Director Jang Hang-jun's New Audition Talk Show Features Top Actors

Director Jang Hang-jun, who attracted 16.93 million viewers with his film "The Man Living in the Palace," is set to shake up the entertainment scene with a bold new audition talk show that offers top actors an "irresistible proposal." The show, titled "Master Jang-hangjun," premiered on October 15.

The production presentation for SBS's new variety show took place at the Shocking K-Pop Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul, featuring producer Lee Dong-won, director Jang Hang-jun, and broadcasters Song Eun-i and Kim Pung.

"Master Jang-hangjun" is a unique talk show where Jang, who has had his ups and downs, auditions top actors to cast them in his autobiographical film. The guest lineup, which includes actors Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Sun-bin, and Jo Jung-seok, has already garnered attention.

After his film "The Man Living in the Palace" became a phenomenon, surpassing 16.93 million viewers, Jang commented on the show, saying, "I don’t feel particularly responsible just because my name is in the title. I think it will be fine. The talented production team will handle it. It’s more their project than mine, so I approached it without pressure."

There was also some light-hearted teasing about the show's title from those close to Jang. Kim Pung remarked, "At first, I thought it was a huge joke," while Song Eun-i added, "I understood it more as 'Master, Jang Hang-jun...' rather than him actually being a master. That feels more familiar to me."

Jang himself joked, "I suggested we call it 'Master, Jang Hang-jun' because it felt like too much teasing, but the highly educated PD and writers didn’t listen to me. I just go along with whatever they say."

The show's key differentiator is its audition format. Top actors invited to Jang's studio will perform scripts based on his autobiographical stories.

Kim Pung expressed, "I feel bad giving the actors a rough and embarrassing script without any information, but once the audition skit starts, the actors really immerse themselves in the situation in front of a director who has made 10 million viewers. They get so moved that their faces turn red. It’s a moment you won’t see in other talk shows."

Producer Lee Dong-won also noted, "The honest emotions and delightful performances of the actors will be the highlights of the show."

Expectations are high for the dynamic between Kim Pung, a former film journalist who will serve as the 'assistant director,' and Song Eun-i, who will act as the 'production company representative' to keep Jang in check.

Song, who was the producer of Jang's previous work "Open the Door" and an investor in "Rebound," humorously shared, "I was deceived into doing 'Open the Door' and am still settling accounts, but it hasn’t broken even yet. Honestly, I’m still a bit sore about how well 'The Man Living in the Palace' did. I’ve learned that it’s possible to feel both happy for someone and envious at the same time."

In response, Jang cheekily said, "Who in this world doesn’t get deceived?"

Despite his recent appearances on various entertainment programs, some have expressed concerns that Jang is being overexposed. He reassured his audience, stating, "I’m enjoying the variety shows I’ve committed to and have started preparing for my next project. I hope to begin filming in the second half of next year, but that’s uncertain. I’d like to continue working comfortably, preparing projects steadily while occasionally doing variety shows. Just like a baseball player, what matters is to keep playing until the end, not how many MVP awards you win. I want to keep making films and engaging in these activities."

With a star-studded cast of top actors and the collaboration of a leading film director, expectations for the ratings of "Master Jang-hangjun" are high.

Producer Lee stated, "I want to achieve the number one rating in the same time slot. I’m nervous since it airs today. Thursday at 9 PM is a tough time slot, but given the incredible talent involved, I’m hopeful we can secure the top spot."

Jang acknowledged the pressure of ratings but emphasized the importance of viewer enjoyment, saying, "While I understand the sensitivity around ratings, I think it’s unrealistic to expect everything to go perfectly. I hope viewers find the show enjoyable and can forget their troubles for at least an hour."

Song added, "If we can achieve a rating of 3.5%, I would be really happy. More importantly, if people say, 'There’s nothing to gain, but I laughed so hard,' or 'It was so fun I want to watch it again,' that would be even better."

The new SBS variety show "Master Jang-hangjun," featuring the thrilling and humorous audition scenes with Jang Hang-jun and top actors, premieres today at 9 PM.