Chapter 59

Only Villains 059

PD and Rebellion (2)

"I want to make sure that the names 'Suyang Daegun,' 'Sejo,' 'Danjong,' and 'Munjong' never appear in the drama."

This was the first point Kim Sang-hee emphasized during the impromptu production meeting that followed the three-person meeting.

Jang Seung-won, who had already read the script, nodded.

"Ah, I see. The script only mentions them as 'Daegun,' 'young king,' and 'Daegun's older brother.' Now that I think about it, words like 'Suyang,' 'Sejo,' and 'Danjong' never appeared."

"I thought we could produce it as a drama that borrows a historical background rather than a traditional historical drama."

"To avoid controversy, this is better. Just actively guiding the audience to think of the Gyeongu Jeongnan is enough."

"But I want the costumes and props to be thoroughly researched and accurate to that era."

"You're not mentioning the names, but you want to emphasize to the audience that it's the era they're thinking of, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

Jeong Se-hoon asked curiously.

"Isn't it a problem to twist history for dramatic effect, even though it's a historical drama?"

"There are many picky viewers who think historical dramas must be as accurate as documentaries. This is just to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Jang Seung-won explained for Kim Sang-hee.

"Actually, if you think about it, zombie historical dramas or zombie movies set in the Joseon era are also historically inaccurate. They just filled in the historical background with fictional imagination."

"Then, wouldn't it be fine to use the name 'Suyang Daegun' as is? We could include a disclaimer that it's a fictional creation unrelated to historical facts."

"Se-hoon, you must really want to keep the name 'Suyang Daegun,' huh?"

"Using a different name makes it feel like the character's identity has changed a bit."

"Don't worry. It will just be referred to as 'Daegun.' No other titles will be attached to it."

Inside Jeong Se-hoon, the Suyang Daegun character felt thirsty, but Jeong Se-hoon calmly suppressed it.

"As long as we maintain the dramatic devices and flow that can immediately evoke the historical period, not using the exact names can enrich the audience's imagination."

With Jang Seung-won also supporting Kim Sang-hee's opinion, Jeong Se-hoon decided to keep the Suyang Daegun character inside him.

"These days, there are many troublemakers. It's even worse with historical dramas, so it might be easier to handle it this way. We'll leave the exact period to the audience's imagination, kind of like passing the buck."

"See? Producers can be so cunning and devious. If you want to get into this industry, Se-hoon, you have to be prepared to have your purity as an actor tainted."

"No, Se-hoon should only act. It would be a sin against the future of Korean media to let his talent go to waste in other areas."

The production meeting, with the three of them huddled together, was getting longer, but no one felt bored.

Jang Seung-won actively asked Jeong Se-hoon for various opinions.

He even asked for casting suggestions on who should play other roles.

This was a new and unfamiliar experience for Jeong Se-hoon, something he had never encountered in *Illegals* or *Storage*.

When asked why, Jang Seung-won replied nonchalantly.

"You're a special lead. Of course, we should actively reflect your opinions."

"Is that usually the case?"

"Sometimes, and sometimes not. For a romantic comedy, would we really go out of our way to reflect the production team's opinions just to cast young and fresh leads? We'd just check the character analysis and be done with it."

"Also, this is PD Jang's style, and Se-hoon is an irreplaceable lead. You're not just a simple cast member."

Kim Sang-hee added with a smile.

"Actually, the script for *Rebellion* was written specifically for Se-hoon. My rebellious Daegun is a custom-made suit for Se-hoon alone."

Jang Seung-won chimed in.

"Of course, we should reflect the main model's opinions to make the runway a success, right?"

"Wow, PD Jang, I really like your straightforwardness. That's exactly my style."

"Of course, I'm better than Song Jeong-woo. Give me another chance next time, hahaha."

"Really, I think so too. PD Song seems too relaxed these days, like he's holding a caught fish."

"That's why I chose you to keep the tension up, writer."

"That's one reason, and another is that PD Song isn't good at historical dramas."

Jeong Se-hoon interjected.

"Is PD Song weak in historical dramas?"

"Actually, I don't know. He's never directed one."

Kim Sang-hee shrugged.

"But PD Jang has directed major traditional long-form historical dramas at KBC and two fusion historical dramas that cater to young people's tastes."

"Historical dramas are KBC's forte. Although we're being pushed around by the young, trendy fusion historical dramas from cable and OTT platforms, experience still counts for something."

"The problem is the production budget. I don't understand why a public broadcasting station is so stingy with money. They won't suddenly cut the budget, will they?"

To Jeong Se-hoon, this was a bit unexpected.

With the scheduling already confirmed and a production meeting underway, it was surprising that Kim Sang-hee was bringing up concerns again.

"Is it common to cut the budget after the scheduling is confirmed?"

"It happens all the time, especially at KBC. So, you can't let your guard down until the first episode airs."

"Actually, you can't let your guard down until the last episode airs in our broadcasting station. Everyone is unreliable."

"Will you handle it, Chief?"

Jang Seung-won patted his chest.

"No problem. I have a direct line to the director and am a trusted right-hand man. The per-episode production budget is 25 billion, no worries."

***

"Let's have a drink."

Around quitting time, the sudden invitation to drinks from the director made Chief Yang Jun-gyu feel a chill.

After quickly finishing his preparations to leave, he headed to the location the director had chosen.

He waited calmly, trying to soothe his nerves.

The director didn't show up even an hour after the scheduled time, and there was no contact.

This was a bad, ominous sign.

Just as his patience was about to snap, the director finally appeared.

He was already drunk.

"Director, you're quite drunk."

"Yeah. Why weren't you eating? You should have started without me, knowing I'd be late."

"How could I eat without you, Director?"

"You must have been bored waiting alone. Order something."

Yang Jun-gyu called a server and ordered some drinks and side dishes. He just picked the most noticeable items on the menu.

This wasn't the time to focus on drinks and side dishes.

The drinks arrived, and he drank them with a feeling that they were going in through his nose rather than his mouth.

"Drink. Drink more."

The director was giving off a foreboding aura, hinting that he was about to say something difficult to hear while sober.

When the drinks had taken effect, the director finally spoke.

"Try to do something about the production budget."

"Director! How can you say this now!"

"I'm sorry. There's no money."

***

It was originally supposed to be a light PD meeting.

But the impromptu production meeting that followed was now heading into the late night.

The three of them were currently analyzing the script content in detail, discussing it in nanometer units.

"Wow, really. You've already memorized all 16 episodes? That's impressive. Really."

The three of them moved to a meat restaurant and continued the meeting, eating only meat and rice without drinks.

"Is this what all top students from Korea University are like? It's unbelievable."

"It's not because you're from Korea University, but because Se-hoon is special. That's why even the actresses he works with on camera can't keep their heads straight."

"Really? Even Ms. Chae Ji-hyun?"

"No, not at all. I never had anything like that with Ms. Chae Ji-hyun."

"What? You're already calling her 'Ms. Chae Ji-hyun' instead of 'senior'?"

"From what I can see, Ms. Chae Ji-hyun clearly has feelings for you. She subtly asked why I only invited Yoo Jeong-a to the drinks last time, and I could tell."

Although a bit of gossip was mixed into the production meeting, it was still proceeding with great enthusiasm.

Jeong Se-hoon tried to steer the conversation away from the gossip.

"How about casting Mr. Lee Min-soo for the role of the Left State Councillor?"

Kim Sang-hee was impressed.

"Oh, perfect."

"Agreed. It will also be a hot topic to see Se-hoon and Mr. Lee Min-soo face off again in a confrontational role."

"In *Illegals* and *Storage*, Se-hoon was the one who got the upper hand. Since this is a role where he gets the upper hand again, it will be easy for him to get into character."

A tragic minister accused of treason by the Daegun and publicly executed in the marketplace.

Since he had a similar role in his previous works, fans would find it a refreshing experience.

"Since we're talking about it, should we ask Mr. Lee now?"

"Now? It would be better to get formal approval and then officially inquire about casting."

"Who has the casting authority?"

"The writer. Please contact him now. Ah, should I call him?"

"It's too late for PD to call. Since you treat me like a nephew, it would be better if I called."

Artists are known for their action, and Kim Sang-hee immediately called, his smile widening as he spoke.

"Yes, sir. Just a moment."

Kim Sang-hee, who had muted the microphone, turned to them and asked.

"Sir, he said he'll buy us a drink and wants us to finish eating and come over."

"Let's go quickly! I finished eating a long time ago!"

Jang Seung-won, excited, got up and grabbed his jacket, and Jeong Se-hoon silently stood up in response.

Kim Sang-hee chuckled and unmuted the microphone.

"Yes, sir. We've finished eating. We'll head over right away. Where should we go?"

***

"Thanks to you, Se-hoon, I barely got a scene and became a 13 million actor. Life is all about one big moment, after all."

"That's not true. *Storage* would have been a 13 million hit even without me."

"Everyone else wouldn't think so, right, Kim Writer?"

"Even without Se-hoon, it would have been a good enough work to surpass 10 million. But I think Se-hoon's contribution was significant in making it a 13 million hit."

When he used to say, "Without Se-hoon, it would have been a 7 or 8 million hit."

He's doing a good job managing his image in front of Jang Seung-won and Lee Min-soo.

While pouring drinks, Jang Seung-won also flattered.

"Mr. Lee Min-soo, your acting was really great. I think both of you will have good news at the end of the year, whether it's *Illegals* or *Storage*."

"What did I do? It was all our meteoric newcomer."

"Not at all. Thanks to you, I was able to deliver even better acting than usual."

"That's what I should say. When I act with you, I strangely get more immersed. It feels like I'm momentarily detached from the world while the camera is rolling."

"Strangely, I've heard other actors say the same thing, especially Mr. Cha Do-jin."

They clinked glasses and Jang Seung-won subtly asked.

"Mr. Lee, so about the role of the minister...?"

"I like the role. I want to do it."

"Thank you. I won't disappoint you."

Jang Seung-won, who easily got a positive response, beamed and refilled Lee Min-soo's empty glass.

The atmosphere was very good.

Lee Min-soo, who had heard about the fictional settings and major plot lines added to the drama from Kim Sang-hee, showed great interest and focused even more on her story.

The lively discussion among the newcomer actor, veteran actor, and star writer was a delightful sight for the PD.

Then the phone rang.

"Excuse me. I'll take this call for a moment."

"Go ahead."

"Take your time."

"Please go ahead."

The caller was Chief Yang Jun-gyu.

Jang Seung-won, in a good mood, answered the call.

"Yes, Chief. The atmosphere here is great. Mr. Lee Min-soo has agreed to the casting. Se-hoon vs. Lee Min-soo, this is already full of drama... What? What did you say? What did you just say, Chief? Really? Are you serious? Ah, bro! You can't do this to me now!"

Jang Seung-won barely suppressed his anger and asked.

"So what? You're going to back out now?"

-That's a big problem. Who's backing out? Just try to reduce the production budget a bit...

"That's backing out, isn't it? Knowing Kim Writer's personality!"

-I'm sorry. There's no money.