Film director Jang Hang-jun, having become a '10-million maestro', now takes on MC duties with "Time Tracker Sherlock."
On the morning of the 14th, the press conference for the new variety show on K-STAR, SBS Plus, ComedyTV, The Life, and GTV, Time Tracker Sherlock (abbreviated Sherlock), was streamed online. Attending were the three MCs director Jang Hang-jun, actor Bong Tae Gyu, broadcaster Shin Ah-young, and panelist Sun Kim, who talked about "Sherlock."
"Sherlock" examines the same incident with entirely different interpretations. It reexamines the cracks hidden in familiar history. From the official records to the perspectives of unofficial accounts and beyond, it is a history variety show that tracks the gaps in the record by shifting perspectives more deeply, more boldly, and more oddly to question whether the history we believed we knew ever had a "correct answer."
In particular, the event drew attention as the press conference for the new variety show with director Jang Hang-jun as main MC. Director Jang Hang-jun's new film that opened in February, The King's Warden, drew about 16.91 million viewers and created a phenomenon approaching a cumulative audience of 17 million.
The "Sherlock" panelists praised director Jang Hang-jun even more. Bong Tae Gyu said, "The biggest difference between season 1 and 2 is clearly before and after The King's Warden," and Shin Ah-young added, "If there's a season 2, it's thanks to director Jang Hang-jun."
Director Jang Hang-jun fired back, "When will this gigantic roast party end?" drawing laughter.
So what does director Jang Hang-jun's appearance on "Sherlock" as main MC mean beyond being a film director? Director Jang Hang-jun said he felt a certain responsibility, noting, "I find myself reading the script carefully, researching, and preparing thoroughly."
Bong Tae Gyu said, "The director cares so much for the staff and cast that if recording is delayed even a second, it's a big problem. A strict order comes down. We can't have everyone suffer." Director Jang Hang-jun chimed in, "I'm the Lee Kyung-kyu of the film world. We have to finish quickly," adding to the laughter.
Above all, director Jang Hang-jun said, "Official histories are often called the victors' records. They skip the weaker parts and look from a different perspective. But the unofficial accounts I think of are histories seen through the emotions and views of the people and the populace at the time. That's why they resonate more with life." He added, "In actual official records, there are only a few lines in the annals, but there are many gaps. We need to see whether those gaps can be filled with imagination," revealing a creator's mindset that makes films from the few records in the annals, as with The King's Warden.
Sun Kim interjected, "There are only two lines about Dae Jang Geum in the annals of King Jungjong. That led to that drama." He also said, "Both official histories and unofficial accounts are history. Official histories are the state's official records, and people often call unofficial accounts lies, but that's not the case. We just don't know who left the records. That's why many worry that dealing with unofficial accounts could get them pushed out of the industry. We will boldly trust the three of us and delve into unofficial accounts in earnest."
Shin Ah-young, who is expected to bring abundant historical knowledge and common sense as a Harvard University alumna, said, "Unofficial accounts are definitely interesting. Our program has value in that each person's imagination can be freely added. By mixing unofficial accounts and official histories and many stories, everyone can let their imagination expand."
Season 2's new member Bong Tae Gyu added, "Unofficial accounts are still records even if they aren't official records. When trying to understand, unofficial accounts are sometimes a bit easier to grasp. There are things that are hard to reveal and thus sensitive, but our program presents unofficial accounts to help understanding."
Furthermore, director Jang Hang-jun named actor Oh Jung-se as a guest he would like to invite to "Sherlock." He expressed his casting desire, saying, "He's very much in vogue right now," and laughed, "But I can't be sure he'll come. He finds these things bothersome. Even if I ask, he might refuse because he knows he'd be put through an ordeal, so I think he definitely won't come."
Then Bong Tae Gyu said, "I know one highly educated person like Shin Ah-young: Tablo of Epik High. He's a Stanford graduate," expressing his intent to invite him.
Also, Shin Ah-young laughed and said, "I think you need people with a lot of anger to enjoy a history program. That would lead to many questions born from a desire to change things. I'd like to see actor Kim Moo Yul from the work Teach You a Lesson, who had a lot of anger in that role." Meanwhile, Sun Kim expressed curiosity about singer Seo Taiji.
Finally, director Jang Hang-jun added, "These days there seems to be a history craze. A nation that forgets its history has no future, and I feel history keeps repeating these days. It's like a mirror reflecting the present," expressing greater expectations for the new season of "Sherlock."
"Sherlock" premieres today (the 14th) at 10:30 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by K-STAR, SBS Plus, ComedyTV, The Life, GTV.
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