JTBC's new weekend drama, 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,' starring Ryu Seung Ryong, takes over the baton from the hit series 'A Hundred Memories.' With 'A Hundred Memories' achieving its highest-ever rating of 8.1% nationwide (according to Nielsen Korea) in its final episode, expectations are high for its successor.
The early buzz around 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' has been fueled by the cast announcement of Ryu Seung Ryong, along with the realism of the production team, original story, and characters.
Set to premiere on October 25, 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' tells the story of a man who, after dedicating 25 years of his youth to his company and family, suddenly loses everything and must rediscover himself. Ryu Seung Ryong, who plays the protagonist Kim Nak Soo, explained the show’s core themes of self-recovery and generational reflection.
Ryu said, "This drama tells a very realistic story. Many people today are enduring their own struggles while living their daily lives. It honestly captures all of us, so I think viewers will be able to see themselves reflected in it." He added, "Kim Nak Soo feels like someone familiar—someone you might find at work, in your neighborhood, or even in your family. He may seem gruff and stubborn, but he has deep affection for his family and his own principles. He’s a character that’s human and relatable, someone you can’t help but empathize with."
For his portrayal of Kim Nak Soo, Ryu focused on the sincerity of the script. "The character’s path is ultimately in the script. I read it countless times to understand who Kim Nak Soo is and what emotions he experiences," he explained. He continued, "On set, I constantly discussed each scene’s emotional arc with the director, fellow actors, and production team. I concentrated on authentically portraying Kim Nak Soo’s confusion, regret, and faint glimmers of recovery."
Ryu emphasized that the drama aims to realistically depict the weight and concerns of middle-aged men without exaggeration. “This story is less about grand events and more about the small collapses and recoveries in daily life. I saw my role as naturally conveying the emotional nuances of those moments,” he said.
He also shared a message for “all the Mr. Kims of this era”: “I hope people can live with grace both at work and at rest. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to give yourself small gifts in life.”
'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' is based on the web novel of the same name. The story, which delicately portrays the daily lives and concerns of office workers, has also been serialized on Naver Webtoon, amassing millions of cumulative views. Even in its production phase, the drama generated buzz thanks to the popularity of the original story. JTBC has positioned it as a reality-driven drama reflecting the lives of modern office workers.
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