for the Choi Sung-il family." When asked about her experience acting as twins with Jin Gu, she replied, "Outside the filming set, she would ask, 'Unnie, what should we eat?' and act like a child. She would lead and say she would follow whatever I did at meal times. It was easy to act."

Regarding his portrayal of Kang Jae-seong in 'Kang (Chairman)', Jin Gu stated, "He is the twin older brother who does business in the Choi Sung-il family but is not very successful." On the experience of acting as twins with Jeon Hye-jin, he added, "The phrase 'I'll do anything' meant my heart was ready to raise my spoon. Senior Jeon had performed many intense roles before, so I wondered how I could act, but when we became close, I found there was an angle where her fist would come up. Seeing that angle, I thought, 'My unnie likes me this much.'" He continued, "Our chemistry was extremely good, and I felt the staff enjoyed watching our scenes. I believe it will be a viewing point."

Finally, Lee Jun-young, who announced his upcoming military enlistment this year, said about the meaning 'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' holds for him: "I met too many wonderful seniors before my enlistment. I feel like I am leaving with a lot of love."

'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' will premiere on the 30th at 10:40 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.