JTBC’s new weekend drama The Nice Guy premiered on July 18, pulling in strong interest with its very first episode. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama earned 3.0% nationwide viewership for episode one and 3.2% for episode two. Viewers are already responding positively to the show’s emotional depth, quiet storytelling, and powerful performances.
Set against the backdrop of underground crime, the drama centres around the complicated relationship between two people who were once each other’s everything. Now, they meet again, years later, carrying emotional wounds that never fully healed.
The Nice Guy (Credits: JTBC)
A Dark Yet Heartfelt Storyline
The Nice Guy tells the story of Park Seok-cheol, played by Lee Dong-wook, who is expected to carry on his family’s criminal legacy. Despite this, he quietly dreams of a simpler life where he can pursue writing instead of violence.
Kang Mi-young, portrayed by Lee Sung-kyung, was once his brightest memory. Now, she’s chasing a career as a singer while dealing with personal challenges, including a fear of performing on stage. When these two cross paths again, memories resurface, along with old regrets and unfinished feelings.
The drama opens with a suspenseful moment. Seok-cheol is seen bleeding after being stabbed. As the show progresses, it begins to unpack how he got there, using flashbacks to paint a picture of a man torn between duty and desire.
A Different Kind of Noir
Unlike fast-paced crime dramas, The Nice Guy takes a more emotional route. While there are themes of violence and power struggles, the focus remains on the internal battles both characters are facing.
The show doesn’t glamorise gang life. Instead, it shows how Seok-cheol, despite being caught in it, quietly tries to protect his softer side. His love for literature becomes a quiet rebellion in a world that expects him to be ruthless.
Similarly, Mi-young isn’t written as just a love interest. Her stage fright and determination to sing reflect a journey just as difficult. The way she tries to rebuild her life adds another emotional layer to the drama.
The Nice Guy (Credits: JTBC)
Strong Acting Draws Viewers In
Lee Dong-wook delivers a performance that balances strength and sadness. His portrayal of Seok-cheol is thoughtful and grounded, never overplayed. His eyes carry the pain of someone who’s done things he regrets but still wants to believe in something better.
Lee Sung-kyung adds a soft yet resilient edge to Mi-young. She shows both her vulnerability and her strength in the smallest gestures, whether it’s trembling before singing or gently recalling old memories. Together, the two leads bring warmth to a heavy story, making viewers care about what happens next.
The Nice Guy (Credits: JTBC)
Viewers Are Hooked Already
Social media and online forums are full of positive responses from early viewers. Many are praising the slow-burn romance and the chemistry between the leads. Others appreciate the show’s quiet tone and emotional depth, which stand out in a landscape full of flashy thrillers.
There’s also interest in how the story will unfold. Will Seok-cheol be able to break free from his family’s world? Can Mi-young overcome her fears and sing again? These questions keep the drama’s momentum going as episode three approaches.
The Nice Guy (Credits: JTBC)
What’s Next in Episode 3?
Episode three is set to air on July 25, and the preview hints at new tensions. Seok-cheol may be facing pressure from rival groups, and the return of Mi-young might complicate his situation further. With each episode, the stakes grow higher, both emotionally and in the dangerous world surrounding them.
As more viewers tune in, the drama is gaining buzz not just for its story but for its emotional pull. It’s not trying to shock audiences. Instead, it quietly builds an atmosphere that feels real and intimate.
Based on an Acclaimed Web Novel
The Nice Guy is adapted from a popular web novel that was praised for its emotional realism and mature characters. The drama stays true to the source material while enhancing it with strong visuals and subtle direction.
Readers of the original story are finding the drama faithful yet fresh. The shift to television brings new life to the characters, with added depth and tension in each interaction.
Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung reunite in JTBC’s moody summer noir drama The Nice Guy (Credits: JTBC)
A Look at the Cast
Lee Dong-wook, best known for his roles in Goblin and Tale of the Nine Tailed , brings his signature intensity to this new role. Over the years, he has built a reputation for playing characters with emotional weight, and Seok-cheol fits that mould well.
Lee Sung-kyung, who starred in dramas like Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo and Dr. Romantic 2 , shows a more mature side in this project. Her chemistry with Lee Dong-wook is natural, adding to the show’s impact.
A Drama Worth Watching This Summer
With its careful storytelling, talented cast, and emotional themes, The Nice Guy is shaping up to be one of JTBC’s most talked-about dramas this season. It doesn’t rely on action or twists—it builds slowly, with heart and sincerity.
For those looking for a drama that’s thoughtful and moving, this one may just be worth your time.
The survival competition BOYS II PLANET K has reached its first major turning point. In just two episodes, Mnet has eliminated 17 of the 80 contestants. Episode two, which aired on July 24, featured the crucial Signal Song Test and the resulting rankings that sealed their fate.
Originally designed as two separate shows: BOYS II PLANET K and BOYS II PLANET C, these programs are now set to merge into one final series. This shift means that rather than debuting two groups, only one will emerge in the end. The merge is scheduled to take place next Thursday, combining the narratives and contestants from both programs.
What the Signal Song Test Involved
During the Signal Song Test, each contestant was ranked in one of four tiers. These were ALL STAR, TWO STAR, ONE STAR, and NO STAR. Anyone who received NO STAR was immediately eliminated from the competition.
The rankings were a blend of expert opinions and fan engagement. Celebrity mentors determined 70 per cent of the score, while the remaining 30 per cent came from views and likes on each trainee’s performance clip on YouTube and the Mnet Plus app. Videos were monitored from June 13 at six p.m. to June 15 at ten a.m. Korean Standard Time.
This system underscores both performance ability and early reaction from fans. Here are the results.
ALL STAR Group: Top Performers
These trainees earned the highest ranking and remain in the competition:
- Hsu Ching Yu
- Jo Gye Hyeon
- Jung Hyun Jun
- Kim Geon Wo
- Kim In Hu
- Kim Jun Min
- Kim Jun Seo
- Kim Si Hwan
- Kim Tae Jo
- Lee Leo
- Lee Sang Won
- Na Yun Seo
- Noh Hui Jun
- Park Dong Gyu
- Seo Won
- Yoo Kang Min
- Yoon Min
- Yumeki
These names represent a strong mix of early favourites, global appeal, and mentor admiration.
BOYS II PLANET Episode 2 All-Star Top Performers (Credits: Soompi)
TWO STAR and ONE STAR Rankings
Next tier performers received TWO STAR status. They still move forward, but with more pressure to prove their potential:
- Andrew
- Aoshi
- Han Harry June
- Jang Tae Yoon
- Kim Dong Yun
- Lee Dong Heon
- Masato
- Muhn Won Jun
- Oh Jun Ho
- Park Jun Il
- Reeonn
- Tatsuki
- Yang Heui Chan
- Yeom Ye Chan
- Yusen
BOYS II PLANET Episode 2 Two Star Top Performers (Credits: Soompi)
ONE STAR contestants also remain but face the prospect of needing stronger support:
- Arctic
- Bang Jun Hyuk
- Chuei Li Yu
- Chung Sang Hyeon
- Ham Hyun Seo
- Jang Han Eum
- Jun Lee Jeong
- Kang Woo Jin
- Kim Daniel
- Kim Dong Hyun (A and B)
- Kim Hyun Seo
- Kim Jae Hyun
- Kim Young Jun
- Rensho
- Sho
- Song Min Jae
- Yang Da Wit
BOYS II PLANET Episode 2 One Star Top Performers (Credits: Soompi)
Who Is Out? The NO STAR List
Eliminated from the show after the test, these seventeen trainees exit the competition:
- Choi Jun Seok
- Chris
- Heo Ji O
- Hwang Sun Woo
- Justin
- Kenshiro
- Kim Hyun Bin
- Lee Hyeop
- Lee Won Woo
- Lee Yoon Chan
- Park Jun Seong
- Pun
- Ryan
- Shin Jae Ha
- Shoya
- Taichi
- Tomoya
At least for now, their journey ends here, though fans may look to support them in other ways or anticipate a future return.
Boys II Planet (Credits: Mnet)
Global Voting Rankings Take Shape
Alongside the rankings based on performance, initial global vote standings were released. As of July 24 at noon KST, the top positions went to:
- Lee Sang Won
- Lee Leo
- Yoo Kang Min
- Chuei Li Yu
- Kang Woo Jin
- Chung Sang Hyeon
- Masato
- Kim Jun Seo
- Kim Geon Wo
- Hsu Ching Yu
- Yumeki
- Seo Won
Following closely were Lee Hyeop, Park Dong Gyu, Yeom Ye Chan, Park Jun Il, Jang Han Eum, Kim Jae Hyun, Na Yun Seo, Jo Gye Hyeon, Kim Jun Min, and Kim Dong Yun, among others.
Global voting continues via the Mnet Plus app. Fans looking to support their favourites should check the app often to cast votes before each new elimination round.
Format Shift: How K and C Will Combine
Though BOYS II PLANET K and BOYS II PLANET C began separately, Mnet has confirmed they will merge into one unified program starting next week. That means members from both sides will face one another as the contest narrows toward a final debut group.
This merger brings higher stakes and encourages fan groups to engage across both branches. Whether a contestant rose through K or C, all will compete in a shared final stage.
BOYS II PLANET’s second episode delivers a clear impact, seventeen hopefuls eliminated, dozens repositioned, and global fandom watching closely. With the social voting system and the upcoming merger of the K and C tracks, expectations rise.
Early rankings suggest some contestants are cementing fan support early on. But with so many talented individuals, there is bound to be dramatic comeouts and surprises moving forward.
As the program continues, global audiences can track rankings and submit votes in hopes of helping their favourite trainees make the final boy group.
Stay tuned next Thursday when the two shows become one. That will be a turning point for both trainees and fans alike as the search for the debut group continues.
