Jang Hang-jun's 5% negotiation rule: Saving extra fees for his daughter

Film director Jang Hang-jun moved both the cast and viewers with a sincere confession: after revealing his personal principle for negotiating appearance fees, he disclosed that he has been saving all the extra money earned from those negotiations in a bank account under his daughter's name. His honest story, blending realistic negotiation know-how with his sense of responsibility as a father, left the studio with both laughter and a sense of warmth.

On the January 19 broadcast of the JTBC variety program 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator since 2014,' Jang appeared as a guest and showcased his signature witty banter as a close friend of webtoon artist and broadcaster Kim Poong. During the show, Jang's unique philosophy regarding appearance fee negotiations and the realistic experiences he gained during his years of obscurity were revealed.

Introducing Jang, Kim Poong began by saying, "He is someone who is extremely precise when it comes to calculating appearance fees." He continued, "Hang-jun hyung always asks first, 'Hey, how much are they paying you?'" which sent the studio into fits of laughter.

Recalling the moment, Jang said, "I was right next to him when the first casting call for 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator' came in." Kim Poong reminisced, "While I was receiving the casting call, hyung was right beside me asking, 'How much are they giving you?' I remember the fee was around 1,000,000 won at the time, and hyung advised me, 'Tell them to give you 1,050,000 won.'"

When Kim Poong expressed concern, asking, "What if they cancel the casting because you asked for an extra 50,000 won?", Jang replied firmly, "No one cancels a casting over 50,000 won." He explained his negotiation logic, saying, "If they truly didn't want me on the program, they wouldn't have called in the first place. Once there is an intention to cast, it is rare for someone to give up the appearance just because of 50,000 won."

Jang revealed that this method was a survival strategy naturally acquired through long years of obscurity and economic hardship. "The difficult times lasted a long time," he said. "If a broadcasting station says, 'We will pay you 400,000 won,' I say, 'Please, just 420,000 won.' I always propose about 5% more."

He added, "If you demand too large an amount, it becomes burdensome, but 5% is at a level that is awkward for the other party to refuse. It is a way to have one's value recognized while minimizing the burden on both sides." His remarks drew interest as an example of the importance of negotiation for freelancers and creators to have their labor value reasonably evaluated.

Above all, the sincerity revealed by Jang at the end of the broadcast moved the cast. He disclosed, "I have been steadily saving all that extra 5% I received by opening a bank account in my daughter's name." As it was revealed that he had been saving for his child's future rather than spending it on himself, a warm atmosphere briefly filled the studio.

In particular, Chef Choi Hyun Seok, who frequently shows affection for his family, showed deep empathy while listening to Jang's story, unable to hide his emotions as he shared the feelings of a father.

Recently, variety programs have been evolving into content that builds empathy by capturing sincere stories about everyday life philosophies, economic views, and family, rather than just the flashy success stories of performers. Jang's confession delivered both a realistic lesson and a warm lingering impression to viewers, capturing the value of negotiation, the responsibility of a father, and a parent's love for their child within his pleasant wit.