Acclaimed actor Ryu Seung Ryong is set to star in the upcoming JTBC drama The Dream Life of Mr. Kim, which promises to offer a heartfelt and relatable exploration of everyday life.
Based on a popular webtoon, the series follows the journey of a middle-aged man, Kim Nak Soo, who suddenly finds himself losing everything he once considered important.
Through this journey, he learns that true value does not lie in career success or material possessions but in embracing one’s authentic self and the meaningful connections in life.
The drama is scheduled to premiere on October 25, 2025, at 10:40 p.m. KST, and fans are eagerly anticipating Ryu Seung Ryong’s portrayal of a character who reflects the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people in contemporary society.
Introducing Kim Nak Soo
Ryu Seung Ryong plays Kim Nak Soo, the head of Sales Team 1 at a major corporation. Nak Soo’s life, at first glance, appears enviable: he has spent 25 years climbing the corporate ladder, earning the respect of his peers, becoming a department head, and even owning a home in Seoul.
He also enjoys a seemingly stable family life, with a homemaker wife and a son attending a prestigious university.
Despite this outwardly successful life, Nak Soo begins to realize that achievements, status, and possessions do not define true happiness or fulfillment.
The drama delves into the internal struggles of a man who has long adhered to societal definitions of success and is now confronting what truly matters in life.
Ryu Seung Ryong (Credit: YouTube)
Ryu Seung Ryong on Why He Chose the Role
Speaking about his decision to take on the role, Ryu Seung Ryong explained,
“What struck me most was how realistic the story felt. We live in an era where everyone is just trying to get by in their respective places, and this drama captures that very honestly. I thought a lot of people would be able to relate to it.”
The actor was drawn to the relatability and realism of the narrative. Kim Nak Soo represents the type of person audiences might encounter in their daily lives—ordinary, unassuming, and deeply human.
Character Insights
Ryu Seung Ryong describes Kim Nak Soo as initially appearing blunt and stubborn, yet underneath, he is a man of principle who deeply loves his family.
“He’s not special, and that’s exactly what makes him more realistic. The more you see him, the fonder of him you get,” the actor shared.
Nak Soo’s journey emphasizes the importance of appreciating the people around us and understanding that personal worth is not measured by career success or social prestige.
Ryu Seung Ryong notes that Nak Soo’s greatest achievement is the meaningful relationships he has cultivated, underscoring the drama’s message about valuing everyday life and human connection.
Acting Approach and Preparation
To authentically portray Kim Nak Soo, Ryu Seung Ryong dedicated himself to thoroughly understanding the character and his emotional journey. He stated,
“I focused on staying true to the script while building the character. I read the script carefully to understand what kind of person Nak Soo is and what sort of emotional journey he goes through. On set, I constantly discussed each scene with the director, crew, and other actors in order to depict Nak Soo as authentically as possible.”
The actor’s commitment to nuance and authenticity ensures that viewers will connect with Nak Soo on a deep, personal level.
Themes and Messages
The Dream Life of Mr. Kim is not solely about the life of one man—it reflects the experiences and struggles of ordinary people navigating modern life. Ryu Seung Ryong hopes that audiences will reflect on questions such as:
“What have I missed while living? What have I taken for granted? What am I still clinging to?”
Through Nak Soo’s story, the drama encourages viewers to reconsider their own definitions of success and happiness, advocating for a flexible and compassionate approach to life.
Looking Forward
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation for The Dream Life of Mr. Kim continues to build.
With Ryu Seung Ryong’s heartfelt performance, the drama promises to be a thoughtful and moving exploration of personal growth, family, and the often-overlooked beauty of ordinary life.
Audiences can expect a series that blends relatability, emotional depth, and thoughtful storytelling, making it one of the most anticipated dramas of October 2025.
Actress Son Na-eun has officially joined the cast of one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2025, SBS’s Manager Kim.
The announcement, made on October 22, 2025, has excited fans and industry insiders alike, as the series promises a gripping storyline and a high-profile ensemble cast.
Son Na-eun will take on the role of Sang-ah, an important character working at Manager Kim’s company, adding depth and intrigue to the drama’s narrative.
Manager Kim centers on the life of a seemingly ordinary middle-aged office worker, Manager Kim, portrayed by So Ji Sub. While appearing to lead a quiet and stable life, Kim harbors a hidden past as a North Korean special agent.
The story escalates into a thrilling sequence of events when his beloved daughter is kidnapped, forcing him to confront both his past and present. The series is set to air on SBS in 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating its debut.
The Creative Team Behind the Drama
The drama will be directed by Lee Seung Young, known for his work on Wonderful World (2024), Tracer (2022), and Voice 2 (2018).
His expertise in crafting intense narratives ensures that Manager Kim will combine suspense, action, and emotional storytelling.
The script is penned by Nam Dae Joong, who is making his drama-writing debut. He brings a wealth of cinematic experience, having directed films such as First Ride (2025), Love Reset (2023), Homme Fatale (2019), and The Last Wish (2016).
With Lee Seung Young and Nam Dae Joong collaborating, the drama is set to balance thrilling action with nuanced character development.
Son Na-eun’s Role and Acting Journey
In Manager Kim, Son Na-eun portrays Sang-ah, an employee at Manager Kim’s company who becomes deeply involved in the unfolding events.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, industry insiders suggest her role will be pivotal in driving key narrative moments and providing emotional resonance within the story.
Son Na-eun (Credit: YouTube)
Since debuting as a member of Apink in 2011, Son Na-eun has steadily transitioned into acting, building a diverse and impressive portfolio. Some of her notable past projects include:
- Twenty Again (2015)
- Cinderella and the Four Knights (2016)
- Dinner Mate (2020)
- Lost (2021)
- Ghost Doctor (2022)
She has also earned critical acclaim in more recent works, such as Agency (2023), which achieved a peak viewership rating of 16.044%, and Family X Melo (2024), where she portrayed the eldest daughter archetype with a balance of warmth and strength.
Earlier in 2025, she starred in Lady Ok’s Tale, breathing new life into the character of Lady Ok Tae Young, further cementing her acting credentials.
With this diverse acting background, Son Na-eun brings both experience and versatility to her role in Manager Kim.
Her casting has been widely praised, as fans anticipate the chemistry she will share with So Ji Sub, Chae Dae Hoon, Yoon Kyung Ho, and the rest of the ensemble.
Fan Expectations and Industry Buzz
The addition of Son Na-eun has heightened expectations for Manager Kim. Fans are particularly eager to see how she navigates her role as Sang-ah and interacts with the central characters, especially within the intense, suspense-driven storyline.
Given the popularity of the original Naver webtoon, viewers are hoping for a faithful yet exciting adaptation that highlights the talents of the cast and creative team.
Industry observers note that Son Na-eun’s participation signals SBS’s commitment to casting actors with proven appeal and versatility, ensuring that the drama resonates with both domestic and international audiences.
Her casting also reinforces the growing trend of K-pop idols successfully transitioning to acting, bringing a loyal fanbase to new projects.
Looking Forward to 2025
As Manager Kim gears up for its 2025 release, anticipation continues to build. The combination of a thrilling plot, experienced director, fresh screenwriter, and a talented ensemble cast, including Son Na-eun, makes it one of the most anticipated dramas of the year.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the series balances suspense, character development, and emotional storytelling, while also highlighting Son Na-eun’s evolving career as an actress.
