‘16 million viewers’ Director Jang Hang-jun: “‘Great Master Hang-jun’ sounds like mockery, so I suggested changing the title”.. A fun audition with his name on the line [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Director Jang Hang-jun meets viewers through a variety show bearing his own name, “Great Master Hang-jun.” Having drawn 16 million viewers with the film “The Man Who Lives With the King,” he holds auditions to cast actors, while Song Eun-ee and Kim Pung are set to deliver lighthearted laughter.

On the 15th, a production press conference for SBS’s new variety program “Great Master Hang-jun” was held at the Shocking K-Pop Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included PD Lee Dong-won, Director Jang Hang-jun, broadcaster Song Eun-ee, and cartoonist Kim Pung.

“Great Master Hang-jun” is a secret audition conducted by Jang Hang-jun—who was sometimes petty, sometimes obsequious, but more brilliant than anyone else—to cast top actors for his autobiographical film “Great Master Hang-jun.”

On this day, Director Jang Hang-jun spoke about the program’s title: “When I first heard it, it was funny. It felt like too much teasing, so I suggested to the production team that we call it ‘Great~ Master Hang-jun,’ but the PD and writer didn’t listen to me. They are from prestigious universities, so they are quite stubborn. I do whatever I’m told anywhere—wear what I’m told to wear, ride where I’m told to ride.” He added, “I think the title turned out well and is interesting.”

Song Eun-ee and Kim Pung also shared their impressions upon encountering the title. Kim Pung said, “I thought, ‘Who are they teasing?’ It felt like a huge mockery. I did it thinking, ‘It’s probably a working title,’ and ‘The title will change.’ I didn’t know it would become the official title.”

Song Eun-ee followed up: “I thought he had become a great master director, but I interpreted it as ‘Great, Jang Hang-jun.’ I still don’t quite feel comfortable with that interpretation.”

Regarding having his name prominently featured in the program, Director Jang Hang-jun said, “I don’t particularly feel a sense of responsibility because my name is on it. My thought was, ‘It’ll work out somehow.’” He continued, “The production team members went to good schools, so I thought things would turn out well again. Also, with the two of them (Song Eun-ee and Kim Pung) there, I didn’t feel much burden. In fact, I think I was able to perform well without pressure. It’s not my work, and I don’t think I consider it my own work.”

The highlight of “Great Master Hang-jun” is the actors’ passionate performances.

PD Lee Dong-won explained the criteria for selecting guest actors: “Since Jang Hang-jun is a great master director, I wondered which actors would appear to make it interesting and enjoyable.” He added, “We tried to invite new people the director hadn’t worked with before, someone who can tell warm stories, and someone who is witty and imaginative.”

The cast emphasized the program’s unique atmosphere, distinct from existing talk shows. Kim Pung said, “Above all, it is definitely different from a talk show. The situation-drama format of an audition offers something special. It is not easy to ask for ‘real acting’ in that setting. Actors can also feel awkward, and it is actually difficult to capture.” However, he noted, “Jang Hang-jun is a real director, and (his previous film ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’) reached 16 million viewers, so actors do immerse themselves in the situation. That is a ‘real moment’ rarely seen on other talk shows.”

Song Eun-ee also pointed out, “When actors come out, I think, ‘Are they really going to go this far?’ I believe that is what makes it different from other talk shows.”

In contrast, Director Jang Hang-jun said, “Essentially, it is a variety show. It is not that much different,” eliciting laughter.

At the press conference, conversations also arose about Director Jang Hang-jun’s hit film “The Man Who Lives With the King” (hereinafter referred to as “Wang-sa-nam”).

Song Eun-ee, who produced Director Jang Hang-jun’s previous film “Open The Door” and invested in “Rebound,” shared her honest thoughts on the box office success of “Wang-sa-nam,” which surpassed 16 million viewers.

Song Eun-ee revealed, “The director has made many works, but I worked with him on ‘Open The Door.’ It did not reach its break-even point, so we have not yet settled the accounts.”

She continued, “Then ‘Wang-sa-nam’ did well, and my stomach hurts a lot. It is true that my stomach hurts, and it is also true that I am very happy for him. This was the first time I learned that two things can coexist in a human heart.”

Director Jang Hang-jun also revealed the possibility of Park Ji-hoon, who appeared in “Wang-sa-nam,” appearing on “Great Master Hang-jun.” He said, “Park Ji-hoon has become such a world-class actor and singer. There is no obvious reason to invite him. So I think it will be difficult to invite him. He is really busy. Also, Park Ji-hoon likes staying at home, so it was quite hard to get his time, more than expected.” He added, “But if we do this, won’t Park Ji-hoon’s fans stop expecting it?”

He also shared his thoughts on the attention pouring in after the massive success of “Wang-sa-nam.” Director Jang Hang-jun said, “It seems like people are watching closely, but I hope you don’t have high expectations. When did you ever have expectations for me?”

He continued, “Sometimes I do variety activities and try to consistently prepare works. It seems important to see things through to the end, whether the work is good or not.” He emphasized, “Just as a baseball player wants to play baseball until the end, I want to make films until the end.”

Lighthearted banter also flowed regarding desired guest invitations and viewer rating pledges.

Kim Pung revealed he would like to invite Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr. Director Jang Hang-jun said, “The person who suddenly came to mind is Chun Woo-hee. I saw her on ‘I Live Alone’ and thought it would be fun to work with that actor. I want to break down her introverted side, and I felt a desire to play with her.” He added, “It is fun to hang out with people similar to me, but it also seems fun to be with someone of a different nature.”

Song Eun-ee confessed, “On a personal whim, I really like Park Bo-gum, so I want to see him under the pretext of business.” She added, “The actor I would like to see talking with Director Jang Hang-jun is Lee Byung-hun.” To this, Director Jang Hang-jun gave a realistic reaction: “Lee Byung-hun is great. But why would he come here?”

Target viewer ratings and bold pledges followed. PD Lee Dong-won, who directed the show, expressed his wish to be number one in the same time slot. Song Eun-ee proposed a target rating of 3%, while Kim Pung suggested 3.5%. In particular, Kim Pung made a bold pledge: “If we reach the target, I will have Director Jang Hang-jun take off his top and stand him on the Gwanghwamun hanbok version.”

Not to be outdone, Director Jang Hang-jun countered, “Then I will have Kim Pung take off his bottom and run the event that way.” Director Jang Hang-jun added, “It seems results come out better when you relax. While viewer ratings are important, I hope those watching truly enjoy it.”

Meanwhile, “Great Master Hang-jun” airs for the first time at 9 p.m. on this day.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original