South Korean director Jang Hang-jun is preparing a low-budget independent film following the success of "The King's Warden", highlighting his commitment to returning to the roots of filmmaking while navigating casting choices with care.
During a broadcast on March 23, Jang discussed potential leads for his project, which included top actors such as Go Soo, Park Bo-gum, Jo In-sung, and Lee Joon-hyuk for male roles, alongside Kim Tae-ri, Im Ji-yeon, IU, and Park Bo-young for female leads.
On the subject of IU, a renowned singer and actress, Jang offered insight into the decision-making process.
According to MHNSE he said, "I am really grateful to IU; even though she is incredibly busy and her schedule is difficult, she said she would do the 'kakemochi' (acting in two movies simultaneously). I sent her away, saying, 'Still, it isn't polite among Chungmuro filmmakers. Let's do it next time.'"
Jang elaborated on his perspective, emphasizing professional etiquette within the Korean film community. "I will always be careful with my words," he noted, reflecting on past controversies related to his bold casting announcements.
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Regarding his male lead selection, he confirmed that Lee Joon-hyuk would star after a personal call, citing their previous collaboration in The King and the Clown.
Naver reported that Jang chose Lee to balance experience and talent, generating humor during the livestream while sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
The director also referenced his ongoing projects' box office achievements. The King and the Clown, released last month, recorded a cumulative audience of 14,842,823 as of March 24, placing third in all-time South Korean box office rankings, while The Man Who Lives with King is expected to surpass 15 million viewers soon.
Jang's remarks occurred on a video from the channel VIVO TV, which includes a disclaimer stating, "The content above is 100% false," as part of its mockumentary-style presentation blending reality and scripted content.
He additionally addressed the playful nature of casting deliberations, noting that while the whiteboard of candidates included several prominent names, the final selection reflects both timing and professional courtesy.
Industry observers say Jang's careful handling of high-profile actors like IU reflects a broader emphasis on etiquette and reputation management in Korean cinema, especially for directors balancing creative ambition with the expectations of established talent.
The new film continues Jang Hang-jun's reputation as a director willing to experiment with narrative and casting while maintaining a commitment to respectful collaboration in the competitive Chungmuro film landscape.
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