[Dispatch=Yuha Sky Reporter] Director Jang Hang-jun, who has made films seen by 16 million, is turning his life story into a movie. The protagonist is Jang Hang-jun himself. Top actors are knocking on the audition door to play Director Jang.

This is a talk show unlike anything seen before. Actors conduct virtual auditions with the concept of producing Director Jang's next project. They also share honest stories that have never been revealed anywhere else.

The SBS new entertainment show 'The Master Hang-jun' held a production presentation on the morning of the 15th at Shocking K-pop Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Director Jang Hang-jun, Song Eun-yi, Kim Poong, and PD Lee Dong-won attended.

Kim Poong laughed about the program title, saying, "At first, I thought 'Are we making fun of someone?' I thought it was a huge mockery. I thought it was a provisional title, but I didn't expect it to become the real title."

Song Eun-yi pointed out the double meaning. "The public might think he has become a master, but from a colleague's perspective, there's the (mockingly) 'The Master Hang-jun' feeling," she explained.

Song Eun-yi appears as a film production company representative. She is a long-time friend with actual experience investing in Director Jang's films. However, she introduced herself saying, "My main job is entertainment. I focused on drawing out the stories from the cast members and reacting."

Kim Poong serves as Director Jang's right hand. He volunteers to attend to him with extensive film knowledge and affection. He is expected to draw out Director Jang's imagination with his characteristic wit.

'The Master Hang-jun' features a unique audition format. Actors operate under the premise of appearing in Director Jang's autobiographical film. They not only share recent updates through talk, but also showcase actual acting.

PD Lee Dong-won said, "I thought about what it would be like if Director Jang met actors as a real film director rather than an entertainment MC. The director said that the first principle of directing is casting. I was curious about what kind of conversations would actually take place," he revealed.

Care was also taken in the casting approach. The PD hinted, "We tried to find new combinations where Director Jang hasn't yet collaborated. We cast actors with warm yet spirited charm."

The audition script differs each episode. New scenarios are constructed based on Director Jang's actual experiences. The actors' acting scenes will also be presented in AI video format in the latter part of the episodes.

Another enjoyment of 'The Master Hang-jun' is discovering a new side of actors. The first episode's guest is Yoo Jae-myung. Jo Jung-suk has also confirmed his appearance, drawing anticipation.

Director Jang recalled, "I thought Yoo Jae-myung would be taciturn, but he was very approachable. I felt a new charm. It's not easy for actors to appear on entertainment shows, but I was happy that he readily participated with us."

Kim Poong pointed to the actors' immersion as a viewing highlight. "It's difficult for actors to perform serious acting on entertainment shows. Yet they become immersed in the (audition) situation. You see genuine aspects that are difficult to find on other talk shows," he said confidently.

Song Eun-yi focused on Director Jang's characteristic storytelling. She said, "It's a continuation of the past talk entertainment show 'Cinema Mountain' that we worked on together. The director is the same now as before. He's a born storyteller," she praised.

Director Jang said, "There were parts that didn't seem like a real movie script, which actually made it more fun. Fundamentally, it's entertainment. I hope viewers enjoy it comfortably."

Regarding future plans, Director Jang said, "I'm preparing my next (film) project. My personal hope is to begin shooting around the second half of next year," while also emphasizing, "It's still unclear how things will turn out."

The cast made viewership pledges for 'The Master Hang-jun'. Kim Poong said, "If it exceeds 3.5%, I'll strip Director Jang down to his upper body and stand him in the middle of Gwanghwamun." Director Jang shot back, "Then I'll strip Kim Poong down to his lower body."

Still, Director Jang expressed his hope, saying, "Viewership is important, but I hope viewers had a fun time. If people can forget their troubles even for a moment, that alone is meaningful enough," he said.

Finally, Song Eun-yi said, "The director's storytelling and the actors' honesty will come together and burst forth. I hope this becomes a program that people talk about as having made them laugh hard and hold their bellies," she said.

'The Master Hang-jun' will air for the first time at 9 p.m. that day.

<Photos provided by SBS>