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

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Lee Nak-jun, the original author of the web novel "Severe Trauma Center" and a former otolaryngologist, openly shared everything from clarifying rumors about his 3 billion won earnings to casting ideas for his next project and the current status of Season 2 production, which has been fraught with controversy.

Appearing on KBS 2TV's variety show "Malja Show" broadcast on the 24th, author Lee Nak-jun honestly revealed 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 Season 2 production for "Severe Trauma Center." When MC Kim Young-hee asked about the progress of Season 2, author Lee Nak-jun replied that pre-production work is complete and they are currently scouting locations, with filming likely to begin in October, thus announcing the start of production. Regarding Ju Ji-hoon, who plays Baek Kang-hyuk in the drama, he praised him by saying, "He is 188 cm tall, and seeing a character we set in the story appear in reality was fantastic." He also noted that even off-camera, Ju Ji-hoon's habit of buying extra-large portions of gukbap (rice soup) perfectly matched his character.

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

Furthermore, allegations of poisoning by Ko Jong (황제) pushed public outrage to its peak. Initially, the agency denied the claims as baseless, but after concrete historical evidence surfaced, they reversed their stance and bowed their heads within a day. 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 widespread rumors about his enormous wealth. When asked about the rumor that he earned 3 billion won due to the success of "Severe Trauma Center," he firmly refuted it by 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 were to pool all my earnings as a writer over 10 years, wouldn't it amount to something like that?" This clarified that the figure represents total cumulative income accumulated quietly over a decade as a full-time writer, not a windfall from a single hit work.

With the continuous success of the original work, his next project is also rolling along smoothly. When asked about additional copyright contracts, author 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 project, has been successfully contracted and is currently undergoing adaptation into a drama."

At this point, a fan in the audience shouted, "Please cast Kim Seon-ho as the protagonist!" to which the author responded, "I also like actor Kim Seon-ho, but he doesn't fit the age range. 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.View Original