Author Ban Gi-ri directly revealed the motivation behind writing the 'Mr. CEO Project' and the message contained in the work.
The new tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'Mr. CEO Project' (written by Ban Gi-ri, directed by Shin Kyung-soo, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Do Frame) will air for the first time on Sept. 15 (Monday) at 8:50 p.m. This drama features a mysterious CEO, a former legendary negotiator and current chicken restaurant owner, who transcends illegal methods and legalities to resolve conflicts and realize justice.
Author Ban Gi-ri has captivated audiences with warm emotions and gripping storytelling in dramas such as 'Who Are You?' and the 'Missing: They Were Here' series. As Ban Gi-ri returns with 'Mr. CEO Project', there is increasing curiosity about the stories they will tell this time.
First, Ban Gi-ri shared the motivation behind writing 'Mr. CEO Project' by noting, "Conflicts everywhere in society, from neighborhood disputes to dating violence and ideological issues, flood the news every day," and added, "While living, there are times when we may get angry and fight, but I hoped it could be resolved through words rather than violence. It started from a desire for someone to step up and coolly organize things, creating a world where the powerless can also raise their voices."
Regarding points of differentiation from previous works, Ban Gi-ri cited empathy and warmth as key elements, saying, "From trivial stories that anyone would experience at least once in life to crisis negotiations, we cover a wide range of diverse conflict situations," raising expectations for relatable storytelling.
Moreover, the reason why the negotiation hero, CEO Shinsang (played by Han Seok-kyu), becomes a chicken restaurant owner among numerous professions has also become a point of curiosity. Starting with the idea of expressing familiarity, Ban Gi-ri explained, "Neighborhood chicken restaurants exist everywhere in Korea, but negotiators are somewhat unfamiliar professions to people. I thought that if a neighborhood chicken restaurant owner were a negotiator, it might feel a bit closer to home."
Additionally, he expressed special sentiments about the meeting with actors Han Seok-kyu, Bae Hyun-sung (as Jo Philip), and Lee Re (as Lee Si-on) in 'Mr. CEO Project'. He said, "The moment I heard actor Han Seok-kyu's name, no other CEO came to mind. He is an actor who communicates everything with his gentle charisma, just through his eyes and breathing, and I feel deeply grateful to be working with him."
Continuing, he stated, "Actor Bae Hyun-sung is also the embodiment of Jo Philip. He has a straight-laced model student image, but he resembles someone who boldly moves forward when he believes something is right. Actor Lee Re also closely resembles the hardworking yet lovable and warm Si-on," expressing joy for the opportunity to work with all three, whom he had always admired.
Finally, Ban Gi-ri mentioned three viewing points for 'Mr. CEO Project': "The quirky dynamic between Philip, who tries to uphold the law, and the CEO who bends the law, the unexpected methods of solving incidents, and warm stories of human life," hinting at the drama's diverse charms.
The new tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'Mr. CEO Project,' with Ban Gi-ri's warm storytelling, will premiere on Sept. 15 (Monday) at 8:50 p.m.
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