Amid the Blazing Heat of the Set, March 26th Draws Near

As they threw themselves into filming amid the passionate fervor of the set, March 26th suddenly loomed right around the corner. The premiere date. And the day before, on March 25th.

"We will now begin the Wanted production press conference."

Applause erupted from all around. The venue at the Sangam-dong Media Center buzzed with the reporters' intense energy.

"Today, we have PD Park Min-jae and five of our actors joining us. We'll start with photo time."

The actors attending the press conference were Kim Ye-chan, Park ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Soo-hyun, Jeong Tae-young, Oh Seong-cheol, and Baek Woojin. At the host's words, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the journalists' camera lenses swiveled toward the photo line.

The actors entered one by one. As each took their place on the photo line and struck a pose, the host introduced them, building the excitement.

"Next up is actor Baek Woojin."

As Woojin appeared, flashes exploded relentlessly, just as expected. He smiled and waved toward the front. But since this was his first time in such a setting, his expression held a touch of stiffness.

"Baek Woojin will be playing Choi Kyu-bo, the forensic pathologist at the KCFS. The fact that he's taking on a role ten years older than his actual age has generated a lot of buzz, and all eyes are on what his performance will bring."

The host tossed him a line to ease his nerves. Soon after, photo time wrapped up, and PD Park along with the actors took their seats at the long conference table.

"Before we move into interviews, writer Seo Min-kyeong sends her apologies for being unable to attend due to her scriptwriting schedule. Thank you for your understanding."

The interviews kicked off under the host's smooth guidance. First, PD Park and the actors gave their greetings in the order they were seated. By the time Woojin took the mic last, his expression had relaxed completely.

"I know a lot of people are looking forward to this. With tomorrow's premiere right around the corner, I'm filming hard alongside these amazing people. I hope we can deliver more fun and emotion than anyone expects."

After the introductions, the Q&A about the drama began in earnest.

"PD Park Min-jae's long-awaited return to directing has sparked huge interest. Some have questioned why a director with so much experience in historical epics and sageuks would choose to come back with the unfamiliar genre of a crime thriller. Your thoughts?"

PD Park picked up the mic at the reporter's question.

"Great question—thank you. The moment I read the script, I knew I had to do this. I could feel the power of the text. And as you mentioned, I've mostly directed long-form dramas with slower pacing, so I wanted to challenge myself with something fast-paced this time. That's it."

It was a response rich with the weight of experience. Though on set, he'd sometimes grumbled, "Why? Because the department head told me to." Knowing the real reason, the actors struggled to stifle their laughter.

"tvKR has struggled in the annual drama ratings battle. With the second half of the year bringing Kim Soo-rim's next big project, it feels like your mindset might be different this time. What's your determination?"

A somewhat stinging question.

"You're right. But if the second half has Kim Soo-rim's project as the big expectation, then the first half belongs to our Wanted. Seo Min-kyeong is Kim Soo-rim's prized disciple, after all. The disciple's rebellion—look forward to it."

A smooth, natural response that subtly boosted the drama's buzz. Tomorrow's headlines would likely include something like 'Can She Surpass Her Master's Average Ratings?'.

"Next, questions for the actors."

After PD Park's answer, it was the actors' turn for Q&A.

"Kim Ye-chan's first project after military discharge has generated massive hype. Any criteria for choosing roles?"

"Look at my filmography, and you'll see—mostly romances. The classic prince on a white horse. 'Tsundere' in today's terms? I've done the prince-for-women roles to death, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠so this time I wanted to pioneer, standing at the forefront of social justice. Personally, I was drawn more to the character's job and background than the plot."

A bold, honest reply. His cool charisma fit the prosecutor image perfectly. After another round of flashes, the mic passed to Park Soo-hyun.

"Park Soo-hyun has always said in interviews she's working to shed her child actor image. What can we expect this time?"

"Well, it's embarrassing to say it myself, but I once held the title 'Nation's Girl.' It was a cherished nickname, but fatal for an actress. I've been fighting to break free, and this is my first role as a professional expert. To show a perfect profiler, I've analyzed real cold cases every day. Look forward to it."

Woojin had no doubt she'd fully transform from child star to adult actress. He'd seen her practicing firsthand.

"Next question for actor Oh Seong-cheol. Another villain role—what are your thoughts?"

Before the reporter finished, Oh Seong-cheol grabbed the mic.

"Yes. Another villain. I want to stop..."

His dazed expression cracked everyone up in the room.

"A plea to all PDs at every network: I'm actually really nice and cute once you get to know me. Please, no more villains. Boo-hoo."

As he bowed his head, the atmosphere grew even warmer. The ultimate mood-maker, senior Oh Seong-cheol.

"Jeong Tae-young faces acting controversy with every project. Can we expect change this time?"

It was the question everyone saw coming.

"Of course. I'm always learning on set and getting close with the cast for better ensemble work."

Look at him lying stone-faced. Classic Jeong ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Tae-young.

"And once more, thanks to the director and writer for casting me. I'll work hard!"

Flattery at a press conference, no less. Admirable guts, in a way. Rumors had spread that writer Seo had quietly visited set after the first shoot, so he'd been on his best behavior since.

"Finally, Baek Woojin—the only rookie cast. Word is you showed monstrous acting from the audition. Your resolve for your debut?"

Woojin slowly picked up the mic.

"First, thanks to the director, writer, and entire production team for giving a chance to someone with no filmography."

The age gap between role and actor. The same words from the man who'd bulldozed through that massive hurdle with pure talent, and the one perpetually dogged by acting debates, carried worlds of difference. Jeong Tae-young's thanks rang hollow and sycophantic; Woojin's felt like the humility of a prepared pro.

Jeong Tae-young's face twisted slightly at Woojin's opener.

"For Choi Kyu-bo, my mindset was simple: burn the boats. I'll pour out everything I have. Look forward to it."

As Woojin finished and set the mic down, another reporter shot up a hand.

"After the teaser dropped, interest in you exploded. Feeling the popularity?"

Woojin gave an awkward smile.

"Yeah, more people recognize me now. But I hear I wasn't even supposed to be in that teaser."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I got super lucky to film it, and that's why I'm sitting here. Thanks again."

The actors—minus PD Park and Jeong Tae-young—smiled at him. More questions and answers flowed in the lively mood, and the conference rolled on.

About an hour later, the host posed the final question.

"What ratings do you predict?"

PD Park and the actors huddled briefly, then PD Park took the mic.

"Big prediction: 15%!"

"Any promises if you hit it?"

"Uh, we haven't agreed on that yet..."

Screw it. PD Park glanced at the actors and threw out a pledge.

"The actors will do one hour of free hugs in Myeongdong. In full character costumes."

Laughter exploded from the cast and everyone present at his wild promise.

"We pray for this bold pledge to come true. One more round of applause. That wraps the Wanted production press conference."

The event ended triumphantly. All that remained was the premiere. D-Day.

March 26th. Premiere day for Wanted.

"Great work on today's shoot, everyone. Let's watch the first episode together, eat, drink, and have fun."

"You too!"

A feast was set up in one corner of the set: meats, sashimi, the works. A full seafood-and-meat spread whetted appetites. Staff and actors clustered around the TV, eyes glued.

"What were Fox Rain's ratings last week?"

"12%."

"Aigoo. A show that topped 20% on episode one is tanking now?"

"What about ours?"

"Minimum 10%. Guaranteed!"

Chatter about predictions filled the air. Premiere jitters gripped everyone there.

RRRRR.

As Woojin raised his glass with Ye-chan, Soo-hyun, and Seong-cheol, his phone rang. Mom.

"Senior, quick call—be right back."

"Sure, go ahead."

"Thanks."

Woojin stepped out to answer.

Woojin burst out laughing at her cuteness. Then,

"Mom, sorry."

"Huh? Why all of a sudden?"

"My debut premiere, and I can't watch with you."

"Pfft, it's fine. Don't worry about me—hang with everyone. Got it?"

"Yeah. No worries."

"Good. Our boy's the best!"

"I'll come home on off days."

Woojin hung up, smiling. Her joyful laughter over the line. If only I'd succeeded sooner to make her this happy. But he was grateful to bring her this joy now.

"It's starting!"

Voices rose excitedly as the drama began. Woojin returned to his seat.

The title faded out. The screen brightened, and a voiceover boomed:

The fruit of their two months of shared trials. tvKR's first-half powerhouse Wanted had finally unveiled itself.