Chapter 60

Villain Only Acting 060

PD and Insulting the Superior (3)

“Bro, what are you trying to say? You just promised Mr. Lee Min-soo verbally that he would appear, and now you’re saying you’re going to back out?”

Usually, I try to treat the deputy director with respect in public, and even in private, but when it comes to production costs, I can’t help but become a beast at heart.

-Not at all. What are you talking about backing out? Why do you keep saying such dangerous things?

“By my standards, that’s backing out. Deputy Director, Kim Writer worked hard on the script. You’ve seen it, haven’t you?”

-Yeah, I’ve seen it. I’ve seen everything.

“25 billion per episode is barely 400 billion in total, and you’re saying KBC doesn’t have that much money?”

-The director said it’s absolutely impossible. I thought it would be fine, but it got rejected from higher up. I had a bad feeling from the moment he suggested we have a drink out of the blue.

“It wasn’t rejected by the director, right?”

-It’s not. I’m sure. The director also thought there would be no problem with the production costs.

If it got rejected even by the director, it must have been denied by someone at the level of the Strategy and Planning Department or higher.

The longer the call went on, the more Jang Seung-won’s expression changed, turning red and blue, then burning hot like a red persimmon, and finally settling into a pale resignation, experiencing a kaleidoscope of color changes.

He looked inside through the window.

The sight of the three people holding their scripts and laughing heartily, as if they were having so much fun, stabbed him like needles in the heart.

Seeing Kim Sang-hee’s bright, unblemished smile reminded him of his disappointed wife, whom he had forgotten about on their wedding anniversary.

Recalling Lee Min-soo’s expression, gentle and smiling as he talked, reminded him of the time he bought his father a budget Android phone instead of the flagship iPhone he wanted.

And from Jung Seo-hoon, who didn’t let go of his script with both hands...

“I’m so fucking dirty.”

***

“But what worries me is that this might come off as giving a pardon to the rebel, Su-yang. By showing that even the villain had a reason, we might be beautifying evil, don’t you think?”

“That’s something I’ll handle well in the script, so don’t worry too much. After all, I’m the descendant of a servant from the Kim Jong-seo family’s courtyard.”

“Oh, so you’re from a servant’s family in a noble household. That’s why your last name is Kim?”

Jang Seung-won cautiously entered, gauging the situation.

“You were on the phone for quite a while, weren’t you?”

As soon as he entered, Kim Sang-hee asked as if she were a ghost.

Maybe it was because they were in the same production team, but her instincts kicked in.

Jang Seung-won tried to act calm.

“That guy is always so talkative. I thought it was about work, but he was just boasting about his dog having puppies.”

“Ah, that’s something to boast about for a while.”

While saying this, Jang Seung-won subtly signaled to Kim Sang-hee.

Of course, Jung Seo-hoon immediately caught the signal.

With the instincts of a war hero, he had already overheard the conversation outside, so the signal seemed too obvious.

Kim Sang-hee, who also caught the signal like a ghost, lightly clapped her hands.

“It’s getting late. Let’s wrap up and go home. PD, you have to come to work tomorrow, and we’ve been keeping you here too long.”

“Ah, really? I got so excited hanging out with young people after a long time.”

“Oh, I had a great time too, Mr. PD. We’ll definitely do this again. A few more times before the first meeting.”

“Sure, we will.”

Jung Seo-hoon confirmed that the PD and the writer were going to talk separately after he left.

After sending Lee Min-soo off first, the PD and the writer were about to send Jung Seo-hoon off as well.

“When is the manager coming? It takes about 20 minutes?”

“No, I didn’t call him.”

“Should he take a taxi? Even though you’re famous now, it’s better to use a van, right?”

Jang Seung-won showed concern, and Kim Sang-hee echoed it.

“Do as PD says. Now, Mr. Seo-hoon, it’s better to avoid taxis. Don’t even think about buses or subways.”

“Are you two going to talk more after I leave?”

“No, we’re going to head home right after sending you off.”

“Is there a problem with the scheduling?”

When Jung Seo-hoon hit the nail on the head, Kim Sang-hee was momentarily flustered.

Jang Seung-won, glancing at her, sighed and asked.

“Why do you think that?”

“Your expression was off when you came in after the call, and you exchanged a look with the writer and immediately started to wrap things up. I thought something must have gone wrong.”

“Actors with good instincts are great, but when they’re too perceptive, it’s a bit of a burden.”

Jang Seung-won chuckled and scratched his head.

If Jung Seo-hoon had been left out while the production team talked, Lee Min-soo might have felt left out.

It’s better to keep this under wraps.

The three moved to a nearby cocktail bar run by Kim Sang-hee.

Instead of alcohol, they ordered water, hangover remedies, and drinks.

“The Budget Department has raised an issue.”

“The Budget Department?”

“They said they can’t match 25 billion per episode and suggested 18 billion.”

“No way, 18 billion? Do they not know that production costs for big dramas are skyrocketing these days? How can we make a trendy period drama without knowing the trends?”

Jang Seung-won couldn’t bring himself to say, “18 billion per episode is still a lot.”

Kim Sang-hei had asked for a slightly higher budget due to her ambition.

Just with Kim Sang-hee, Jung Seo-hoon, and Lee Min-soo, the production cost per episode was already over 3 billion...

‘Still, we need to think about the profits from Illigal.’

Illigal had already recouped its production costs and was continuously making money through overseas distribution rights, music streaming, reruns, and catch-up services.

With the writers and lead actors who carried the drama coming together again, and even with the success of Su-jang-go, it was bound to be a success.

‘You bastards. This isn’t the time to save on production costs; it’s the time to secure this deal.’

It’s not the fault of the deputy director or the director.

They did their best but couldn’t overcome the wall of internal politics.

That’s why it feels even more like shit, and it’s so disgusting.

“So, is the scheduling going to be canceled?”

Jang Seung-won felt a chill down his spine at Kim Sang-hee’s calm voice.

He frantically waved his hands.

“Canceled? What kind of big talk is that? The scheduling is definitely going ahead. They just want to cut the budget a bit.”

“That’s what you call canceling.”

Jang Seung-won felt a sense of déjà vu as he forced a smile.

“I’ll do my best to secure 25 billion per episode. Don’t worry.”

“If the Budget Department doesn’t give the money, what can you do? You can’t take it from other programs at the Drama Center.”

“If necessary, I’ll even spill my own blood. My life comes first, doesn’t it?”

“See, Seo-hoon? This is the world of production. Even if you reach the top as an actor, never come here. Just stay there and act until you die.”

Kim Sang-hee’s joke to Jung Seo-hoon didn’t give him a chance to relax, and Jang Seung-won had to face the tension again.

“Is there a more realistic solution?”

“I’m going to explore production cost support from OTT platforms. They’ll all drool over a project like this. I’ll also look for other possibilities.”

“You must be going through a lot of trouble, PD.”

To Jang Seung-won, it didn’t sound like concern or worry.

It sounded like a silent pressure to work hard and bring in the production costs.

***

The next day.

Before leaving, Jeong Su-ryeon instructed.

“It’s just a casual meeting to check things out, just check things out. You don’t know what kind of vibe the agency people give off. We’re definitely not signing a contract today, so don’t give any hints.”

“That’s all?”

“What else do you need?”

“Anyway, it seems they really want to work with you. But it looks like the average market value they think you’re worth is about this much.”

“How much is that?”

“You’ve received A-level treatment once, but it’s still ambiguous whether you’re firmly in the A-level category. If you do well in the sequel of Su-jang-go and Insulting the Superior, you’ll likely be set in the A-level category.”

Manager Ha Tae-soo, who was driving, chimed in from the front.

“I don’t think you need to sign a contract right away. Your drama role is confirmed, so just take it easy. You don’t need an agency right now.”

“Still, it’s good to have a rough idea of what the agencies think you’re worth. It’s a good harvest.”

When they got home, her parents, who had been waiting, quickly asked.

“What did the agency say?”

“It’s not an agency yet, just a production company. They’ll give 20 billion as a signing bonus and 85% of the revenue.”

“Is that 20 billion a bonus, or will it be deducted?”

“Of course, it will be deducted.”

Her father, Jeong Tae-hyun, felt sorry for her.

“Are you going to be tied down for life just to pay off a debt? It seems actors are still a hungry profession in Korea. Seo-hoon, this drama must do well.”

“Dad, the last drama and this movie did really well.”

“So, did you make a hundred million from both?”

“Um... 60.8 million? About that much?”

“See? When you say it did well or not, it’s all about the money you received. You’ve just been doing good things for others twice.”

“Ah, that’s how it is for newcomers. That’s why I got A-level treatment for the sequel of Su-jang-go and Insulting the Superior.”

“But Insulting the Superior might be delayed due to production costs, and you only get paid when the filming starts, right?”

“That’s a common thing in this industry. Still, with PD Jang Seung-won, Writer Kim Sang-hee, and Mr. Lee Min-soo, it will start soon.”

***

“Then I’ll wait for good news.”

“Thank you.”

After the cautious meeting, PD Jang Seung-won clenched his fist and silently cheered as he walked back.

His steps back to the broadcasting station were incredibly light.

He spent the whole day happily planning and scheming how to direct Insulting the Superior.

As he was about to leave, a message came from Director Yang Jun-gyu.

[Bro] Let’s have a drink. Come to the izakaya.

Looking at the clock, it was 8 PM.

Jang Seung-won frowned and finished his work.

“Ah, really? I’m so busy, and now you want to drink...”

Muttering to himself, he left the station and headed to the izakaya they often visited.

Yang Jun-gyu had already ordered some snacks and was drinking a beer.

“Bro, or Director, why did you call me out for a drink at this early hour?”

“Damn. It’s already past 8 PM.”

“I’ll just have a sip. It’s lunchtime for me.”

While eating, they talked about the station’s affairs as usual, and then Yang Jun-gyu suddenly asked.

“Did you meet the Netflix Prime guys today? For Insulting the Superior?”

“Wow, what fast rumors.”

“Damn. How could you do this?”

“No, they said there’s no money.”

“Damn! 18 billion per episode is not a small amount! It’s not like we’re doing a period drama with heavy CG!”

“We need heavy props, art, set, and extras.”

“Are you saying you’re going to do Insulting the Superior?”

“Yes, I’m going to do Insulting the Superior. Why?”

“No, not that Insulting the Superior. Damn it.”