Jang Hang-jun, Casts New Lead for Upcoming Project... "Kwon Yul Is the Protagonist I Had in Mind" [The Stage of Acting]

*This content was translated by AI.

Director Jang Hang-jun has selected actor Kwon Yul as the lead for his upcoming project, "International Lawyer."

In the mockumentary variety show "The Stage of Acting," which aired on the 24th and features entirely fictional scenarios, Kim Ui-seong, Im Hyung-jun, Lee Jun-hyuk, and Hong Ki-jun were shown participating in a script reading for director Jang Hang-jun's hypothetical upcoming film, "International Lawyer."

In that episode, after an intense investment competition over casting choices, the actors proceeded to conduct a script reading to showcase their performances.

As the formal script reading began, Jang Hang-jun watched the actors' performances with an increasingly stern expression. He eventually sighed loudly enough for everyone to hear, saying, "It's ruined," and then asked Hong Ki-jun to read the role of Lawyer Yoon, which had been assigned to Im Hyung-jun.

Satisfied with Hong Ki-jun's performance, Jang Hang-jun decided to swap their roles. When Im Hyung-jun stated that he had invested 13 million won for the part, Jang told Hong Ki-jun, "Transfer 12 million won to Im Hyung-jun," initiating an absurd role transaction.

Kim Ui-seong also became a target for role replacement. When Jang Hang-jun asked Hong Ki-jun to read the role of Kim (Chairman) that Kim Ui-seong had been assigned, Kim expressed his desire for the part, saying, "I've only played villains; I want to try playing such a kind character." However, when Jang decided to switch the role to Hong Ki-jun, Kim declared, "I'll get my 12 million won back and drop out." Jang then advised him, "You shouldn't act like that as an elder in the film industry," and ultimately, Kim Ui-seong swapped roles with Hong Ki-jun.

As roles continued to be swapped, Lee Jun-hyuk, who was originally cast as the lead, could not rest easy. Having sold his car to invest 50 million won for the lead role, Lee read his lines, but the on-set reaction was lukewarm. At that moment, Kwon Yul suddenly appeared at the reading session and expressed his desire to participate even in a cameo capacity. Jang Hang-jun then suggested that he read the role of Park Ji-hoon, which was originally assigned to Lee Jun-hyuk as the film's protagonist.

After Kwon Yul delivered his lines, Jang Hang-jun praised him highly, saying, "It feels like the protagonist I had in mind when writing the screenplay has returned." As a result, Kwon Yul took on the lead role of Park Ji-hoon, pushing Lee Jun-hyuk out of the lead position. The role that came back to Lee Jun-hyuk after giving up the lead was that of an environmental activist who opens the film's events in its early scenes. This character dies immediately after the movie begins, and Lee Jun-hyuk's fate on screen—having sold his car for the lead role—was instantly overturned. After finishing the script reading, Jang Hang-jun went out to eat with the main cast members, and Lee Jun-hyuk naturally stepped aside, adding a humorous touch.

Meanwhile, "The Stage of Acting" is a mockumentary variety show featuring entirely fictional scenarios, starring Kim Ui-seong and planned, directed, written, and acted by Im Hyung-jun.

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*This content was translated by AI.