"Not Kim Seon-ho, but Lee Do-hyun and Song Kang"...3 billion won 'Severe Trauma Center' author Lee Nak-jun reveals next cast [Malja Show] [★ Night TV]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Nak-jun, the original author of the web novel "Severe Trauma Center" and a former otolaryngologist, openly discussed everything from clarifying rumors about his 3 billion won earnings to casting for his next project and the troubled production status of Season 2.

Appearing on KBS 2TV's variety show "Malja Show" broadcast on the 24th, author Lee Nak-jun honestly shared various behind-the-scenes stories surrounding himself and his works.

The most eye-catching moment in that day's broadcast was undoubtedly the official confirmation of production for Season 2 of "Severe Trauma Center." When MC Kim Young-hee asked about the progress of Season 2, Lee Nak-jun replied that pre-production work is complete and they are currently scouting locations, with filming likely to begin in October, announcing the start of shooting. Regarding Joo Ji-hoon, who plays Baek Kang-hyuk in the drama, he praised him by saying, "He's 188 cm tall, and seeing a character we set in the story appear in reality was fantastic." He also noted that even off-camera, Joo Ji-hoon treated everyone to extra-large bowls of gukbap (rice soup), perfectly matching his character.

However, just as Season 2 of "Severe Trauma Center" is about to take its first smooth step, a massive reef looms ahead: the fatal controversy over actress Ha Young being a descendant of a pro-Japanese collaborator. Recently, it was revealed that Ha Young's great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho—the first licensed physician in Korea—served as an advisory member of the pro-Japanese organization "Daejeong Silup Friendship Association" and made the statement, "I am like a Japanese person," during an interview with Maeil Shinbo, sparking widespread backlash.

Furthermore, allegations of poisoning by Ko Jong (황제) pushed public outrage to its peak. Initially, Ha Young's agency denied the claims as baseless, but after concrete historical evidence surfaced, they reversed their stance within a day and bowed in apology. Although Ha Young later posted a handwritten apology letter, director Lee Do-yoon, who directed "Severe Trauma Center," liked the post, indirectly showing support and adding fuel to the controversy. Attention is now focused on whether Season 2, which plans to proceed with filming in October without removing Ha Young, can withstand the public's cold gaze.

Alongside these major work-related updates, author Lee Nak-jun also drew a clear line against rumors circulating about his enormous wealth. When asked about the rumor that he earned 3 billion won from "Severe Trauma Center," he firmly refuted it, saying, "No one could earn that much from just one drama." However, he wittily added, "I'm not a 10-year veteran writer? If I accumulated all my earnings as a writer over ten years, wouldn't it amount to that?" This clarified that the figure represents total income accumulated quietly over a decade as a full-time author, not a sudden windfall from a single work.

With the original work continuing its box office success, his next project is also rolling along smoothly. When asked about additional copyright contracts, Lee Nak-jun revealed, "Fortunately, after 'Severe Trauma Center' became a hit, many deals were made. The internal medicine novel 'A.I. Doctor,' which I had planned as my next work, has been successfully contracted and is currently being developed into a drama."

At that moment, a fan in the audience shouted, "Please choose Kim Seon-ho as the lead!" to which the author responded, "I also like actor Kim Seon-ho, but his age doesn't fit. The character in the story is young," delivering a fact-based punch that turned the scene into laughter. Instead, he said, "Personally, I favor actors Lee Do-hyun and Song Kang," naming them as the top choices for casting in "A.I. Doctor" and significantly boosting expectations for the newly emerging characters.

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*This content was translated by AI.