[EPN Enpinow reporter Go Nari] Jang Hang‑jun, director of The Man Who Lives with the King, grabbed attention after sharing casting anecdotes about his upcoming project.
On the 23rd, BiboTV aired a segment in which Jang announced plans to make a low‑budget indie film and revealed a whiteboard listing his preferred candidates for the lead roles.
He named Go Soo, Park Bo‑gum, Jo In‑sung, Ju Ji‑hoon, Koo Kyo‑hwan, Jung Hae‑in, Lee Dong‑wook and Gong Yoo as contenders for the male lead. For the female lead he listed Kim Tae‑ri, Im Ji‑yeon, IU, Park Bo‑young, Shin Hye‑sun, Kim Ji‑won, Shin Se‑kyung and Han Ji‑min.
Jang said he had been torn between Jo In‑sung and Park Bo‑gum for the male lead, but after receiving a call from Lee Jun‑hyuk he reached his final decision.
He said IU told him she was extremely busy but was willing to join the project, even if it meant appearing in two productions simultaneously.
Ultimately, Jang said he chose to respect the professional courtesies common in Chungmuro and told her, "Let's work together next time," bringing the matter to a close.
The video also referenced the mockumentary series The Castle of Acting, which draws on real conversations among actors. A caption reading "100% false" appeared before the episode began and drew notice.
Since its release, The Man Who Lives with the King has surpassed 14,840,000 admissions as of the 24th, ranking third on the all‑time list; it is expected to pass 15 million this week.
After criticism over his frequent public pledges, Jang said he would be more careful with his words and actions going forward.
Photo: channel BiboTV
