Director Jang Hang-jun Reflects on Lost Incentives and Future Projects
Director Jang Hang-jun, known for his successful films, has spoken about potentially missing out on a substantial performance bonus and his plans for a return to independent filmmaking. The director, who helmed the hit film “Wangsaname,” reportedly forfeited a potential 6 billion won incentive due to choosing not to accept a running guarantee.
According to reports, Jang Hang-jun expressed regret over the decision, stating, “I gave up the running guarantee… I could have received 5 million won more.” This comes as the director looks toward a latest, lower-budget project, aiming to recapture the spirit of his earlier work.
Jang Hang-jun also shared anecdotes about past casting decisions, revealing the challenges of finding the right actors for his projects. He recounted a story about considering both Jo In-sung and Park Bo-gum for a role and a memorable encounter with IU, saying, “I scolded IU and sent her back.”
The director is now considering Lee Joon-hyuk for a leading role in his upcoming independent film. This project represents a shift towards a more modest scale, as Jang Hang-jun seeks to reconnect with his creative roots. The move to a lower budget signals a commitment to artistic vision over large-scale commercial expectations, a trend increasingly seen among established Korean filmmakers.
Jang Hang-jun emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s initial passion, stating, “If you lose your original intention, you shouldn’t do it.” This sentiment underscores his dedication to authentic storytelling as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
