Jung Woong-in: “Jang Hang-jun is so full of himself” — “Jang Jin, let’s not see each other anymore”

Actor Jung Woong-in launched unrestrained verbal attacks against director Jang Hang-jun, who has joined the ranks of "10-million viewer directors" with the film 'The King's Warden.' While he used harsh expressions like "his attitude is so full of himself," the underlying sentiment revealed the intimacy that can only exist between long-time classmates. The honest banter of the Seoul Institute of the Arts alumni, who have witnessed each other's rise and fall since their unknown days, drew laughter.

In a video released on the 13th from Shin Dong-yup's YouTube channel 'Zzanbro,' Jung Woong-in and director Jang Jin, who are classmates from the 1989 class of the Seoul Institute of the Arts theater department, appeared and made director Jang Hang-jun the center of conversation. Jung Woong-in mentioned the two directors, saying, "Jang Jin and Jang Hang-jun are legendary. We have two directors among our classmates. Two Mr. Jangs." The connection between the three, who spent their youth at the same school, naturally became the focus of the story.

Jang Jin joked that the recently successful Jang Hang-jun should be given special treatment. He said, "Treat Hang-jun differently. Don't let him play at my level anymore; treat him as being in a higher tier." He added, "Since Hang-jun is doing well, honestly, it's so great. I feel like I might actually get a meal bought for me by Hang-jun during my lifetime," causing bursts of laughter. While celebrating the success of the 10-million viewer director, he heated up the atmosphere with realistic jokes about expecting a free meal.

However, looking back at the past, stories involving strange jealousy also emerged. Shin Dong-yup, a member of the 1990 class at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, brought laughter by suggesting that Jang Hang-jun wasn't particularly happy when Jang Jin was at the height of his success. An anecdote was also revealed where Jang Hang-jun cheered loudly when Jang Jin failed to win an award after being nominated at the Baeksang Arts Awards. While they are now in a position to celebrate each other's success, there was a time when their joys and sorrows diverged over a colleague's award.

Jung Woong-in's reaction to Jang Hang-jun's success was even more direct. When Shin Dong-yup said it must feel truly good to see director Jang Hang-jun doing so well, Jung Woong-in shot back briefly, "He was so full of himself." He then continued without restraint, "Ugh, that guy's attitude is just so full of himself." While the expression sounds like harsh criticism, it was closer to affectionate teasing toward a friend he has spent many years with.

Jung Woong-in immediately added that just because Jang Hang-jun has become successful, it doesn't mean the person has changed. He said, "Don't I meet him often for a drink? Jang Hang-jun is the same." He explained that although he has gained the title of a 10-million viewer director on the surface, to a friend watching him closely, Jang Hang-jun is still the same as before. On the other hand, Jang Jin responded, "I haven't seen him recently, and I hope I don't meet him in the future," causing another round of laughter.

Jang Jin has made a name for himself in the film industry by directing 'A Woman I Know,' 'Leave While They Are Applauding,' 'Righteous Ties,' and 'Good Morning President,' and participating in the screenwriting and production of films such as 'Welcome to Dongmakgol,' 'Kang Cheol-jung: Public Enemy,' and 'Live Uprightly.' He currently serves as the CEO of Digital Suda and is directing the Daehak-ro play 'The Secret of Flowers.' The production features Jung Woong-in, Sung Ji-ru, Jeong Gyeong-sun, Hwang Seok-jeong, Yoo Sun, and Park Ha-sun.

This story, triggered by Jang Hang-jun's box office success, showcased both the subtle rivalry and the tight-knit bond between long-time friends. The ability to celebrate someone's success while unreservedly teasing them about past jealousy or current pretension is a privilege only enjoyed by classmates who have spent many years together. Although Jang Hang-jun has gained the glamorous modifier of a "10-million viewer director," the fact that he remains the familiar target of teasing in front of his friends added to the laughter.

Read the original (Korean)