'Shin's Project' starring Han Suk Kyu is quickly gaining momentum, recording a peak rating of 8.9% after just its second episode.
The second episode, aired on September 16, achieved an average rating of 7.8% and a peak of 8.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area. Nationwide, it reached an average of 7.4% and a peak of 8.3%, setting a new personal best. For two consecutive episodes, the series ranked No. 1 among cable and comprehensive programming channels in its time slot, quickly rising as the hottest drama of the season.
Premiering on September 15, 'Shin’s Project' had already drawn attention by posting strong ratings for its first episode, 6.5% average and 7.9% peak in Seoul, with 5.9% average and 7.3% peak nationwide. It surpassed the finale rating (5.7% nationwide) of last year’s mega-hit drama 'Lovely Runner' right from its premiere.
The Story of a Former Negotiator Turned Fried Chicken Shop Owner
The drama follows Mr.Shin (played by Han Suk Kyu), a legendary negotiator turned fried chicken shop owner, who resolves various social conflicts. Beneath his guise as an ordinary small business owner lies a sharp mind and masterful negotiation skills.
The first episode opened with Mr.Shin persuading a man attempting to take his own life, showcasing his brilliant negotiation tactics. Soon after, at the request of senior judge Kim Sang Geun (portrayed by Kim Sang Ho), Mr.Shin stepped in to mediate a conflict between a TV station and salted preserved seafood vendors, setting the main plot in motion. Rookie judge Cho Philip (played by Bae Hyun Sung) joined him, highlighting generational differences and teamwork.
What seemed like a simple dispute unraveled into a web of interests tied to a massive resort development project. With the help of hacker Kim Soo Dong (Jung Eun Pyo), Mr.Shin investigated the truth but found himself hunted by mysterious pursuers. Delivery worker Lee Si On (Lee Re) and other allies helped him survive, adding thriller-like suspense to ordinary settings.
Episode 2 Keeps the Pace with Justice and New Conflicts
In the second episode, Mr.Shin crushed the schemes of a corrupt corporation. He leaked the company’s business plan to investigative Producer Kim Young Ho (Choi Won Young), forcing the truth into the media spotlight. At the same time, Cho Philip mediated between the TV station and the vendors, leading to a successful settlement.
A highlight was Mr.Shin’s retaliation against Oh Jin Ho (Song Jae Ryong), who had tried to eliminate him and Philip. Working with police officer Choi Chul (Kim Sung Oh), Mr.Shin tracked Oh’s whereabouts while ordering Si On to investigate his family. Using Oh’s family as leverage, Shin extracted a confession.
This mix of straightforward and unorthodox tactics offered cathartic satisfaction for viewers. The corporation’s crimes were exposed, the broadcasting station issued a public apology, and the instigator behind a murder plot was brought to justice thanks to Oh’s testimony.
Yet just as one case closed, a new crisis emerged. Responding to a civil complaint brought by administrative officer Kim Soo Dong, Mr.Shin discovered bomb-making materials in a resident’s home, along with clippings about cancer cases near a fertilizer factory and a note demanding “justice.”
It was revealed that the complainant had taken the mayor hostage inside a container rigged with explosives. When counter-terrorism chief Jang Young Soo (Choi Deok Moon) asked for a solution, Shin stunned everyone by declaring, "Negotiate with me. Starting now."—volunteering as the hostage-taker’s proxy negotiator.
Exceptional Acting and Direction Driving the Hype
The drama’s success is fueled by stellar performances. Han Suk Kyu flawlessly transitions between a warm, humorous restaurant owner and a sharp, calculating negotiator. Bae Hyun Sung contrasts him as a by-the-book rookie judge, creating compelling chemistry. Lee Re adds vitality through both action and comic relief as the delivery worker.
Director Shin Kyung Soo, who worked with Han on the 25.4%-rated phenomenon 'Tree With Deep Roots,' enhances the show’s appeal with skillful cross-editing between the cozy chicken shop and high-stakes negotiations. Blending slice-of-life comedy, social commentary, and action-thriller elements, the drama establishes a unique genre identity.
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