JTBC’s upcoming drama “The Nice Guy” is set to premiere on July 18, 2025, and fans are eagerly waiting for this unique blend of romance, crime, and family drama. Starring Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung, the show tells the story of a gangster with a pure heart and his first love, who dreams of becoming a singer.
The drama has already generated buzz for its strong cast, emotional storyline, and the creative team behind it. Here’s everything you need to know about why “The Nice Guy” is one of the most anticipated K-dramas of the year.
A Gangster With A Poet’s Heart
Lee Dong Wook plays Park Seok Chul, the eldest grandson of a third-generation gangster family. Despite his violent background, he has a gentle soul and once dreamed of becoming a novelist. His life takes a turn when he reunites with his first love, Kang Mi Young (Lee Sung Kyung), a woman struggling to pursue her singing career.
Director Song Hae Sung describes Seok Chul as a man who rediscovers his innocence through love.
“At its core, ‘The Nice Guy’ is about a man who finds love and discovers who he really is by going through hardships. The greatest charm of this work is the character Park Seok Chul himself—a gangster who wants to be a poet, someone who lives in a rough world yet doesn’t lose his innocence.”
A Love Story That Heals
The romance between Park Seok Chul and Kang Mi Young is central to the drama. Mi Young is an aspiring singer who battles stage fright and life’s challenges. Their reunion becomes a turning point for both characters.
“They fill the empty spaces in each other. Seok Chul regains his innocence through Mi Young, while Mi Young finds the courage to face the world through him,” said Director Song.
Lee Sung Kyung shared how she prepared for her role.
“She dreams of becoming a singer and runs a YouTube channel as she works toward that dream. I put a lot of effort into the piano and singing scenes so that she could feel like someone who’s chasing that dream.”
A Strong Supporting Cast
The drama features an impressive lineup of actors, including:
- Park Hoon as Kang Tae Hoon, a rival gang leader who falls for Mi Young, creating a tense love triangle.
- Oh Na Ra as Park Seok Kyung, Seok Chul’s troubled older sister who turns to gambling after failures in life.
- Ryu Hye Young as Park Seok Hee, the youngest sibling who faces tough choices between dreams and reality.
- Chun Ho Jin as Park Sil Gon, Seok Chul’s father, a former gangster filled with regret.
Director Song praised the cast, saying, “Casting was everything here. These actors embody their roles perfectly.”
A Trusted Production Team
“The Nice Guy” is directed by Song Hae Sung, known for films like “Failan” and “Maundy Thursday”, and Park Hong Soo, who worked on the drama “Lost”. The script is written by Kim Woon Kyung and Kim Hyo Seok, who have previously worked on hit projects.
The drama is also the first TV production by Hive Media Corp, the company behind successful films like “Inside Men” and “12.12: The Day”.
A Mix Of Genres
Unlike typical gangster stories, “The Nice Guy” combines noir, romance, and family drama. It explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and personal growth.
Lee Dong Wook explained why he chose this role after years of fantasy dramas.
“For the past four to five years, I’ve mostly done fantasy-based works, and I was feeling a bit worn out. I wanted to do something more grounded and realistic, where I could portray a realistic character.”
He also addressed concerns about glamorizing gangster life.
“The role of a gangster might come off as old-fashioned, but by showing the character as somewhat pitiful and pathetic, it feels more real. There would be no glamorization. I had no intention of making the character look cool at all.”
Release Details
“The Nice Guy” will air two episodes every Friday at 8:50 PM KST starting July 18, 2025, on JTBC. International fans can stream it on Disney+ and Viki.
With its compelling story, talented cast, and emotional depth, “The Nice Guy” is shaping up to be a must-watch drama this year.
Credits: Sources from Soompi, Korea Herald, MyDramaList, and JTBC press releases.
