“The Nice Guy” debuts with impressive viewership as the popular drama “Our Movie” prepares for its emotional finale this weekend
The new Korean drama “The Nice Guy” premiered on July 18, 2025, with strong ratings, marking a promising start for the noir romance series. Starring Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung, the show aired its first two episodes on JTBC, competing closely with the finale of the hit drama “Our Movie.”
According to Nielsen Korea, “The Nice Guy” recorded an average nationwide rating of 3.0% for its first episode, which slightly increased to 3.2% for the second episode. Meanwhile, “Our Movie” maintained a steady 3.5% rating ahead of its last episode.
A Strong Start For “The Nice Guy”
“The Nice Guy” follows the story of Park Seok Cheol (Lee Dong Wook), a gangster with a poetic soul, and his first love Kang Mi Young (Lee Sung Kyung), an aspiring singer. The drama blends action, romance, and family drama, offering a fresh take on the gangster genre.
The first episode opened with a gripping scene where Seok Cheol, bloodied and injured, tries to reunite with Mi Young before being stabbed. The story then flashes back to explore their past and present struggles.
Lee Dong Wook shared in a press conference, “Seok Cheol is a man torn between his violent world and his gentle heart. His journey is about finding redemption through love.”
Lee Sung Kyung added, “Mi Young is a character who grows stronger because of love. Her reunion with Seok Cheol changes both of them.”
“Our Movie” Prepares For Its Final Episode
On the other hand, “Our Movie”, starring Namkoong Min and Jeon Yeo Been, is set to air its final episode on July 19. The drama tells the emotional love story between a struggling film director and an actress with a terminal illness.
Namkoong Min said, “To Je Ha, Da Eum isn’t merely the past, but an emotion that is still alive. The finale will bring a moment where he finally faces his true feelings.”
Jeon Yeo Been reflected, “Filming this drama made me think deeply about life and love. I hope viewers feel the same emotions we poured into this story.”
Why “The Nice Guy” Stands Out
- Unique Gangster Romance – Unlike typical crime dramas, “The Nice Guy” focuses on a gangster who dreams of a peaceful life, adding emotional depth to the action.
- Stellar Cast Chemistry – Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung’s on-screen reunion has been highly praised for their natural chemistry.
- Strong Production Team – Directed by Song Hae Sung (“Failan,” “Boomerang Family”), the drama promises high-quality storytelling.
Fan Reactions And Expectations
Fans took to social media to share their excitement:
“Lee Dong Wook as a poetic gangster? I’m already obsessed!”
“The first episode was intense and emotional. Can’t wait for more!”
“Our Movie’s finale will break my heart, but I’m ready for the tears.”
Where To Watch
“The Nice Guy” airs every Friday on JTBC and is available for streaming on Disney+. “Our Movie” concludes on SBS and can be watched on Viki.
Also read: Namkoong Min and Jeon Yeo Been Share Emotional Goodbye Messages Ahead of “Our Movie” Finale Episode
