Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 407, Section 405: Undercurrents

The spring breeze in April not only turned the willows in Beijing green, but also stirred the waters of the East Asian cultural sphere.

The news that Shengying Media had obtained the first batch of pilot qualifications for the import and distribution of South Korean films did not cause much of a stir in the mainstream media. It was only published in a corner of authoritative industry newspapers such as "China Film News" and "China Film Market".

However, this seemingly insignificant news was nothing short of a thunderclap in the eyes of those in the industry who were keen to know what was going on.

The signal is clear and unambiguous: after joining the WTO, the Chinese film market is opening a crack to specific cultural products from specific regions at a faster pace than expected.

One of the key holders is the invincible Shengying Media and its backer, Wang Sheng.

The wind quickly crossed the Yellow Sea and reached Seoul, South Korea.

Inside the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), a subsidiary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Note: In 2002, matters related to the Korean film industry were under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism), a brief announcement translated from the China Film News was placed on the desk of the relevant officials.

Officials keenly recognized the enormous opportunities that lay within.

China, that neighbor with a huge population, a long cultural history, and unfathomable market potential, seems to have its film market door being pushed open a crack by an invisible hand.

This gap was first and foremost aimed at South Korea, which has deep historical ties with Chinese culture.

"An opportunity! This is a crucial step for the Korean Wave to further expand its influence in China, and even for it to be imported from China!"

At an internal meeting, a vice minister in charge of international exchanges emphasized, "We must seize this pilot opportunity to allow excellent Korean films to successfully enter the Chinese market through this officially recognized channel, establish their brand, and cultivate an audience base."

However, who will act as the "stepping stone" and the "ferryman"?
While official communication and coordination are necessary, commercial operations, especially the selection, recommendation, and coordination of films, require a bridge that is both well-versed in the South Korean film industry and has a deep and trusting relationship with Wang Sheng of Shengying Media, a key figure on the Chinese side.

Almost everyone's eyes were drawn to one name—Jung Tae-won, the president of Tae-won Entertainment.

The collaboration between Jung Tae-won and Wang Sheng is no secret among high-ranking figures in the South Korean entertainment industry.

From the huge success of importing "First Love," to the Sino-Korean co-production remake of "Happy Family," and then to the high-priced deal for the Korean remake rights and script outline of "My Sassy Girl"...

All of this indicates that Jung Tae-won is currently the South Korean businessman with the deepest ties and smoothest cooperation with Wang Sheng and his Shengying Media.

Soon, Jeong Tae-won received a formal audience with a director of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The atmosphere inside the government office building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, was solemn yet slightly urgent.

"President Zheng, you must already know the news from China."

The director got straight to the point, his tone carrying both official seriousness and a hint of barely perceptible expectation: "Shengying Media, the company with which we have a good working relationship, has been granted pilot qualifications to import and distribute South Korean films."

This is a significant event in the history of film exchange between South Korea and China, and it is of great importance for promoting the export of my country's cultural industry.

Zheng Taiyuan's heart was already in turmoil, but he still maintained a respectful and calm demeanor: "Yes, Director."

I have been closely following this matter. President Wang Sheng had previously told me that he was working hard to promote film exchanges between China and South Korea, and I didn't expect to achieve a substantial breakthrough so quickly.

His words were half true and half false. Wang Sheng had indeed mentioned his interest in the South Korean film market, but he naturally wouldn't have revealed such core secrets as obtaining official qualifications to him beforehand.

But that doesn't stop him from using it to inflate his own value.

"The cooperative relationship between Taiyuan Entertainment and Shengying Media, especially with President Wang Sheng, is evident to all and has been proven in practice."

The director looked at Zheng Taiyuan meaningfully, "Now that the door is open, we need a reliable person to hand over the most suitable and representative works of Korean cinema to President Wang Sheng and to Shengying Media's film selection table."

We believe that President Zheng, you are the most suitable candidate.

These words practically label Zheng Taiyuan and his Taiyuan Entertainment as "officially designated bridges".

Jung Tae-won was overjoyed. He knew what this meant—he would gain a near-monopolistic first-mover advantage and immeasurable influence in future Sino-Korean film trade.

Whether it's the Korean film company's attempts to curry favor or the initiative in future competition for the Chinese market, it will all be in his hands.

"Thank you for the government's trust!" Jung Tae-won immediately stood up, bowed slightly, and said firmly, "Tae-won Entertainment will live up to your expectations and do its utmost to select high-quality films and promote excellent Korean films to the Chinese market."

This is not only for the company's benefit, but also for the glory of the Republic of Korea's cultural industry! "Very good."

The director nodded in satisfaction. "I hope President Zheng can seize this historic opportunity. Relevant departments will provide you with the necessary support in policy communication, film selection and recommendation, and other aspects."

We must ensure that our Chinese counterparts and audiences see the true strength and charm of South Korean films.

"Yes! I will personally take charge to ensure everything goes perfectly!"

As soon as the meeting ended, Zheng Taiyuan left the government building almost immediately.

Once inside his black Hyundai Equus, he immediately reverted to his businessman-like shrewdness and eagerness.

"Quick! Back to the company!" he instructed the driver, then took out his phone and dialed his chief secretary.

"Find the fastest flight to Beijing, China right now! Yes, today, the sooner the better! Book the ticket for me!" His tone was decisive and left no room for argument.

After hanging up the phone, he hesitated for a moment and then personally dialed the secretariat of Shengying Media headquarters.

The call was quickly transferred to the specialist in charge of external liaison.

"Hello, this is Shengying Media." A young female voice greeted him professionally and politely from the other end of the phone.

“Annyeonghaseyo,” Jung Tae-won greeted in Korean first, then switched to fluent Chinese with a slight accent, “I am Jung Tae-won from Tae-won Entertainment in Korea. I have something very important to discuss with President Wang Sheng. Is it convenient for President Wang to take this call now?”

"Hello, President Zheng." The secretariat was clearly prepared for this important partner's call. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Wang is not in the company at the moment. I will record the purpose of your visit in detail and convey it to Mr. Wang as soon as possible."

"Not at the office?"

Zheng Taiyuan frowned slightly and asked, "Where did President Wang go? I have urgent business and hope to meet with him as soon as possible."

"I'm sorry, President Zheng, Mr. Wang's specific itinerary is a company secret and we cannot disclose it. But please rest assured that we will accurately convey your information to Mr. Wang."

The secretariat's response was watertight, maintaining both politeness and strict adherence to professional ethics, and would never easily reveal the boss's whereabouts.

Knowing he wouldn't get any more information, Zheng Taiyuan could only emphasize, "Then I'll trouble you. Please be sure to tell President Wang that I have urgent and important matters regarding the import and distribution of Chinese and Korean films that I need to discuss with him in person. I will visit him in China as soon as possible. Thank you!"

After ending the call, Zheng Taiyuan leaned back in the leather seat, his fingers lightly tapping the edge of the car window.

Is Wang Sheng not in the capital? Where could he be? At this critical juncture, any information related to Wang Sheng is of utmost importance.

He picked up his phone again and started using his network of contacts to inquire.

Soon, a message came back: a major event was coming up in the Hong Kong entertainment industry – the 21st Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony would be held on April 21.

Wang Sheng's "Shaolin Soccer" has garnered numerous prestigious nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Stephen Chow), and Best Actor (Stephen Chow), thanks to its remarkable success in the North American market and its high reputation in China.

As the key driving force and major investor in the film, Wang Sheng is very likely to personally travel to Hong Kong to attend this grand event.

“Hong Kong Island…the Hong Kong Film Awards…” Zheng Taiyuan’s eyes flashed, and he immediately instructed his assistant in the front row: “Cancel the flight to Beijing and rebook the earliest flight to Hong Kong Island! Now!”

He must seize this opportunity.

After receiving official endorsement, he appeared before Wang Sheng immediately to solidify his position as the "only" and "best" bridge for cooperation.

This is not only about the future of Taewon Entertainment, but also about whether he can use this opportunity to rise to the top of the Korean cultural industry chain.

At this moment, Jung Tae-won seemed to have already seen the golden staircase connecting Seoul and the capital, leading to the huge market. What he needed to do now was to fly to Hong Kong Island immediately and personally hand over the first brick of the staircase to the young helmsman who was preparing to receive honor under the lights of Hong Kong.

The undercurrents in Seoul and the dazzling lights of Hong Kong resonated with each other through a single announcement, quietly setting the stage for a game and a conspiracy surrounding cultural export and market access.

And Jung Tae-won is eager to become one of the main characters in this grand drama.

(End of this chapter)