(Naver V app)

Kim Jong-kook and Haha, the main host of web variety show “Big Picture,” tried to cast Kang Daniel of boy band Wanna One for their big-budget drama in the latest episode of the show which aired via Naver’s V app Monday.

The second season of the variety show aims to make a drama featuring top Hallyu stars.

The drama is called “Seoul Institute of The Arts, Class of 1990.”

In previous episodes, Kim and Haha suggested actors Song Joong-ki and Park Bo-gum for the male lead, but in Monday’s episode producer Yeo Woon-hyeok said, “They are all good but they don’t fit the character -- we need someone younger.”

Instead of Song and Park, they invited the manager of Kang to persuade the singer to star on the drama.

“He is already so popular now but if he becomes a great actor too… I can’t even imagine (how much more popular he will become),” Kim said. “We are doing this for him,” Haha added.

To persuade Kang, Haha further offered him the soundtrack for the drama while also suggesting “We can make a down payment first. We did make a lot of money.”

“We are like his Santa Claus! Merry Christmas!” Haha said.

To the exceptional offer, the manager was convinced and said if the singer does not decline, there is no reason not to accept the offer.

Naver’s real-time broadcasting app V allows fans to interact with their favorite K-pop stars through live broadcasts. The app is available for Android and iOS. For more information, visit http://www.vlive.tv.

By The Korea Herald (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.naver.vapp
Apple App Store https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1019447011?mt=8