novellhall 26. Resource exchange
26. Resource exchange
MBS Television Headquarters, Office of the Program Production Division Head
The atmosphere in the office was slightly tense. Park, the head of MBS, looked at the composed Kim Min-joo before him, his mind racing. What was the real purpose of this sudden visit from the head of CJ's acting department?
"Ms. Kim, please be frank. What brings you here in person today?" Minister Park put down his coffee cup, his tone tinged with curiosity.
Kim Min-joo smiled slightly and got straight to the point, "For the male lead of 'The Moon Embracing the Sun,' Lee Hwon."
Minister Park immediately understood. The other party had come to discuss profit sharing for next year's project, feigning difficulty. "This might be a bit tricky. We've already signed a contract with actor Kim Soo-hyun, and filming is about to begin. Replacing him now would involve breach of contract penalties, delays in production, and damage to the production team's reputation..."
"Minister Park," Kim Min-joo gently interrupted him, chuckling, "for the historical drama planned for next year, CJ can follow MBC's revenue sharing plan for co-production."
Minister Park's eyes narrowed instantly. That drama was the station's major production of the year, and the two sides had been locked in a months-long tug-of-war over the division of profits, with CJ previously refusing to budge. This concession, however, was incredibly valuable.
His first reaction wasn't shock, but a rapid, professional assessment: trading the core interests of an annual strategic project for a lead role in a Monday-Tuesday drama with a pre-cast actor? The penalty for breach of contract and the potential minor public backlash were utterly insignificant in the face of this enormous concession.
He didn't waste a single second on it.
Is CJ willing to pay such a price just to push a newcomer? This signal itself is more intriguing than the details of the deal. CJ's core is content and platform, not actor management. This means that Li Jingcheng's position within CJ is likely far higher than that of an ordinary newcomer.
It's highly likely that Chairwoman Lee Mi-kyung is grooming him as a core asset for the future. Promoting him appears to be one of CJ's key strategies in the entertainment sector over the next few years.
The current demand is for huge project profits in exchange for a role or resource that the other party needs.
This isn't a multiple-choice question; it's an easy one.
"Ms. Kim Min-joo," Minister Park's tone shifted from negotiation to a matter of confirmation, "we fully understand CJ's sincerity. So, which actor is more suitable for Lee Hwon than Kim Soo-hyun?"
"Minister Park," Kim Min-joo said casually, her tone relaxed now that the deal was done, and asked with a smile, "With your expertise, you should know who is currently the most talked-about and most popular figure on the Korean Peninsula, right?"
As a high-ranking executive at the television station, he might not remember the names of all the top actors, but he heard about these phenomenal social figures who swept the entire internet every day in internal briefings, data analyses, and casual conversations with colleagues. It wasn't just entertainment news anymore; it was social news.
Minister Park suddenly realized, "Lee Kyung-sung."
No wonder, this is a super newcomer who swept the internet with just one face and one video of him taking on five opponents, earning exaggerated titles from the media such as "As long as his face is there, his career is secure" and "A walking aesthetic nuclear bomb." Everything makes sense now.
He now comes with a massive amount of attention and huge commercial potential. Especially after he publicly stated his professionalism and his intention to pursue acting, countless acting agencies and even some idol entertainment companies are approaching him.
Unexpectedly, CJ acted even faster, directly offering Lee Kyung-sung a role that was considered a major advantage over a minor one as his debut project.
"So it was him..." Minister Park repeated it deliberately, this time his tone filled with... He looked at Kim Min-joo, which meant the transaction was complete.
"That's right, it's Lee Kyung-sung. He's currently a contracted actor directly under CJ Entertainment's Chairman Lee Mi-kyung." Kim Min-joo nodded elegantly and smiled.
Minister Park's expression shifted to one of almost burning anticipation. His previous weighing of options was based on calculations of self-interest; now, he saw the potentially enormous, unexpected rewards this choice could bring.
With a male lead who brings phenomenal popularity, CJ's unwavering support, and MBC's existing high-quality production... this is no ordinary Monday-Tuesday drama setup; it has the potential to challenge for the title of drama of the year and ignite nationwide discussion!
"I completely understand." Minister Park's tone became unusually decisive and positive. "If it's actor Lee Kyung-sung, then I don't think there will be any obstacles from the production team, screenwriter Jin Soo-wan, and director Kim Do-hoon. In fact, this might be exactly the casting they initially dreamed of."
"Oh?" Kim Min-joo asked cooperatively, though she only assumed the other person knew she'd gotten a good deal and was just offering a few free compliments.
Minister Park smiled sincerely and began to speak, "Ms. Kim Min-joo, internally, especially screenwriter Jin Xiuwan and director Kim Do-hoon, we racked our brains over the role of Lee Hwon during the initial casting process. Our first choice was actually Song Joong-ki, but his schedule and vision seemed to fall short of our expectations at the time. Later, although we settled on Kim Soo-hyun, it was a safe but not particularly amazing choice."
"Some people can only see the safe options in front of them, but they can't see the true brilliance of the future. To be honest, screenwriter Chen Xiuwan once mentioned in private that the appearance of actor Li Jingcheng and his innate nobility were the embodiment of Li Xuan in her mind. However, at that time, he was a rare treasure without an owner, and no one dared to take such a big risk to use a newcomer with no background."
This proposal was thus suppressed by more pragmatic considerations.
At this point, Minister Park looked at Kim Min-joo with a hint of genuine admiration and relief. "Now it's all good. CJ has the insight to recognize talent and the courage to support rising stars. Actor Lee Kyung-sung is not only a rare gem, but also a national treasure supported by the treasure trove that is CJ. I can completely understand and fully agree with this decision."
He smiled, his tone unwavering, "I will personally handle this matter. The sun we embrace must be the real sun."
"Regarding actor Kim Soo-hyun, please rest assured, actor Lee Kyung-sung. We will communicate with him personally. Kim Soo-hyun is a professional and reasonable actor with excellent judgment and character. After reviewing actor Lee Kyung-sung's profile and current popularity, I believe he will understand and be willing to give the role to the more suitable actor, Kyung-sung, who can bring greater benefits to the project. We will also handle the contract termination matters properly according to the highest standards and strive for other suitable projects for him as compensation, ensuring that the whole process is smooth, professional, and without any regrets."
Minister Park, who is mainly in charge of this drama, spoke frankly and directly, "The original plan was for him to join the crew on January 11th, which is indeed quite tight. Do you think it possible to arrange for actor Kyung-sung to come to the station as soon as possible, for example, tomorrow, for costume fitting and a short audition? We need to finalize the visual image as soon as possible and start the pre-production promotion. The public's expectations also need a formal outlet to meet them."
"Let's do it today then. I'll inform him now," Kim Min-joo said without hesitation. After all, it was Representative Lee who finalized the decision, and she was completely confident in Kyung-sung's acting skills. It was better to confirm it as soon as possible, since Lee Kyung-sung was currently the most popular actor. She also mentioned, "As for actor Kim Soo-hyun, I'll trouble Minister Park to take care of it. We believe MBC will handle it properly."
"It's my duty." Minister Park stood up, smiling broadly as he extended his hand. "Then, I'll be waiting for actor Lee Kyung-sung's arrival. I believe this will be the most correct and brilliant decision for 'The Moon Embracing the Sun'."
"It's a pleasure doing business with you," Kim Min-joo said gracefully, returning the handshake. The deal was successfully concluded with both parties tacitly satisfied.
"Regarding all the cooperation terms for Project S agreed upon today, I will have the legal department prepare a formal memorandum of understanding, which will be delivered to CJ no later than tomorrow morning. Once both parties have confirmed that everything is in order, we will proceed with the formal signing process at the next regular high-level meeting."
"In this way, when we officially announce Lee Kyung-sung as the actor for 'The Moon Embracing the Sun,' the news of the S Project collaboration can also be released as positive news about the deepening strategic cooperation between MBC and CJ, which will be a double boost to the image and stock price of both parties. Do you think this arrangement is appropriate?"
"Very well arranged. Minister Park will handle the MOU process, and CJ's promises will naturally be followed up and implemented, so please rest assured." Kim Min-joo nodded; this was all within her expectations.
Minister Park understood immediately, his smile deepening. He personally pressed the elevator button for her. "Well then, I'll await good news from actor Lee Kyung-sung. The script and schedule will be sent to your phone later."
The elevator doors slowly closed, shutting out Minister Park's face, which was filled with the satisfaction of a double victory.
Contracts are static, representing the present with a fixed price; but people, especially those on whom such high hopes are placed, represent an immeasurable future.
Kim Min-joo, holding her phone, also highly valued Lee Kyung-sung's debut work. "The Moon Embracing the Sun" was the final result of her careful selection process, and securing the role of Lee Hwon for Kyung-sung was also her idea; she couldn't afford to let it go wrong.
The elevator descended, carrying her to the next stop. Her assistant in the car had already received instructions and began contacting CJ's legal team at headquarters, as well as Lee Kyung-sung's agent, to pave the way for her afternoon appearance and subsequent contract fulfillment.
The deal is done, the game is in motion. Now, let's see how the pieces themselves shine.
Leaving the MBS building and getting into her car, Kim Min-joo finally made a phone call, her tone relaxed after achieving her goal. "Kyung-sung, it's all settled. 2 PM, MBS headquarters, costume fitting, audition. Get ready, your Lee Hwon is about to appear."
On the other end of the phone, Li Jingcheng's voice was clear, tinged with excitement, "Yes, Minzhu. I won't let you and Chairman Li down."