Director Jang Hang-jun's Journey: From Box Office Triumph to Navigating Public Scrutiny

《Kim Ji-won's Kakaotalk》
Today's story, candid and sharp. TenAsia reporter Kim Ji-won critically reviews entertainment industry issues with a discerning eye.

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The film 'The King and the Clown' has surpassed 12 million viewers, marking a historic box office success. As accolades pour in, public interest in director Jang Hang-jun is at an all-time high. However, as he rises to prominence, past light-hearted remarks have returned with the 'weight of words.' Despite this, Director Jang is handling the minor controversies with his characteristic wit, showing a more cautious side as a 'millionaire director.'

The first topic of interest was his bold promise for the film's success. Jang pledged 'name change, plastic surgery, and naturalization,' which are practically difficult to fulfill. As the film crossed the 10 million viewer mark, this joke turned into a 'playful mockery' and a burden to fulfill the promise.

Online communities have also revisited a 2021 broadcast where Jang shared an anecdote about his wife, writer Kim Eun-hee. He mentioned, "The night before our wedding, I suggested to my wife, 'Let's each recount our past. Let's count how many people we've slept with.'" He added, "I won overwhelmingly. It felt good to win." While it could be seen as an adult joke, some found the public sharing of private marital stories uncomfortable.

At the 12 million viewer celebration coffee truck event on the 12th, Jang appeared with his hair dyed blue. While he didn't follow through with a name change or surgery, he humorously reminded everyone of his promise through a change in appearance. It was a moment where Jang turned a potential crisis into humor.

Jang is aware of the weight this success brings. In an MBC News broadcast on the 11th, he candidly shared, "(This success) might be a poison for me personally. I've seen many who didn't make it after such success." On SBS 'News Hunters,' he said, "Even my family talks about how good things are often followed by something else. I hope it's not something fatal." He added, "My wife tells me not to act rashly, so I'm being careful with my words."

His family is also cautiously observing Jang's words and actions. In an interview, he shared, "My wife (Kim Eun-hee) tells me to be humble wherever I go, to be careful with my words, and not to act rashly." Regarding the glorification of his past, he said, "Even past stories are being dug up. It's burdensome to be seen as a self-made icon, and I hope to be forgotten soon."

Jang's charm lies in making even potentially boastful remarks endearing. However, the record of 12 million viewers built on public love carries its weight. As the impact of his words grows, the attitude of 'being cautious never hurts' is a necessary virtue on the path to becoming a great director. We hope that Director Jang Hang-jun, who has delighted the public with his unique wit, will continue to maintain his charm while also adopting the prudence that suits the time and place.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr