Director Hsu Yu-ting reveals 'When I Grow Up' casting secrets; Liang Cheng-chun discusses emotional struggles

A recent episode of the talk show "Sit Down! Let's Chat" featured Golden Bell Award-winning screenwriter and director Hsu Yu-ting and actor Liang Cheng-chun, delving into personal experiences and behind-the-scenes drama. During a segment where hosts were tasked with improvising a scene about the "end of the world" and who they would call last, host Huang Chia-chien became overwhelmed with emotion. Simulating a call to her daughter, she broke down in tears, expressing her deep affection and reluctance to part, a display that visibly moved the studio audience and impressed director Hsu.

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Maybe it's a kind of rebellion!

Liang Cheng-chun shared a personal health scare he experienced during a run. He described feeling severe chest pain, fearing he was having a heart attack. Despite the discomfort, he pushed himself to finish the training session. Afterward, the accumulated emotional stress erupted, leading him to weep uncontrollably as he walked from Dajia Riverside Park to Xingtian Temple. Liang revealed that the incident occurred shortly after a significant argument with his wife, suggesting that his physical distress was psychosomatic, stemming from regret and the harsh words exchanged during their fight.

Director Hsu Yu-ting also disclosed an inside story about the casting of the popular drama "When I Grow Up." She revealed that a young Liang Cheng-chun was initially a candidate for a leading role. Despite his status as the son of a famous director, Liang chose not to seek help from his father during the casting process, which Hsu attributed to a "rebellious" streak. However, after a second audition, Liang received word from producer Wang Pei-hua that he had been recast, a decision that deeply impacted him at the time.

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At that time, I thought I was going to have a heart attack, but I still insisted on finishing the training. It wasn't until I finished changing clothes that the accumulated emotions instantly collapsed, and I couldn't help but cry.

Hsu explained that the fast-paced, four-camera production environment of Taiwanese eight o'clock dramas left little room for actors to develop chemistry. The role required an outgoing and direct personality, which contrasted with Liang's naturally introverted and calm demeanor, leading to the difficult casting decision. Both Hsu and Liang discovered shared experiences growing up in blended families, often observing adult emotions and conflicts from a distance, which they noted became valuable material for their creative work.

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The role required an outgoing and direct personality, and there was indeed a gap with Liang Cheng-chun's private introverted and calm personality, so the decision was made with regret.