'What Do You Do When You Play?' Director Yoo Jae-suk's next project saw fierce interviews for the role of female lead.
MBC entertainment program 'What Do You Do When You Play?' (directed by Kim Jin-yong, Lee Joo-won, Kim Ki-ho, Ahn Ji-sun, Bang Sung-soo, Park Eun-jin/written by Noh Min-sun) was organized as a 'Short-form Drama - Take Yu' episode, depicting Yoo Jae-suk, HaHa, Heo Kyung-hwan, and Ju Woo-jae meeting with actresses Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Won-hee, who are candidates for the female lead in Season 2 of the short-form drama. Following earlier interest shown by Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon and Yuri, Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Won-hee have added their names as female lead candidates, drawing keen attention to who will become the protagonist of Season 2 of the short-form drama. Additionally, Kwak Beom garnered interest by conducting staff interviews while showcasing his multi-player abilities in scriptwriting, directing, acting, and art direction.
The broadcast of 'What Do You Do When You Play?' on this day recorded household viewership ratings of 4.2% nationwide and 4.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, taking first place in Saturday entertainment programs and the time slot. The 2054 viewership rating, a key competitiveness indicator reflecting changes in media consumption environments, stood at 2.5%, also taking first place in Saturday entertainment programs and the time slot, achieving a triple crown in viewership ratings. The highest-rated 1-minute segment was the scene where actress Kim Won-hee, whom even Yoo Jae-suk cannot control, finished her interview, with per-minute peak viewership reaching 6%.
Gong Hyo-jin, the first female lead candidate and 'Gong Bully,' appeared and formed a competitive dynamic with Heo Kyung-hwan, the Season 1 female lead 'Heo In-ok.' Heo Kyung-hwan was in the midst of dieting and aiming for the Season 2 female lead role as well. Yoo Jae-suk attempted to lure Gong Hyo-jin with the synopsis 'die if you don't spend 100 million won a day,' and Gong Hyo-jin showed interest in the wealthy character role. Assistant director Ju Woo-jae accelerated casting by asking whether Gong Hyo-jin's house could be sponsored as a filming location.
However, Gong Hyo-jin did not easily give in, offering honest criticism that the Season 1 script lacked substance. When pointed out that her lines were weak, writer HaHa became offended and blamed the actress. Eventually, Gong Hyo-jin suggested making a music video instead since the OST was good, and she added that this was the first time she saw a director get upset, drawing laughter from Yoo Jae-suk. Gong Hyo-jin recommended actor Jung Jun-won as the male lead, and Yoo Jae-suk and Ju Woo-jae got excited about a mega-sponsorship deal after confirming Jung Jun-won's history as a luxury car ambassador.
The second female lead candidate interview was conducted with actress Kim Won-hee, Yoo Jae-suk's 22-year-long best friend. Upon meeting, Kim Won-hee bickered with Yoo Jae-suk and questioned whether his directing debut procedures were legitimate. She then discussed her 15-year acting hiatus and revealed her desire to try playing villainous roles. When Yoo Jae-suk made an investment proposal during the formal casting process, Kim Won-hee was taken aback but inquired about compensation. When Ju Woo-jae mentioned no compensation, she said she would consult with her manager and exited.
Meanwhile, the preview for the next broadcast depicted the summer regular meetup of 'Pause, Club' held despite the heat, raising expectations. MBC's 'What Do You Do When You Play?' airs every Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
