‘Directors Arena’ Launches Team Challenge
Han Sang-il and Jung Ju’s collaborative team emerged victorious in the first co-directed mission of the competition.
The fourth episode of the ENA and Lifetime entertainment show aired recently, showcasing 16 directors forming pairs to tackle the creation of short-form dramas based on webtoon originals.
The Mission Format:
Teams selected one work from a collection of 14 prepared webtoons and produced the first episode of a short-form drama. Participants chose their partners based on rankings from the first round.
The top-ranked director from round one, Lee Yu-jin, immediately picked Han Su-ji as a partner. Meanwhile, Han Sang-il teamed up with Jung Ju, a director recognized for work on BTS music videos. Other contestants reacted by calling them “an Avengers-level team.”
First to Present: Lee Joo-seung and Lee Dong-hoon
Their adaptation of the webtoon ‘Meet My Roommate’ featured Lee Joo-seung in the lead role delivering comedic performance. iKON’s Song Yun-hyeong made a special appearance, drawing attention. The piece received 14 stops with an average viewing time of 106.84 seconds. One judge commented that a stronger impact moment would have enhanced the work.
The Game-Changer: Han Sang-il & Jung Ju
After several other teams presented, the duo adapted the webtoon ‘Fainting Girl Hanami’ and stood out immediately. Their production process combined Han’s signature improvisational directing style with Jung’s visual expertise, prompting laughter from viewers. They described themselves as “a blend of quirky humor and polished aesthetics.”
Outstanding Results:
• Recorded 11 stops, demonstrating strong engagement
• Average viewing time: 107.36 seconds
• Surpassed Lee Joo-seung’s team by just 0.52 seconds to claim first place
Judges praised the work enthusiastically. One remarked wanting to see the next episode immediately, while another called it “perfect as a first episode.” A third judge noted that “the quirky comedy code dominated everything” and expressed interest in future collaboration.
What’s Next:
The remaining four teams will reveal their works and compete for final rankings in the upcoming fifth episode.