Yoo Jae-suk has embarked on a new short-form drama project, but the absence of 'ratings cheat key' Yang Sang-guk has led to a slight dip in viewership.
On the October 2nd episode of MBC's variety show 'Hangout with Yoo?', Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Heo Kyung-hwan, and Joo Woo-jae began their 'Short-Form Drama Project'. Despite not having a script, they aggressively pursued casting, quickly securing 'trusted actors' Kim Seok-hoon, Kim Sung-kyun, and 'OST Queen' Baek Ji-young.
The episode recorded a 4.2% viewership rating, a 0.3% drop from last week's 'War of Money 3 in Tongyeong' featuring Yang Sang-guk.
Yoo Jae-suk, now a short-form drama director, conducted staff interviews and immediately held a meeting. Although there was no concrete script, Yoo suggested pretending there was one to proceed with casting. Actor Kim Seok-hoon, who has ties with 'Hangout with Yoo?', was considered for the male lead. Yoo quickly arranged a meeting with Kim, sparking his interest by highlighting his 15-year hiatus from melodramas. Haha tempted Kim by mentioning Baek Ji-young's involvement in the OST.
Haha then contacted Baek Ji-young directly to secure her participation. Introducing himself as the music director, Haha played an AI-composed OST with impromptu lyrics and melody. Despite the initial skepticism, Baek Ji-young was impressed, saying, "It's minor? I'm all about minor!" and sang a line. Yoo and Joo Woo-jae were amazed by the 'OST Queen's' enthusiasm, and Baek Ji-young coolly accepted the offer.
While heading to the next meeting, the team had a stroke of luck when they spotted actor Hwang Jung-min passing by. They rushed to recruit him, but Hwang, caught off guard, said, "I'm going to eat," and hurried away. The commotion drew actor Kim Sung-kyun out, who exchanged greetings with Hwang before he made a quick escape, providing comic relief.
Yoo persuaded Kim Sung-kyun, saying, "If you join, you'll play a crucial role," pushing forward with the 'no-script casting'. Haha, Heo Kyung-hwan, and Joo Woo-jae joined forces to reel in Kim. When Kim asked about investors, they smoothly suggested investment and revealed cost-effective filming plans, surprising Kim. They even proposed using Kim's house as a filming location and casually secured permission for shirtless scenes, adding humor.
Yoo confidently told Kim, "You saw our drive, right? You saw us recruit Hwang Jung-min earlier," while Haha and Heo Kyung-hwan chimed in, "Hwang Jung-min might make a cameo."
With their seamless teamwork, the four left Kim Sung-kyun bewildered, ultimately agreeing to keep the short-form drama project 'top secret'. Despite not hearing the story, Kim found himself swept up in Director Yoo's casting proposal.
The next episode preview revealed the script reading session for Yoo Jae-suk's short-form drama debut, featuring Kim Seok-hoon, Kim Sung-kyun, and a mysterious female lead. The drama, titled 'I Decided to Take Back the Woman My Brother Stole', promises an extraordinary storyline encompassing romance, revenge, action, medical, and melodrama genres.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr