The Nice Guy: 3 reasons why Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung's upcoming K-drama is a must-watch
Karen Noronha | Jul 15, 2025, 16:54 IST
Highlight of the story: JTBC's new K-drama, 'The Nice Guy' is gearing up for its big premiere on July 18, and it's poised to deliver a fresh take on noir-meets-melodrama. Still deciding whether to tune in? Here are three compelling reasons 'The Nice Guy' should be on your radar.
Set your reminders, K-drama fans - JTBC's The Nice Guy is gearing up for its big premiere on July 18, and it's poised to deliver a fresh take on noir-meets-melodrama. The series stars Lee Dong Wook as Park Seok Chul, a third-generation gangster with the heart of a poet, and Lee Sung Kyung as Kang Mi Young, a would-be singer whose reunion with her first love sets off a journey of love, pain, and second chances.
Still deciding whether to tune in for this upcoming K-drama? Here are three compelling reasons The Nice Guy should be on your radar:
Park Seok Chul isn't a average mobster. Though born into a world of crime, he once dreamed of becoming a novelist - and beneath his tough exterior lies a deeply empathetic soul. His chance reunion with Kang Mi Young, who battles her own past traumas and stage fright, rekindles something both beautiful and heartbreaking. Their love story is shaping up to be one of the show's emotional anchors.
Director Song Hae Sung describes Seok Chul as "a contradiction - a pure heart in a ruthless world," while writer Kim Hyo Seok notes, "These characters are messy, flawed, and human. They reflect real people trying to change."
The Nice Guy brings together a powerhouse creative team. It is co-directed by acclaimed filmmaker Song Hae Sung (Failan, Boomerang Family) and Park Hong Soo (Lost), with a script by Kim Woon Kyung (Yoona's Street) and Kim Hyo Seok (Yadang: The Snitch).
It's also the first TV drama produced by Hive Media Corp, known for critically acclaimed films like Inside Men and 12.12: The Day. The production promises both quality storytelling and cinematic scale, blending gritty crime drama with emotional depth.
The drama features a stellar lineup of actors
Lee Dong Wook as Park Seok Chul, a man torn between loyalty and love.
Lee Sung Kyung as Kang Mi Young, whose courage grows through love.
Park Hoon as Kang Tae Hoon, Seok Chul's former comrade turned rival, entangled in a tense love triangle.
Oh Na Ra as Park Seok Kyung, Seok Chul's impulsive sister who spirals after personal failures.
Ryu Hye Young as Park Seok Hee, the youngest sibling - smart, upright, but facing her own moral dilemmas.
Chun Ho Jin as Park Sil Gon, the patriarch carrying the weight of past regrets.
Director Song praised the ensemble, saying, "Casting was everything here. These actors embody their roles perfectly." Writer Kim Hyo Seok echoed this, calling the casting "fated."
The love story between Seok Chul and Mi Young is not just about rekindled feelings - it’s about healing. Their connection helps them face their pasts and imagine better futures. "They complete each other," says director Song, "He regains innocence through her, and she finds the strength to sing again through him."
But with family tensions, rival gangs, and personal betrayals threatening to tear them apart, The Nice Guy promises a rollercoaster of emotions.
The Nice Guy premieres July 18 at 8:50 PM KST on JTBC, airing two back-to-back episodes every Friday. Prepare for a gritty, heartfelt journey where love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Still deciding whether to tune in for this upcoming K-drama? Here are three compelling reasons The Nice Guy should be on your radar:
A gangster with a poet's heart
Park Seok Chul isn't a average mobster. Though born into a world of crime, he once dreamed of becoming a novelist - and beneath his tough exterior lies a deeply empathetic soul. His chance reunion with Kang Mi Young, who battles her own past traumas and stage fright, rekindles something both beautiful and heartbreaking. Their love story is shaping up to be one of the show's emotional anchors.
Director Song Hae Sung describes Seok Chul as "a contradiction - a pure heart in a ruthless world," while writer Kim Hyo Seok notes, "These characters are messy, flawed, and human. They reflect real people trying to change."
Trusted storytellers
The Nice Guy brings together a powerhouse creative team. It is co-directed by acclaimed filmmaker Song Hae Sung (Failan, Boomerang Family) and Park Hong Soo (Lost), with a script by Kim Woon Kyung (Yoona's Street) and Kim Hyo Seok (Yadang: The Snitch).
It's also the first TV drama produced by Hive Media Corp, known for critically acclaimed films like Inside Men and 12.12: The Day. The production promises both quality storytelling and cinematic scale, blending gritty crime drama with emotional depth.
Fiery cast
The drama features a stellar lineup of actors
Lee Dong Wook as Park Seok Chul, a man torn between loyalty and love.
Lee Sung Kyung as Kang Mi Young, whose courage grows through love.
Park Hoon as Kang Tae Hoon, Seok Chul's former comrade turned rival, entangled in a tense love triangle.
Oh Na Ra as Park Seok Kyung, Seok Chul's impulsive sister who spirals after personal failures.
Ryu Hye Young as Park Seok Hee, the youngest sibling - smart, upright, but facing her own moral dilemmas.
Chun Ho Jin as Park Sil Gon, the patriarch carrying the weight of past regrets.
Director Song praised the ensemble, saying, "Casting was everything here. These actors embody their roles perfectly." Writer Kim Hyo Seok echoed this, calling the casting "fated."
Romance, revenge, and redemption
The love story between Seok Chul and Mi Young is not just about rekindled feelings - it’s about healing. Their connection helps them face their pasts and imagine better futures. "They complete each other," says director Song, "He regains innocence through her, and she finds the strength to sing again through him."
But with family tensions, rival gangs, and personal betrayals threatening to tear them apart, The Nice Guy promises a rollercoaster of emotions.
The Nice Guy premieres July 18 at 8:50 PM KST on JTBC, airing two back-to-back episodes every Friday. Prepare for a gritty, heartfelt journey where love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.