Peninsula: Starting with Hijacking Yoona

30. Kim Min-joo's Reminder

The atmosphere in the artist passageway leading from the underground parking lot to the inside of MBC was completely different from the hustle and bustle in front of the main building; it was so quiet it was almost stagnant.

A black van pulled up, and the doors opened. The main cast and crew of "The Moon Embracing the Sun," including screenwriter Jin Xiuwan, director Kim Do-hoon, and lead actress Han Ga-in, stepped out. They deliberately chose this private entrance to avoid potential fans and media, allowing them to enter the television station discreetly.

However, as they walked towards the internal elevator, someone inadvertently caught a glimpse of the glass curtain wall on the side of the main building in the distance. Through the thick glass, though faces were obscured, the dense crowd outside, the various support items held aloft, and the faint, booming sound even with good soundproofing created a striking image.

"What? Is there some big event outside? Or is some top idol here?" one of the accompanying assistants couldn't help but exclaim.

Everyone slowed their pace and looked at the sea of ​​people. Although they couldn't make out the faces of the central figures, the scale of the crowd was far beyond what ordinary actors or newcomers could cause.

Screenwriter Chen Xiuwan couldn't suppress the upward curve of her lips, her eyes shining brightly. She had been keeping an eye on Li Jingcheng's movements online for a while, and of course she knew that the person outside was him, Li Xuan, who had stepped right out of the book.

When CJ revealed their intention to replace Lee Kyung-sung, she was the first to wholeheartedly agree, even more so than the production team. Even before CJ made a move, she had considered replacing Lee Hwon. Unfortunately, she couldn't convince MBC, or even her own colleagues at her company. It can only be said that Bae Yong-joon offered too much.

But now, with almost no effort, CJ's influence combined with MBC's approval completely overturned the sincerity that Bae Yong-joon and Kim Soo-hyun had invested in the early stages. Could Bae Yong-joon give more than CJ? MBC silenced all dissent.

Looking out the window at the silent yet deafening display of popularity, she felt an immense sense of satisfaction; her previous perseverance had yielded the most direct reward. Looking at the undisguised shock and curiosity on the faces of her colleagues, all the controversies surrounding Li Jingcheng were now unnecessary to discuss.

Director Kim Do-hoon is a middle-aged man with a buzz cut and a capable demeanor. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but more so, he was scrutinizing and pondering.

He stroked his chin, naturally aware that Lee Kyung-sung had also come to MBC. With pure curiosity, he asked in a low voice, "This commotion outside, was it something CJ arranged specifically for publicity?"

Before anyone else could answer, Han Ga-in had already taken out her phone, which was displaying a page with the relevant topic. She then turned the screen towards Kim Do-hoon and Jin Soo-wan.

"Ani-oh." Her voice was soft yet clear as she pointed to the rapidly scrolling live discussions and photos and videos posted by fans on the scene. "Look here, these are all spontaneous fans. And," she scrolled down the page slightly, revealing a fairly professional-looking fan site interface, "CJ's response has been quick; an official fan site has been established and is guiding things."

"Let me see." Chen Xiuwan eagerly took the phone and quickly browsed through it. The astonishing number of fans, the support messages in multiple languages, and the content created by fans made her gasp, her eyes almost overflowing with excitement, "Amazing... with this level of popularity, the ratings seem to be really guaranteed."

But then, remembering something, she said softly with a hint of doubt, "However, why haven't CJ and MBC officially announced that Kyung Sung-ssi will be playing Lee Hwon? Instead, they've only vaguely mentioned that he auditioned for an important role. Logically speaking, it's not uncommon in the industry for actors to snatch or replace roles, especially for a powerhouse like CJ. They should be promoting it extensively. The teenage part starts airing tomorrow, so now is the perfect time to promote it."

Although director Kim Do-hoon isn't a newcomer, he's under considerable pressure regarding tomorrow's ratings. He can't afford to invest so much in this drama, but he's also well aware of CJ and MBC's plans.

Han Ga-in took her phone back and explained softly, "I think CJ and MBC did this on purpose. They didn't want Lee Kyung-sung to get into controversy over the claim that he was 'stealing' a role, even if that's true. They're being vague right now, only emphasizing the audition and the final casting."

This is to minimize any potential negative impact. The fact that CJ only mentioned the audition without specifying the production team also leaves some room for Keyeast and CEO Bae Yong-joon to coordinate subsequent publicity and maintain a unified narrative. If I'm not mistaken…

Han Ga-in looked toward the direction leading to the inner rehearsal room. "After the audition, if the results are satisfactory, we should officially and positively announce that Lee Kyung-sung will play the role of Lee Hwon. After all, only by letting the actual performance speak for itself can we provide the best reassurance and shift the focus of public opinion from the change of actors to the anticipation for the new Lee Hwon."

"I see." Chen Xiuwan suddenly understood and nodded repeatedly.

This was the first time she had ever seen someone who wanted to maximize their own interests while also protecting their reputation and saving face, trying to have the best of both worlds. Although it was somewhat hypocritical, well, what could she do? He was Li Jingcheng.

This made her even more excited. "If Lee Kyung-sung looks the same as, or even better than, the real person, it'll be amazing! The ratings will not only be guaranteed, but it might actually become a phenomenal hit!"

Director Kim Do-hoon nodded slowly, acknowledging Han Ga-in's analysis. His expression relaxed considerably, even showing a hint of anticipation.

As a director, he naturally hopes that the actors fit their roles perfectly, and even more so, that the series will be a success. Lee Kyung-sung's immense popularity, even before his official appearance, is undoubtedly a shot in the arm. His current concern is whether Lee Kyung-sung can handle the complex character of Lee Hwon.

Just then, footsteps approached, and Minister Park and Kim Min-joo walked in side by side. Minister Park, with his usual slightly official smile, introduced first, "Everyone has arrived. This is Ms. Kim Min-joo, the head of the actor management team at CJ ENM. She is also Lee Kyung-sung's manager."

Chen Xiuwan, Jin Daoxun, Han Jiaren, and others quickly bowed slightly to greet them.

Kim Min-joo did not adopt an arrogant attitude, but responded with the same gentle and polite manner, her smile impeccable. "Nice to meet you all. I hope you will take good care of Kyung-sung in the future. Although he is also a film and television performance major, he studied overseas and may not be familiar with some of the filming habits and industry rules on the peninsula. If there is anything he does that is not up to par, I would appreciate any guidance from the directors, screenwriters, and seniors, and I hope you will be understanding."

Her words were polite, but her meaning was clear: Lee Kyung-sung has professional expertise, but he's unfamiliar with certain unspoken rules or interpersonal dynamics within the Korean entertainment industry. She hoped everyone would treat him with a professional attitude and not use industry conventions to make things difficult for or criticize him.

Kim Do-hoon and Han Ga-in were not newbies, so they naturally understood the unspoken meaning and smiled in agreement, expressing their understanding and promising to cooperate well.

After exchanging pleasantries, Minister Park got down to business, "Director Kim should have already received the notification regarding the arrangements for the upcoming audition and the corresponding publicity plan, right?"

Kim Do-hoon nodded. "Received. The publicity team has coordinated everything. The audition process will be filmed confidentially, and suitable clips will be selected for subsequent promotion. We have no problem with that."

"That's good." Minister Park was very satisfied, and then said, "Kyung-sung has already gone to get his makeup done. Ga-in-sung, would you please go with us for your makeup and hair? After all, we're filming a scene together, and having complete makeup and hair will make the scene look better."

Han Ga-in was also curious about this royal newcomer, so she nodded in agreement and followed the staff to the dressing room.