Chapter 68

Villain Only 068

Senior-like Junior, Junior-like Senior (1)

With the casting of the young Daegun's wife, the process of setting up the cast gained momentum.

For the role of the 30s Daegun's wife, top star Lee Seo-hyun was finally confirmed.

She is one of the three leading figures among South Korea's 20s actresses, alongside Yoo Jeong-a and Chae Ji-hyun.

The fanbase 'BeLab' of Jeong Seo-hoon, which had grown from a baby fandom to a kindergarten fandom, had even set up an official website and proudly displayed their banner.

- I heard they're set on Lee Seo-hyun for the adult Daegun's wife role.

- Oh, that sounds good?

- Since Yoo Jeong-a and Chae Ji-hyun are already cast, they need someone of Lee Seo-hyun's caliber to match the level, hahaha.

- But I'm so annoyed that some newbie idol with bad acting skills got the young Daegun's wife role, ugh.

- I want to see our Seo-hoon in old age makeup. A bearded Seo-hoon would be so cool, right? If anyone disagrees, I'm right.

The fanbase BeLab (非Lab) refers to Jeong Seo-hoon as 'Haksa.'

The nickname, which means 'bachelor's degree,' carries the earnest hope that his education will stop at a bachelor's degree.

- When will the coffee commercial be released? I'm so curious.

- I hope it doesn't cause another scandal with Chae Ji-hyun.

- Haha, you seem like a newbie for worrying about Chae Ji-hyun's scandal.

- Newbie detected!

- Back in our days, even rumors of siblings dating were met with laughter and strong defense.

- Chae Ji-hyun's scandal? It's normal for it to happen. Any actress who works with Seo-hoon will inevitably fall in love with him, that's just how it is, hahaha.

- When will we get official recognition from the fan site?

- We need an agency to get it. Seo-hoon is still an independent artist.

- Really? The entertainment companies are crazy for not signing such a talent.

- It would be great if Seo-hoon started his own one-man agency. He seems to have a lot of money at home.

The BeLab fanbase diligently collected information, spread it around, and counted down the days until the drama's premiere.

Jeong Seo-hoon's name was gradually becoming known even among people who didn't follow dramas or movies.

***

Finally, the entire cast was confirmed.

Jeong Seo-hoon as the Daegun, Lee Seo-hyun as the Daegun's wife, veteran actor Lee Min-soo as the Left Minister, and Lee Do-geun as the Daegun's father and the Just King, among others.

The main roles were filled with actors who had solid acting skills and experience, and verified newcomers were also boldly cast to add freshness.

"Among the existing historical drama viewers, Jeong Seo-hoon and Han Seo-hee will receive particularly fresh reviews. We plan to well capture the romantic atmosphere of the young couple."

At this, the production team and staff all turned to look at writer Kim Sang-hee.

"Isn't there a saying that even the devil cherishes his own children? I'm trying to express that, not to beautify the Daegun's image. I understand everyone's concerns, but..."

"It's not that, but I'm worried because you mentioned romance, writer."

"It's not romance. I'm just trying to add a bit of the feeling that even the devil loves his family."

"It's reassuring to hear it's not romance."

"Ah, that hurts my pride. I'll show you what Kim Sang-hee's historical drama romance is like. How about a tragic romance where the tender love of the young royal couple is mercilessly trampled by a ruthless uncle?"

"Hey, that sounds interesting. How about writing such a drama next time?"

"It's not that I can't write romance. If I set my mind to it, I could dominate the romance genre, but I'm hiding it because I'm afraid every TV station will ask me to write rom-coms."

Amid light banter, the production atmosphere remained relaxed.

The selection of filming locations, the scale and concept of the sets, the procurement of props, and the coordination of the shooting schedule gradually took shape.

Among the production team, Jeong Seo-hoon was the only actor present.

No one found it strange.

Jeong Seo-hoon, who had secured 300 billion won in investment through his connections, had every right to be listed as part of the production team.

'Just his third work, and he's already the lead and producer. And he's only twenty-one...'

'Such a career path is unlikely to be repeated in this country.'

'He's almost guaranteed to win awards at the end-of-year cable TV art awards and the Baekryong Awards...'

Everyone expected Jeong Seo-hoon to win the cable and film newcomer awards, and he would likely receive at least one more acting-related award.

With such a boost, achieving a 30% rating for a cable historical drama was not out of the question.

CV Cable was also heavily promoting the program.

During a break, Jang Seung-won subtly brought up a topic he had been pondering.

"Seo-hoon, what are your plans for returning to school next year?"

"I have to. My professor invested 300 billion won, after all."

While returning to school wasn't a condition, it was only right to do so to show respect to his professor who had invested such a large sum.

"Will you go to graduate school after graduating early? You could start in the fall through the late admission process."

"Graduate school is an option, but I'm more interested in acting right now."

"Even if you go to graduate school, your professor will likely give you a lot of flexibility. I've already discussed it with him."

"Do you want me to go to graduate school, PD?"

"If the lead of a historical drama is a top student from Korea University, wouldn't middle-aged viewers be more interested? It would help maintain consistent interest."

Jang Seung-won was subtly, or rather openly, hoping Jeong Seo-hoon would go to graduate school.

It seemed he was unfamiliar with the life of a graduate student.

"If I go to graduate school, I'll probably have a more relaxed time compared to other students."

"Right? You're the top of the top, and your professor is a close friend of your father."

"Still, graduate school is graduate school."

Though his words were full of meaning, Jang Seung-won didn't fully grasp them.

Kim Sang-hee lightly scolded him from the side.

"Aren't you thinking too much about ratings? Managing slaves isn't as easy as you think. Seo-hoon will likely end up managing the students on behalf of the professor, and it will be hard to balance that with acting."

"Managing slaves?"

"Would Seo-hoon go in as a slave? No, he'd go in as a steward. Or maybe a baron? But as a first-year, baron seems about right."

"Actually, I was thinking about giving different marketing angles depending on whether Seo-hoon goes to graduate school next year. I just wanted to be sure."

Jeong Seo-hoon met Kim Sang-hee's eyes for a moment before looking at Jang Seung-won.

"I have a strong desire to study, so I might go to graduate school someday. But not right now. I'm not really interested in the youngest title anymore."

"Right, right. You'll be 22 if you graduate early next year, and you've already finished the military. You can think about graduate school in your late twenties. Why are you suddenly pushing for it, PD? If the fans find out, they'll come after you with pitchforks."

"We're airing from March next year, and if you go to graduate school, the Korea University title will continue to be a boost. I was just thinking about the ratings."

Jang Seung-won explained, almost as if making an excuse.

"If you attend one semester of graduate school and then take a leave, it won't be too much trouble for Seo-hoon, and by then the drama will be over, so you can enjoy the Korea University boost."

"PD, you're really only thinking about ratings. One semester of graduate school and then a leave, that's ridiculous... Anyway, I'll consider it."

"Don't feel pressured. If the ratings are good, it's not just me who benefits; Seo-hoon will benefit the most."

"If it's good, won't Professor Yi Sejong benefit the most? The investment will pay off, and he'll proudly invite you to graduate school, saying it's all thanks to him. Wait, this professor isn't ordinary, is he?"

"Ah, you're right?"

"Our professor isn't the type to calculate such things."

With Jeong Seo-hoon's cautious defense, Kim Sang-hee and Jang Seung-won exchanged the same look.

***

The premiere date was set for the first Wednesday of March next year.

The series would run for 30 episodes, airing weekly and concluding in October.

Finally, the cast meeting and script reading were scheduled.

"Future uncle of my son. You know, I've been walking a bit taller thanks to you lately."

"Specifically?"

"Since I'm Jeong Seo-hoon's sister, my colleagues have become so much nicer. I was already popular among the guys because of my looks