Lee Dong Wook Returns with Deep Emotional Resonance in 'The Nice Guy'

'The Nice Guy' starring Lee Dong Wook is set to make a poignant return with its deep emotional resonance.

On July 18, JTBC's new Friday series 'The Nice Guy' will premiere, and on the 23rd, a teaser poster was released, showcasing Park Seok-cheol (played by Lee Dong Wook) with a lonely gaze that leaves a lasting impression.

'The Nice Guy' is an emotional noir drama featuring Park Seok-cheol, the eldest grandson of a gangster family with an unexpected tender heart, and his first love Kang Mi-young (played by Lee Sung-kyung), who dreams of becoming a singer. The drama unfolds a passionate love story of two people who sacrifice everything for their loved ones and their journey to pursue their dreams amidst harsh realities, offering heartfelt laughter and profound resonance.

The drama is directed by Song Hae-sung, known for his delicate direction in films like 'Failan', 'Boomerang Family', and 'Maundy Thursday', alongside director Park Hong-soo of 'Lost'. The collaboration with writers Kim Woon-kyung, loved for 'Yuna's Street', 'Seoul's Moon', and 'The Blue Bird', and Kim Hyo-seok of the film 'Opposition' promises a high-quality production. Additionally, this marks the first drama by Hive Media Corp, a production company acclaimed for its solid planning and production in films like 'Spring in Seoul', 'Opposition', 'The Man Standing Next', 'Deliver Us from Evil', and 'Inside Men'. The anticipation is high for the intense performances by a trusted cast including Lee Dong Wook, Lee Sung-kyung, Park Hoon, Oh Na-ra, Ryu Hye-young, and Cheon Ho-jin.

The previously released character teaser video hinted at Park Seok-cheol's fate, a novelist at heart forced to become a gangster, sparking curiosity. The newly unveiled teaser poster further hints at Park Seok-cheol's solitude. Sitting alone in an empty subway car with a vacant stare, his face marked by scars, it reflects the life of a gangster who has endured relentless battles. The cold air, coupled with the phrase 'Even if my life is a little ruined, it's okay', raises questions about what Park Seok-cheol is willing to risk everything to protect and the path he has walked.

Lee Dong Wook, whose transformation is highly anticipated, plays 'Park Seok-cheol', the reluctant heir to a gangster family. Despite his steadfast endurance, he decides to reclaim his life. Revisiting his childhood dream of becoming a novelist like Hemingway, he encounters a fateful reunion with his first love, Kang Mi-young, which once again stirs up his life.

The production team of 'The Nice Guy' stated, "Amidst the trials of harsh realities, 'The Nice Guy' Park Seok-cheol's story of finding new life and love offers heartwarming laughter and poignant empathy," adding, "Viewers can look forward to Lee Dong Wook's emotional noir, seamlessly transitioning from intense action to deep emotional lines."

Meanwhile, 'The Nice Guy', opening JTBC's Friday series, will premiere on July 18 at 8:50 PM KST, airing two consecutive episodes every Friday to kick off viewers' weekends.

Photo = JTBC

This article was originally published in Korean on Xportsnews and was translated into English using AI.

by Hwang Suyeon