{
  "id": 14629033,
  "title": "Hit director Jang Hang-jun returns with cheeky audition talk show",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/hit-director-jang-hang-jun-returns-with-cheeky-audition-talk-show",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T06:32:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20261015/hit-director-jang-hang-jun-returns-with-cheeky-audition-talk-show"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renowned filmmaker Jang Hang-jun, whose recent blockbuster \"The King's Warden\" captured the attention of more than 10 million viewers, is set to return to the spotlight with a new talk show titled \"The Great Hang-jun.\" This SBS production is a cheeky audition-themed program where the director himself offers unrefusable acting roles to some of the industry's top talent.\n\nJang, who recently celebrated a national sensation after \"The King's Warden\" surpassed 16.93 million box office hits, jokingly addressed hosting a show named after himself during a press conference. He quipped, \"Just because my name is in the title doesn't mean I feel a heavy burden. My mindset is more like, 'Well, it'll work out somehow.'\"\n\nThe production team, comprising sharp-witted individuals with prestigious educational backgrounds, played a significant role in making the show a success, according to Jang. He emphasized, \"I would’ve been overwhelmed doing this alone, but having Kim Poong and Song Eun-i by my side made it really fun.\" It is important to clarify, however, that Jang did not direct the show; producer Lee Dong-won spearheaded the project.",
  "summary": "Director Jang Hang-jun — who recently joined the elite \"10-million-viewer club\" with his blockbuster hit \"The King's Warden\" — is making his return with \"The Great Hang-jun,\" an SBS audition-concept talk show centered around him. The cheeky audition talk show, where he pitches \"unrefusable offers\" to top-tier actors, is officially kicking off. Jang, who sparked a nationwide sensation this year…",
  "key_points": [
    "Renowned filmmaker Jang Hang-jun returns with talk show \"The Great Hang-jun\".",
    "Show features director offering unrefusable acting roles to top industry talent.",
    "Jang emphasizes success was due to sharp-witted production team's support."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Leveraging his massive box office success, Jang Hang-jun transitions from blockbuster filmmaking to television hosting to engage top industry talent through a playful, audition-themed variety format.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Hit director Jang Hang-jun returns with cheeky audition talk show",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/hit-director-jang-hang-jun-returns-with-cheeky-audition-talk-show-14632840",
        "published": "2026-10-15T06:57:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}