Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung star in the new K-drama The Nice Guy, which starts today, July 18, 2025, on JTBC. The show will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and Viki for international fans. This noir romance drama mixes crime, family struggles, and love in a fresh take on the classic “bad boy with a good heart” story.
The drama follows Park Seok Chul (Lee Dong Wook), the eldest grandson of a powerful gangster family, who has a kind heart despite his violent background. His life changes when he reunites with his first love, Kang Mi Young (Lee Sung Kyung), an aspiring singer facing her own challenges. Their love story unfolds amid gang conflicts and personal dreams.
The Nice Guy Release Schedule And Where To Watch
The drama will air two episodes every Friday at 8:50 PM KST (5:20 PM IST) on JTBC. The full schedule is as follows:
- Episodes 1 & 2: July 18
- Episodes 3 & 4: July 25
- Episodes 5 & 6: August 1
- Episodes 7 & 8: August 8
- Episodes 9 & 10: August 15
- Episodes 11 & 12: August 22
- Episodes 13 & 14 (Finale): August 29
International viewers can watch The Nice Guy on Disney+ in select regions and on Viki with subtitles in multiple languages.
Plot: A Gangster’s Struggle Between Love And Duty
Park Seok Chul is the heir to a crime family but dreams of a peaceful life. Unlike his ruthless relatives, he values loyalty and kindness. His world turns upside down when he meets Kang Mi Young again, his childhood love who now dreams of becoming a singer. Their reunion forces him to choose between his family’s dark legacy and his feelings for her.
The drama also introduces Kang Tae Hoon (Park Hoon), a rival gang leader who falls for Mi Young, creating a tense love triangle. The story explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the struggle to break free from a violent past.
Cast And Characters
- Lee Dong Wook as Park Seok Chul – A gangster with a pure heart, torn between duty and love.
- Lee Sung Kyung as Kang Mi Young – An aspiring singer and Seok Chul’s first love.
- Ryu Hye Young as Park Seok Hee – Seok Chul’s strong-willed younger sister.
- Oh Na Ra as Park Seok Gyeong – The eldest sister in the Park family.
- Park Hoon as Kang Tae Hoon – A rival gang leader who complicates Seok Chul’s life.
The supporting cast includes Cheon Ho Jin as Seok Chul’s father, a former gangster now living in regret, and Park Myung Shin as his mother.
Why Fans Are Excited For The Nice Guy
This marks the first on-screen collaboration between Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung. Fans are eager to see their chemistry in a mix of romance and crime drama. Lee Dong Wook, known for his roles in Goblin and Tale of the Nine Tailed, takes on a darker yet emotional role this time.
Lee Sung Kyung, famous for Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, plays a character with dreams and struggles, adding depth to the story. The combination of noir style, intense emotions, and gangster politics makes this drama a must-watch.
Production Team Behind The Nice Guy
The series is directed by Song Hae Sung and Park Hong Soo, known for their work in emotional and visually striking dramas. The script is written by Kim Woon Kyung and Kim Hyo Seok, who promise a balance of action, romance, and deep character development.
Filming began in early 2024 and wrapped up in August the same year. The team describes the drama as a “stylish blend of crime and heartfelt storytelling.”
Early Reactions And Expectations
Early teasers and posters have already created buzz online. Fans are praising Lee Dong Wook’s transformation into a conflicted gangster and Lee Sung Kyung’s portrayal of a determined singer. The drama’s unique mix of genres sets it apart from typical romance K-dramas.
“Lee Dong Wook’s performance looks intense yet emotional. Can’t wait to see how his character evolves!” – A fan on social media.
“The chemistry between the leads is already giving me chills. This might be the best K-drama of the year.” – Another viewer commented.
How To Watch Outside Korea
For viewers outside South Korea, Disney+ will stream the drama in select countries, while Viki will provide subtitles in multiple languages. The episodes will be available shortly after the Korean broadcast.
With a strong cast, gripping plot, and high production quality, The Nice Guy is set to be a major hit. Fans of crime dramas, romance, and intense character-driven stories will find this series worth watching.
Credits: Information sourced from JTBC, Disney+, Viki, and official drama updates.
