After the script reading ended.
The TBC network’s official SNS account released on-site photos.
@TBC
(Group photo of the entire cast holding their scripts and beaming.)
First look at the Our Family Is Aliens script reading site!
Alien chemistry already off the charts ♡
See you in August!!
#TBC #WeekendSitcom #OurFamilyIsAliens
A new weekend sitcom launching in 2016, an era when sitcoms were in decline. It boasted familiar nas like Seo No-eul and Yang Ok-bun, plus NewBlack’s Uju—the ultimate ratings magnet. With a mid-August premiere approaching, Our Family Is Aliens was the hottest drama on the block.
Once the script-reading photos went public, articles flooded in:
– TBC’s alien family... 5 points to watch: Will it be a hit?
– First look at Our Family Is Aliens script reading, welco return of the family sitcom
– TBC weekend sitcom: Could this spark a new sitcom craze?
Entertainnt reporters and industry insiders had their eyes on the alien family drama.
“Will this fly...?”
Sitcoms had been dying off; most revivals tanked or ended with a whimper. Sitcoms were a genre people assud was dead. So whenever a production company said, “We’re making a sitcom,” you’d applaud them for having deep pockets.
But this ti the buzz was real.
“...NewBlack’s in that sitcom?”
The news that the industry’s top idol group would appear set the drama world abuzz. NewBlack was like a lucky charm: every album broke career-high sales, Mister Producer hit record ratings, and their mber Han Tae-hyun’s solo debut climbed into the top five. They seed to pick hits like a psychic, though of course they had scouts and filters. Still, insiders saw NewBlack as trend-spotters.
“Do you think it’ll really take off...?”
The script photos hinted at sothing catching the mont. Corporate sponsors moved quickly.
“This PPL we planned for HBS—why not redirect it here?”
“We have to place it in every scene tied to Uju’s character. Young viewers copy whatever NewBlack eats or wears.”
“I heard this is a hidden gem. People are sensing big things...”
Soon, scheduling and advertising inquiries poured into Gon Pictures, the sitcom’s production company.
“...Hello? Ads? For us? Really, I’m so sorry. You said PR departnt?”
Gon Pictures CEO Kim Woo-yong looked dazed fielding the calls. Writer Hwang Jeong-yeon and director Hwang Jeong-gu in his office were equally stunned.
“What’s going on?”
“I guess news spread through managers after the reading. Everyone thinks the drama’s going to be big.”
“...The reading did feel unusually electric.”
Like the actors, writer and director had felt a peculiar atmosphere of success, but they hadn’t expected this.
“Hwang Gu,” said the writer.
“Yeah?”
“Let’s recalculate our budget.”
After a mont’s ntal math, Director Hwang reported estimates. The writer’s eyes widened.
“Then can we use more UFOs? We had ideas for aliens from other planets...”
“Go ahead, sister. Use as many as you like.”
“Can we really rewrite the script at will...?”
“And add more CG...?”
They high-fived like mischievous siblings, then turned to CEO Kim, who was fiddling with his phone like Baloo the bear.
“What are you doing, CEO?”
“I’m texting a thank you to Uju.”
“Oh. We should send one too.”
They all knew exactly who had set this buzz in motion. CEO Kim clicked send on a ssage with a red ginseng gift voucher.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this. I was calling everyone to get one investnt, and now...”
“I did the sa, reaching out to everyone I know.”
They recalled the tear-jerking story of preparing a sitcom: the cold shoulders, the rejections. Seeing those sa companies now calling back drove ho the power of a top star.
“So that’s why they hire famous actors. Money just pours in.”
“And we can breathe easier. Budget for CG and locations was a worry...”
A weekend sitcom’s budget was low by design, but now they could raise production quality well beyond original plans.
“Ujuaaaagh!”
In their hearts, the production staff chanted luck charms, redrafting plans to fit the new budget.
anwhile, devoted fans and drama buffs showed keen interest. Idol fans, too, snapped up the script-reading photos—and their focus was always the sa.
“...What’s with that suit?”
There, in the center of the picture, was Sun Woo-ju in a suit and spy sunglasses, smiling brightly. Everyone burst out laughing at once.
– hahahahahahahahahaha
– Who shows up to a script reading dressed like that lolol
– TBC, hurry up and release the making-of
– He blends in so naturally, I thought it was an illusion
– This pic reeks of absurdity lol I’ll definitely watch this
– You can feel the vibe from the reading pic alone lol
– Article says he’s a special agent tornted by an alien family? Yeah right
– Look closely lol there’s sothing weird about everyone else too
Seo No-eul’s rolling eyes like a Magic Eye, Jung In-woo balancing a can on his head, senior actor Song Hoon wearing dog-ear headbands... It looked normal at first glance, but the more you studied it, the stranger it got. Already, fans couldn’t wait for Episode 1.
– So handso ㅠㅠ this is it
– Good job, Uju... from now on keep wearing suits
– Legendary pic thank you ㅠㅠ overwhelming thanks ㅠㅠ
– Ordinary person: lol what’s with the suit so cute / Souffle: Uju wearing a normal suit..? why?
– You little minions!! You guys have beaten Uju..!
– Souffle’s touched by you guys
– That’s totally Jiho haha Jiho: Ah hyung try this on~~ I’ll make you look good~~
Excited fans reacting to normal clothes—classic Souffle.
Before they knew it, the last week of July had passed. Even after topping music shows, Fireworks (Bulkkotnori) stayed at number one on the charts. Nakhwa clung to number two despite the taunts of “Falling Flowers at number two!” and at three and four, Attention (MiP) and Survivоr (TJ division) duked it out for the true title track.
“Whoever wins, we win big!”
“Ha ha ha ha!”
“This is secretly fun—I feel like a minion in the shadows of so mastermind!”
They were delighted. But Survivor held stronger. Without Mister Producer’s broadcast boost, the smooth R&B track stread better than the dance number, securing the lead.
anwhile, solo artist Han Tae-hyun smashed records.
– TNT Han Tae-hyun, first-week record... 230,000 in one day
– ‘Historic solo star,’ TNT Han Tae-hyun, all-ti top solo album sales
– Music and album both ‘explosive,’ Han Tae-hyun’s successful solo debut
He sold 230,000 copies on day one—surpassing TNT’s initial sales. A landmark solo debut. It ultimately reached 280,000, placing him third in first-day sales history, on par with TNT’s repackaged albums.
“I see why TJ does that....”
Between acting, rapping, albums, the sum of the mbers’ solo successes outstripped TNT as a group. The hints of going separate ways were clear.
On the strength of this success, Tae-hyun was sweeping first-place trophies on music shows—his ‘Survivor,’ co-written by , not TJ’s ‘Mood.’
Every ti he hit number one, I got a video link.
[Thank you so much! Chairman Park Tae-joon of TJ Ent., Director Han Young-joon... and composer Ujuseon who wrote Survivor! I love you all!]
Whenever they thanked “Composer Ujuseon,” you could see the artists in the background laughing.
“Why are they laughing? Is my na that funny?”
“Kim Jung-hyun.”
“Ha ha ha ha ha!”
“That’s mirror therapy right there.”
I got it imdiately.
TJ Ent. even thanked . Chairman Park offered a al, but I had to decline—too busy. Each mber had solo activities and we were preparing for the K-Pop concert in LA on July 31.
– NewBlack to appear as main perforrs at LA K-Pop concert
– Emojis: LA airport temporarily gridlocked by Arican fans eagerly awaiting NewBlack
– PhotoIssue: NewBlack ‘Where am I...? Strange air’
K-Pop seed more popular in LA than New York. From the airport on, it was chaos.
“Bijuyaaaa!”
“Uju huuuh!”
“Don’t freak out over being one ter apart!”
Before, this happened only when leaving or entering Korea. Now at Arican airports, the crowd following ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) us had grown imnsely.
“Soon we’ll be doing a concert here too, right? In a do, flinging lightsticks.”
“Ha ha ha ha!”
“Right—while we’re at it, let’s hit the Grammys.”
At the youngest’s excited ramblings, everyone chid in and laughter broke out.
The venue was the Staples Center. In front of 20,000 people, we perford Nine and Nakhwa in the grand finale. After the show, we had surprise guests.
“Hello, Mother~!”
“It’s been a while.”
Ri-hyuk’s mother and sister ca to see us. We greeted them warmly and then shared a al at a fad LA Korean restaurant. While the mother fussed over her hat, the rest of us soaked in the cozy atmosphere.
When we parted after dinner, it was quite a scene.
“I’ll go now.”
“All right.”
“I’ll contact you when I get back to Korea. Here—I wrote you a letter...”
“I did too.”
In that warm mont, we buzzed with emotion. Mother and daughter Ye-in spotted us clustered together and froze.
“...”
“...”
“Well then...”
“Well then...”
Ri-hyuk and his mother awkwardly shook hands—a failed hug attempt—and parted ways. We held back giggles behind them.
Ri-hyuk, face red as a bird, ran over to us. We burst out laughing.
“Who shakes hands with their mother when leaving?”
“...Don’t say a word. Really.”
Ri-hyuk insisted: “I did my best.”
“All right.”
Now he didn’t push away even if I wrapped an arm around him.
“Can you step back? It’s so hot.”
“....”
“Aah, Uju-hyung’s turned into the maknae, so he’s co on more~ Aaaah!”
We boarded the flight back to Korea with our rowdy minions. Thus ended the sumr tour: joint concerts in France, New York, and LA plus 130,000 fans across Korea and Southeast Asia—likely over 200,000 including the upcoming Japan shows. It was our largest tour yet, and I felt lighthearted.
“All the hard stuff’s over now. Ha-ha.”
“Right, thank you, hyungs.”
With preparations for the next full album underway, I could finally focus on activities alone.
Just then, I heard: “Hey, Uju.”
“Yeah?”
“You haven’t forgotten, right?”
I received word from Seok-hwan about an unmissable schedule.
“You have your reserve forces training, don’t you?”
“....”
“Ha ha ha ha!”
My brothers laughed. I put on an eye mask, turning away from them. Why did tears well up? As happy as I was that the concerts were done, my country was calling back.
The military fed us, housed us, and trained us as reservists for a few days—I was truly happy to the point of tears.
“Uju-ssi, what year are you in?”
“I’m in my third year this year.”
“Oh my, you’ve got three more years to go.”
Reserve years, of course. I nodded at the other reservist’s comnt.
“Thanks for everything~!”
I shook hands and took photos with new friends. I also promoted the sitcom.
“Okay, let’s see if you rember. Our family is~?”
“Aliens!”
We clambered into the vehicle in front of the training ground, and the minions were waiting.
“How was your training?”
“Good.”
I told my brothers, smiling: “It’s great. They fed us, housed us—everyone should experience this.”
“You did well, hyung.”
Using the handkerchief Biju handed , I wiped sweat. As talk turned to “What year is it now in 2020...?” the brothers chipped in.
“But when it’s our turn for military service, won’t Uju-hyung be civil defense?”
“Civil defense idol...!”
“Stop it. I don’t want to think about that...”
Terrifying thought—I shook my head and asked the brothers:
“Why’d you all co? I thought only Biju was coming.”
Today was my first day filming Our Family Is Aliens. Biju was today’s cao guest. With the budget expanded and the drama hot, caos increased—and Biju was one. I’d even recomnded him for it.
“They originally planned just Biju-hyung, but he said he was nervous so he brought you all.”
“We also wanted to check out the set. We have sothing to help with.”
“...It’s not sothing weird, right?”
“It’s good, trust us. It’s good.”
Their sly grins made uneasy. Mingi-hyung at the wheel looked unfazed, so it must be normal.
Sure enough, nothing would go wrong. We stopped by the dorm to freshen up, then headed to Gwacheon for the outdoor set.
“All right, let’s rehearse your lines like we’re actually filming.”
“Yes!”
“Ready—action!”
Jiho and I coached Biju, who was practicing his cao lines. Biju swept his hair back and said:
“This is kind of intimidating, hyung.”
“You’ll do fine.”
“What if I end up like Jas in Slip...?”
Recalling his yellow-haired high-schooler role, he gazed wistfully out the window and I laughed.
“Don’t worry. This cao fits you perfectly.”
“Yeah. I wanted a cao, but there’s no one better than Biju-hyung.”
The first scene today was Agent Kim Uju disguised as a fruit vendor. Biju would play the polite custor buying apples. We ran lines and offered encouragent until we arrived on location.
“Hello! We’re NewBlack!”
“Oh my!”
Like a pack of retrievers bursting out of a cage, my brothers bounded onto the set, staff bursting into smiles.
“NewBlack!”
“Oh my, oh my, you kids!”
They really did look like puppies. They greeted warmly:
“We just ca to watch—hope that’s okay.”
“Of course it is!”
Director Hwang Jeong-gu happily welcod them, then called over to explain the scene, pointing at the fruit laid out in the vendor’s stand.
“Uju, you pretend to sell fruit here, then Biju will...”
“I’m right here.”
“That’s right. Biju will walk over, look at the apples a bit, then set them down.”
We nodded, understanding the staging. We’d run a full rehearsal soon, but I already got the picture.
Director Hwang said, “We need to prep the extras too, so hang tight.”
“Yes!”
“Oh, and Uju—there’s a coffee truck for you in your na.”
“Really?”
“Drink up. Thanks.”
He strode off to prod assistants, and Biju and I glanced at each other.
“Coffee truck?”
“Hyung, you got a coffee truck?”
Coffee trucks usually co from fellow celebrities or fans saying, “Please take good care of our star.” Souffle’s gifts were off-limits, so it had to be other celebrities.
“Were you the ones who did this?”
“No... we didn’t...”
Who sent it? As we approached the parking area, I asked a passing crew mber:
“Oh, that? A sponsor sent it.”
“Really?”
“I forget the brand—but it had a chicken logo...”
Pondering who would thank in my na, we reached the lot and saw a giant inflatable chicken bobbing atop a coffee truck painted with chickens.
[Agent Kim Uju, fighting~♡]
By it, Jung Jung-hyun eyed the youngest warily while Ri-hyuk fretted. And the maknae himself glared.
“What’s wrong? What’s up?”
“Look for yourself. Isn’t this too much...?”
“What... ha ha ha!”
Then Biju and I spotted the logo and dissolved into laughter. It was sent by Jiho’s father’s HoHo Chicken business.
“I’ll make a quick call...”
We watched the youngest vanish with a stormy look, then turned back to the coffee truck. While I collected my special drinks:
“It’ll be okay, right?”
“His father knows what he’s doing.”
“Aww...”
“He probably didn’t expect his son to spot it right away.”
We laughed and toasted to the good fortune of my family and Biju’s father.
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