Smiles and scowls at press conference for The Producers

68 May 11, 2015May 11, 2015

Smiles and scowls at press conference for The Producers

by javabeans

May 11 was press conference day for KBS’s The Producers, the “100% real variety drama” starring star actors playing variety producer-directors (and one starlet) in a show that’ll be both a workplace drama and an extravaganza of meta nods to the world it depicts.

Unlike most dramaland shows about showbiz that invent a fictional world with fictional celebrities, The Producers is set in the real-world version of showbiz. That is to say, it’ll reference actual shows and actual celebrities, although it’s still a fictional show; its alternate universe is just a lot more similar to our real one. Hence more room for meta jokes and name-dropping (and, I expect, a ton of cameo appearances).

That real-world similarity extends to the characters themselves, some of whom are based on real people. Gong Hyo-jin, for example, explained that her character is based on the drama’s own PD; she plays a Music Bank PD and was told early on that the role was based on CP Seo Soo-min. (Though Gong did make sure to point out that her irascible character is much more hot-tempered and difficult than the real-life PD.) She added that CP Seo is actually the first female PD she’s met (which seems incredible to me, and also disheartening), so she didn’t have a lot of information to draw upon in creating this character; she had to figure out all the details of how to portray her, down to the way she dressed.

The drama purports to blur the line between reality and fiction, and Cha Tae-hyun may just have the must opportunity for fun with that, since he’s playing a longtime PD of 1 Night, 2 Days, which is the variety program he’s a cast member on. He said that he’s asked variety PDs a lot of questions while working on this role, and has found a lot of interest on their side.

He added that he feels sorry to PD Na Young-seok, tvN’s variety heavy-hitter behind the Grandpas Over Flowers and Three Meals a Day franchises. Cha Tae-hyun has never met Na PD, but said, “Whenever I’m acting [in this drama], I feel sorry. Because it’s ‘real,’ we use real names for some things. I do feel sorry about it, but I hope people can look at it as fun.” Oh, I’m sure much fun will be had, and if it’s at Na PD’s expense, all the better!

There’s also a bit of real-world overlap with IU, who’s playing a top starlet, even if her role is described as haughty, which is a departure for her (since she’s mostly played easygoing characters). She described asking friends and colleagues for advice based on their experiences — basically, when you’re a star, you know a lot of stars who can help you work out how to play a star.

Kim Soo-hyun was the last to confirm the casting; Gong Hyo-jin explained that she decided after Cha Tae-hyun and IU had signed on, and Kim Soo-hyun confirmed the day after she did. She added that she’d planned to take some time off after her play and do a movie next, but was drawn in by writer Park Ji-eun’s script and her dialogue and gag style. “The two of them [Cha and IU] seemed just right for it, and it felt like all I had to do is set my spoon [on a full table]. …Of all the roles I’ve done so far, Tak Ye-jin is the most snappish and easily angered role. Finding a way to express her flaws and clumsiness was appealing.”

At least that character description explains the extreme bitchface Gong Hyo-jin wore at the press conference; it was kind of startling to see her looking so blatantly cranky—I figured it had to be a character point, but still found it jarring. I’m so used to seeing her looking so friendly and sweet! Now we know she’s also got a mean scowl in her arsenal.

Gong Hyo-jin’s character will be particularly hard on Kim Soo-hyun, which she hoped wouldn’t make her too hated among the viewers. Well, that is the occupational hazard in being mean to Korea’s most beloved current actor (there are actual polls on this, though it seems to me a highly dubious thing to attempt to confirm). While Kim’s rookie PD character sounds pretty different from the cool, collected characters he’s played recently, he finds some overlap with previous roles. He pointed out that Sam-dong from Dream High had an innocence and inexperience that are similar to his Producers role, who is book-smart (having gone to a prestigious law school) but a bit fumbling in the real world. Er, real-fake world. Or are we at real-fake-real world now? I lose track.

Producer airs its first of twelve episodes this Friday.

Via Newsen, TV Report, Chosun, My Daily

Required fields are marked *

1 Sean

May 11, 2015 at 3:09 AM

No matter how popular Kim Soo Hyun, he looks awkward with his big sunbaes XD. I guess he really respect them. He looks so sweet with IU. But why I think Gong Hyo Jin looks so strict…lol. Anyway, good luck for them. Please don't put storyline that makes your audiences get headache. Honestly, I'm waiting Orange Marmalaid more. Just because the future great-korean actor will be in there.

No preview or longer version of teaser released?

Required fields are marked *

cookiemonster

May 11, 2015 at 6:08 AM

there was a 7 minute preview released

Required fields are marked *

Bl3

May 11, 2015 at 7:17 AM

Please where can I find the 7 minute preview? Thanks!

Required fields are marked *

djeedjes

May 11, 2015 at 10:54 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQDAonLOcSg

Required fields are marked *

amie

May 11, 2015 at 12:34 PM

saw the video, not feelin it much.I think the 2nd lead guy is interesting and would be better for Gong Hyo Jin. as for kim soo hyun< i think he is better suited for IU. the age difference is a little too glaring here for the lack of that thing called "chemistry". we'll see how it goes. a bit of a de javu back there with IU's omma playing the same stage mother role she played for My Love from the star, with a somewhat similar bratty daughter,too.
Is that tatt, for real, Gong Hyo Jin, a bit tacky.
Is kim soo hyun really that tall? or did I imagine Gong Hyo Jin to be a really tall person at 1.72 cms. hmm.

too many kramas too little time

mm1020

May 11, 2015 at 4:56 PM

with eng subs (cr: dramafever)

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152872455801961&id=60878026960

2 ash

May 11, 2015 at 3:13 AM

i watched the preview and its totally hilarious! GHJ n CTH already display their awesome chemistry as best friends. So many dramas to catch on this May. Warm and Cozy, Ex.GF club and thisss!!! ><

Required fields are marked *

owl 🦉 🫰

May 11, 2015 at 9:29 PM

For some reason I really liked the preview too. Seemed fast paced. Looks fun, can't wait!

Required fields are marked *

3 toni

May 11, 2015 at 3:22 AM

Really find it weird that Gong Hyo-jin's wearing a scowl on her face in a presscon. I've seen her in her other presscons and she only seemed to be all smiles in those. Anyway, maybe she got too attached to her character, Tak Ye-jin? They all seem awkward tbh (well maybe except Cha Tae-hyun) but my excitement is still here!

Required fields are marked *

whitewire

May 11, 2015 at 5:02 AM

Same thoughts here. Everybody looks awkward except Cha Tae-hyun. Maybe they're excited for the food? Why that facial expression, Ms. Gong? Is it related to the PD character?

But the Natural Vibe... How do u that, Mr. Cha??? Cha Tae-hyun has a certain magic on HOW he makes it ALL NATURAL. Sighhhhh how I love him...

Required fields are marked *

Hellobella

May 11, 2015 at 8:47 AM

I watched the entire hour of the press conference and she was pretty cheerful the entire time. She does look bitchy in these stills though!! Hehehe. But I'm kind of disappointed she will be playing another character like this. Her last role aggravated me a lot at times so I hope this one will be more likable and less aggravating.

Required fields are marked *

4 darcyM

May 11, 2015 at 3:27 AM

This is like kdramaception. Except that the premise is so confusing that even the stylist got mixed up and thought it was kpopception which is why Kim Soo-hyun has TOP's hair.

Required fields are marked *

agoodheart

May 11, 2015 at 5:21 AM

lol so hard at the hair comparison, i was wondering why that hair looks so familiar. now i know!

Required fields are marked *

sophee

May 11, 2015 at 5:30 AM

hahaha..never realized the hair connection, now I can't unsee the similarity ??

Required fields are marked *

5 Chococat

May 11, 2015 at 3:34 AM

LOL Kim Soo Hyun waving with two hands seems to me because he's so popular, he needs two hands to greet all those fans.

Required fields are marked *

6 agoodheart

May 11, 2015 at 3:39 AM

I love the preview they showed! Especially the part when Gong was complaining about IU's outfit and IU said it's beautiful on her or something like that, then Soo Hyun was "yes it's beautiful" and Gong glared him sharply :D I really laughed while watching that!

They still seem awkward with each other, I hope it will improve with time... I suppose it has something to so with the senior-junior relationship, since it was mostly Cha and Gong approaching the younger ones - maybe those two kept the distance to show respect. There was a moment when they all laughed together, it was quite heartwarming. Want to see more of that.

Required fields are marked *

7 Mariamawangja

May 11, 2015 at 3:48 AM

It's only 12 episodes? I hope it's as fun as we hope it will be. I am all for a Noona romance though hehe, it will be a new one for Kim

Required fields are marked *

8 oppaslayer

May 11, 2015 at 3:58 AM

So excited for this show!!!! Also I want IU's shoes!

Required fields are marked *

9 Daehoney

May 11, 2015 at 4:07 AM

I kinda hope there will be two-way love line at the end. GHJ/CTH slave-master relationship reminds me of AM 1997 & Sassy Girl. CTH is undoubtedly excels in this, and I'm happy the girl is none other than the fierce GHJ.
Let's just hope the actual drama is as good as what it has promised this far.

Required fields are marked *

10 Daehoney

May 11, 2015 at 4:07 AM

I kinda hope there will be no two-way love line at the end. GHJ/CTH slave-master relationship reminds me of AM 1997 & Sassy Girl. CTH is undoubtedly excels in this, and I'm happy the girl is none other than the fierce GHJ.
Let's just hope the actual drama is as good as what it has promised this far.

Required fields are marked *

11 Daehoney

May 11, 2015 at 4:08 AM

Sorry for the double post. Hope I can delete the upper one T.T

Required fields are marked *

12 Murrcat

May 11, 2015 at 4:16 AM

The worst color combination imo is pink with yellow. Why did they do this to IU?

Required fields are marked *

agoodheart

May 11, 2015 at 5:23 AM

i think it's the sponsored clothes from Unionbay (they posted her photo to their SNS), she doesn't have a choice... T_T

Required fields are marked *

Aneleh

May 11, 2015 at 8:33 AM

Huh, you really think that way? I think pink and yellow is a lovely combination. IU looks adorable and pretty in it.

Required fields are marked *

jenny

May 11, 2015 at 8:38 AM

I thought iu looked the best. She looks so beautiful

Required fields are marked *

Jaeminuf

May 11, 2015 at 9:58 AM

I really liked her outfit, down to her shoes.

Required fields are marked *

13 AP

May 11, 2015 at 4:27 AM

From the pics I've seen on insta and soompi, GHJ seems to be all smiles with the cast so maybe these set of pics are smaller moments in time.

Required fields are marked *

14 whitewire

May 11, 2015 at 4:59 AM

Tae-Jin so beautiful together!
Cha Tae-hyun & Gong Hyo-jin A VERY beautiful couple!

Will be watching this for Cha Tae-hyun & Kim Jong-kook, and the TaeJin Couple of course!

Required fields are marked *

15 sophee

May 11, 2015 at 5:14 AM

Now that Na PD's name has been brought up.. I hope he sets his next con/scam/kidnapping scheme planning at Cha Tae-Hyun's direction and bait him good after this drama airs. Knowing Na PD he can definitely create a meta-on-meta situation from the dram and Cha's role in it.

Required fields are marked *

mia

May 11, 2015 at 8:38 AM

I think the next bromance should be NaPD & Cha Tae-hyun!

Required fields are marked *

16 evelynray

May 11, 2015 at 5:17 AM

Kim Soo Hyun looks so tall here...

Required fields are marked *

17 Meow

May 11, 2015 at 5:24 AM

I can't be the only one who thinks KSH and IU should end up together! GAAAH they look so CUTE!! <3 Excited to see what this show plans to do in 12 episodes~

Required fields are marked *

agoodheart

May 11, 2015 at 5:45 AM

no you're not alone!! ^.^

Required fields are marked *

masquerade

May 12, 2015 at 5:48 PM

Ugh they're just so cute, and I find the GHJ and CTH couple fricking adorable. Hope they don't go with the whole GHJ and KimSooHyun route ... pls no ...

Required fields are marked *

18 CaroleMcDonnell

May 11, 2015 at 5:30 AM

Between this and Ex-Girlfriends Club, i've come to realize that i've been missing dramas about making dramas. Bring on the meta.

Required fields are marked *

19 kuromitsu

May 11, 2015 at 5:33 AM

So any other plot details aside from "real-variety drama"? Because if this is all about variety meta, it seems kinda shallow and uninteresting.

Required fields are marked *

20 Seunghee

May 11, 2015 at 5:39 AM

I'm so excited for this! I decided to watch this drama because of Cha Taehyun and how I love him and have been a fan of 1N2D since Season 1. I didn't think twice when I knew about the cast (at that time, only Taehyun was fixed) and the synopsis of the drama.

I could even imagine the rest of the main casts visit the 1N2D filming as morning angel(s) and literally drag Taehyun into the drama filming. And I'm more amazed because this issue had been brought up on the latest 1N2D episode. Defconn asked Taehyun to bring IU and Gong Hyojin as morning angels but he said that it's going to be hard because he and IU are 17 years apart LOL. Oh, and I really hope 1N2D current or former members will be cameos to inside the drama. Or even Na PD!

I'm sorry for spazzing over Cha Taehyun and 1N2D too much. Anyway, I love the other casts too!

Producer, fighting! Can't wait~ >_<

Required fields are marked *

senne

May 15, 2015 at 1:46 PM

Cha taehyun has that effect lol. he's soooo cute love him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and other cast too. but still finding iu awkward between them all

Required fields are marked *

21 cookiemonster

May 11, 2015 at 5:42 AM

there are lots of pictures of gong hyo jin smiling and love the cute ones of gong hyo jin and kim soo hyun laughing while waiting for the press con to start. also love the pictures when she held his shoulder.

Required fields are marked *

22 Faye

May 11, 2015 at 6:04 AM

Tae Hyunnie <333 I can't wait!!!

Required fields are marked *

23 Mandy

May 11, 2015 at 6:12 AM

Hm, these set of pics does make it look like the cast is awkward around each other. But the ones I've seen on Twitter are much more friendly and boasts lots of cute chemistry. My friend is major-shipping GHJ-KSH and she sent me adorable pics with them being super chummy.

I'm all for the noona romance if that's where the writer will eventually head, but I did laugh with GHJ's "hope the viewers won't hate me too much" statement. Super excited for the drama. The acting looks top notch from the long preview, I just hope the direction holds up too.

P.S. I'm in love with KSH's spiky hair and chic suit. He looks every part Korea's most beloved young star.

Required fields are marked *

nnnn

May 11, 2015 at 7:10 PM

Watched via live stream. They were awkward.

Required fields are marked *

Mandy

May 11, 2015 at 8:50 PM

Nah. I thought they looked perfectly fine in the videos I've seen. But each their own.

Required fields are marked *

24 rezberry

May 11, 2015 at 6:30 AM

I kinda distracted by Gong Hyojin's dress and IU's super killer heels....
And I love to see Cha Taehyun's smile, so heartwarming...

Required fields are marked *

25 Marcellina Chiazor

May 11, 2015 at 7:05 AM

ok, what on earth is going on with Kim soo hyun's hair?

can't wait for the producer to air.

Required fields are marked *

26 Angélina Eang

May 11, 2015 at 7:07 AM

I have finished my exams today so BRING IT ON !
I am so freakin' ready for jewels and I have huge faith on Park Ji Eun writer. So far, she didn't disappoint me so yeaaap' :D

Required fields are marked *

27 Nat

May 11, 2015 at 7:21 AM

Kim Soo Hyun looks so dapper in that hair style. I loveee! In fact I think I love every single look he's had (even the Sam Dong country boy hair). I'm watching for the MLFTS writer, KSH and Gong Hyo Jin. They both look great together, so finger crossed they are end game.

Required fields are marked *

28 momo

May 11, 2015 at 7:22 AM

I know many people are shipping ghy and ksh but Damn iu and ksh looks so gorgeous as couple.

Required fields are marked *

29 Khule WY

May 11, 2015 at 7:27 AM

Gong Hyo jin's dress, I can't decide if it's awesome or ugly, the flowers at the top look like eyes, the print knows what it's doing but the style doesn't, what am I saying,the dress is confusing and it's confusing me.Yay or nay?
Also KSH's spiky hair looks awful from far but up close, it's kinda cute.

Required fields are marked *

30 maddragonqueen

May 11, 2015 at 8:34 AM

I love Kim Soo Hyun's coat!!!!!!

Required fields are marked *

31 melovestage

May 11, 2015 at 8:42 AM

The wait is finally over!!! Omg. It's this Friday already!!

Required fields are marked *

32 jellybine

May 11, 2015 at 8:47 AM

So excited! :)

But I didn't know that the drama will only has twelve episodes! Whyyy???? :O Anyway, will still enjoy what was given. :D

Required fields are marked *

33 Klaus

May 11, 2015 at 8:48 AM

This is so so so exciting. I was here for Park Ji-eun and Kim Soo-hyun, but I am so happy to see that the trailers look so promising overall.

I'm shipping Kim Soo-hyun and Gong Hyo-jin so hard right now!!! That photo of her having her arms around his shoulder is simply adorkable.

Required fields are marked *

34 Kai0407

May 11, 2015 at 10:06 AM

Can't wait for this too air! I CANT WAIT ARGHHHJJH. This better be good *prays*

Required fields are marked *

35 aby

May 11, 2015 at 11:35 AM

I watched the live stream and it was awkward as hell, they looked like they didn't want to be there, at least the sunbaes were trying to be happy. The preview was okay, it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be, only kim soo hyun part was somewhat funny. Also I really think they didn't cast the right part for iu. The girl could frown and she'll look like a pouting puppy, how is she suppose to be cold. Smh will see how it goes

Required fields are marked *

nnnn

May 11, 2015 at 7:09 PM

I agree. They were awkward. Watched the live stream as well.

Required fields are marked *

36 wackycashew

May 11, 2015 at 12:24 PM

Counting down to Friday! Love the cast and it's gonna be so fun!! =D

Required fields are marked *

37 madridista

May 11, 2015 at 1:24 PM

I think Gong Hyo Jin was mad because of the creep that's been harassing her on her SNS, leaving degrading sexual comments about her there. She's been trying to find him, I hope she succeeds.

Required fields are marked *

38 elvira

May 11, 2015 at 3:30 PM

GHJ lookin' like a boss.
Love the dress.

Required fields are marked *

39 ana

May 11, 2015 at 4:59 PM

Oh? Only 12 episodes? Friday AND Saturday? I can actually get with this. Though I guess they're testing out the waters this being on a new(ish) timeslot. If they have good ratings, they'll probably have an extension.

Required fields are marked *

40 jam

May 11, 2015 at 5:39 PM

GHJ is bossssss.

Required fields are marked *

41 sweetyo0on

May 11, 2015 at 7:16 PM

I don't know if we should be so excited for Producers to make jokes at the expense of NaPD. He is no longer working for KBS and I am under the impression that he did not leave KBS under the most friendly terms (although certainly a lot better than other writers and PDs) so I can see how easily this could all go wrong. I wonder if Cha picked up on that and is buttering up the audience...

Required fields are marked *

42 korfan

May 12, 2015 at 2:35 AM

Looking forward to it.

Required fields are marked *

43 alpha

May 12, 2015 at 7:10 PM

Idk what has happened to me. I was initially proper hyped up for this drama, and now I'm not feeling it so much. Blame it on the exam stress.
Well lets see how pilot episode goes. I hope it lives upto the hype it has been receiving.