The Grand Prince's Woman (2)
With investment and production confirmed for Haegeuk, the team immediately set about assembling the production staff.
Jang Seung-won brought in Jeong Su-ryeon as his first staff member.
"Having his actual sister on the team will help take care of Seo-hoon's mental state, so I figured it'd be good. Let's work together."
"Looking forward to it."
Song Jeong-woo had no upcoming shoots, so he readily let Jeong Su-ryeon go.
He didn't forget to give her a reminder.
"I'm sending you over nicely because you're supposed to take good care of Seo-hoon. Got it?"
"Of course, of course. I'll manage the PD's precious little brother without a single scratch."
"Be careful. We still don't know where the traitor is lurking."
"Yes. I'll keep a hawk's eye out."
The sibling scandal had clearly erupted because someone inside the production team leaked info to the paparazzi.
No one knew yet which bastard had stabbed a colleague in the back.
So Song Jeong-woo gladly sent her off.
Jang Seung-won methodically gathered talented staff like the cinematographer and art director, building out the production team.
With heads in place for each department, it finally looked like a proper production team.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Jang Seung-won held the official first production meeting.
The script needed expansion, but its overall framework was complete.
Shooting schedules, location scouting, prop prep—plenty of groundwork ahead, but casting was the top priority.
"Here’s our drama's lead navigator, the protagonist actor Jeong Seo-hoon. Everyone, give him a round of applause."
At the planning meeting, Jang Seung-won formally introduced Jeong Seo-hoon to the team.
They clapped enthusiastically, without pressure.
Some knew him from Illegal, but most were working with him for the first time.
A young staffer whispered to a colleague.
"Bringing a rookie actor to the production meeting? They didn't even invite veteran Lee Min-soo."
"He hates these things anyway."
Lee Min-soo had been invited but declined, saying old-timers like him wouldn't help at meetings.
"And I heard one of Jeong Seo-hoon's connections personally invested a ton in this drama. Like over five billion won."
"For real? Damn."
The actual investment was 30 billion, but no one believed a single person would pony up that much.
"Writer Kim Sang-hee insisted from the start that it had to be Jeong Seo-hoon as the lead, and his connection dropped big money. He's no ordinary rookie."
"His position's basically half co-producer."
"Plus, he killed it in Illegal and Su-jang-go. They probably think involving him from the first meeting will boost ratings."
Top stars often joined early, influencing casting for their counterparts and such.
But a fresh debutante from this year holding that status? Unprecedented in Korean drama history—past or future.
Jeong Seo-hoon would remain the one and only.
"Our drama is a fusion historical about the Grand Prince—trendy sageuk style. We'll stick to historical accuracy as much as possible, but no direct names like Joseon, Grand Prince, Danjong—omit them all."
The team instantly got it.
"Avoiding controversy, right PD?"
"Yes. But we're not cowardly hiding behind creative liberty for malicious distortions. Not like taking American money to whitewash history from their perspective."
"America wasn't even around back then—grandpa hadn't been born."
"Anyway, no glorifying the Grand Prince either. Our Jeong Seo-hoon will nail the charismatic villain role, but the Grand Prince won't come off as one."
"Got the core concept."
"So from now on, ban terms like Joseon, King Munjong, Grand Prince, Danjong. Use royal family, Grand Prince, young king, nephew, uncle—as in the script. We have to be careful first."
"Yes, PD."
Jang Seung-won seized control from the start.
His charisma differed from Song Jeong-woo's—pure PD gravitas.
"Some roles have writers' preferred actors in mind, but many are still open. We'll select candidates step by step from today."
"PD, since Jeong Seo-hoon actor is here, how about picking the Grand Prince's wife first?"
"Can't say Queen Jeonghui. Just the Grand Prince's wife."
"Ah, sorry."
"Seo-hoon, any actresses in mind for the counterpart? Writer hasn't thought that far. But she'll be your on-screen wife the whole time."
His earnest attitude prompted Jeong Seo-hoon to recall actresses from films he'd seen.
"I don't have an eye for casting. Better leave it to the team."
"Hm, still—if we shortlist some, give it serious thought."
Jang Seung-won's demeanor treated him less like a rookie, more like a top star.
"PD, for buzz, how about open auditions? Rookies preferably. Jeong Seo-hoon picking his in-drama wife would generate hype."
"Not bad? Fresher faces over big names might work better. Seo-hoon can carry the star power."
His tone saw Jeong Seo-hoon as a seasoned vet, not a newbie.
Kim Sang-hee chuckled and chimed in.
"Then Seo-hoon has to pick two wives? Young version too."
"Oh right. Lucky you, Seo-hoon."
The script split the Grand Prince's age into three: child actor, 20s (Jeong Seo-hoon natural), late 30s rebel (aged makeup).
His wife would use different actresses for 20s and 30s.
"For pure hype, pick an idol-turned-actress for the young wife..."
"Hell no! Fusion sageuk or not, one bad idol actor and we're toast—ripped to shreds!"
"I'm against idols too. If they audition, fine. We'll judge acting anyway."
Kim Sang-hee backed her up; the staffer shrank back.
Members recommended actors fitting each role's image; PD and writer noted them attentively.
Jeong Seo-hoon searched names on his laptop instantly—filmographies, YouTube clips via earbuds.
"What about sponsorships or PPL?"
"Sageuk limits, but take what fits. No forcing."
"Inquiries are flooding already."
"Anything usable?"
"Frankly, I racked my brain—no Joseon-era props. Here's the list."
The staffer handed summaries to PD and writer.
Jang Seung-won groaned softly at the PPL items.
"Ugh... Do they think we're doing SF? Time machine to the past?"
"A few work: ceramic plates, bowls. Silverware too."
"Oh? Grab those."
Despite the huge budget, PD and writer squeezed every revenue stream meticulously.
Jeong Seo-hoon recalled Song Jeong-woo's words watching them.
The off-screen landscape matters more sometimes. Solid unseen support makes the screen shine brighter.
Not just directing and story—bolstering revenue externally too.
Hours later, Jang Seung-won was soaked in sweat.
His eyes still burned undimmed.
"PD, wrap for today? Everyone's beat—ideas drying up."
Kim Sang-hee suggested softly; he scanned the room and nodded.
"Yeah. Before we end, one last word from me. Shorter than a principal's speech—no pressure."
Tired, hungry faces focused.
"Some know, but Haegeuk got dissed by a certain terrestrial broadcaster."
"..."
No names, but everyone knew KBC.
"I'll show that terrestrial snob what real Haegeuk looks like."
Double meaning: cable thrashing terrestrial via the drama.
Some inwardly admired the title's fateful fit.
This one's gonna crush it.
Kim Sang-hee and Jeong Seo-hoon together again...
30% this time?}
CV Cable had never hit 30% with a drama.
Surpassing it with Haegeuk would be a founding milestone.
"Long marathon—let's nail it together."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
CV Cable announced its largest-ever open auditions.
Not filling all key roles internally—some via public tryouts.
"No pre-selections. Audition roles are audition-only."
Often auditions were for buzz after internal picks.
But Jang Seung-won stressed in interviews: no tricks.
"If we can't find satisfaction via auditions and go casting, we'll announce transparently. Aspiring actors, knock on our doors freely."
With killer script, ace PD, ample budget—the team was chill.
The massive auditions etched Haegeuk in public minds.
At this rate, 20% premiere seemed locked.
"KBC's gotta be fuming right now. Ahh, just imagining it soothes me."
Audition day one, Jang Seung-won grinned at Jeong Seo-hoon and Kim Sang-hee, patting his chest.
"Still early. We need 30%+ through finale to truly smack KBC."
"Building momentum. Even winnable fights get easier with hype first."
"Seo-hoon, you're picking your wife today—choose carefully. Your input weighs heavy."
"Seo-hoon saw the apps. Anyone catch your eye?"
"A few, but unsure. Oh, Lina seemed solid."
"Lina... Serubia center Lina?"
Jang Seung-won hurriedly checked the application.
Serubia center Lina. Real name Han Seo-hee.
Third-year idol, top-tier visuals in a tier-1 girl group.
Debuted at 15, now fresh high school senior—168cm tall, slim, killer proportions.
"Caught her acting bit on a variety show by chance—good vibe."
"But girl group with zero acting experience..."
"Visually, perfect for young Grand Prince wife. Acting? Can't know till camera time."
Kim Sang-hee nodded knowingly.
"Fair. Even trash idol acting might shine opposite our Seo-hoon. Didn't know you liked that type?"
"Just partner synergy."
"I get it, I get it."