The Nice Guy, a new JTBC noir drama, tracks Park Seok Chul, played by Lee Dong Wook, the eldest grandson of a third-generation gangster clan of pure heart who strives to overcome obstacles in order to defend his family, profession, and love for Kang Mi Young, played by Lee Sung Kyung, a budding singer.
The drama airs its premiere on July 18, 2025, every Friday at 8:50 PM KST, in a back-to-back episode format, and will be released on Disney+ and Hulu in some areas. From Song Hae Sung, who directed Failan and Maundy Thursday, and Kim Woon Kyung, who wrote Yoo Na’s Street, comes the 14-episode series co-produced by SLL, Hive Media Corp, and HIGROUND. Ryu Hye Young stars as Seok Chul’s sister, Park Seok Hee, and Oh Na Ra.
Breakdown of Lee Dong Wook’s character on The Nice Guy
The three teaser clips of The Nice Guy focus on Lee Dong Wook’s character of Park Seok-Chul, with his contrasting natures and hinting at the drama. The first one, titled “Noir,” presents Seok Chul’s rough life as a gangster. He looks worn out with bloodied bandages on his hand and a blank expression. The narration, “A man who had much to protect,” underscores his obligation to keep his family safe, suggesting fierce battles within the underworld. It creates expectations for action sequences and a gritty tone.
The second teaser, themed “Literary,” reveals Seok Chul’s introspective side. In a journal inspired by Hemingway, he writes, “As long as the sun rises, there is hope. Will the sun rise again for me?” This suggests a character yearning for a life beyond crime, possibly as a novelist, raising curiosity about his struggles and emotional depth. Fans anticipate a nuanced performance from Lee Dong Wook, known for roles in Goblin and A Shop for Killers.
The third teaser combines noir and literary elements, showing Seok Chul’s dual identity. As scenes alternate between his gangster life and reflective moments, he recites, “I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference,” quoting Robert Frost. This implies pivotal choices shaping his fate, blending action with introspection. The teasers position Lee Dong Wook as a versatile lead, balancing toughness and vulnerability.
Plot of Tale of the Nine Tailed
Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020) is a South Korean fantasy drama series where Lee Dong Wook plays the role of Lee Yeon, a thousand-year-old nine-tailed fox gumiho who was a mountain spirit ruler in the past. The tale revolves around Lee Yeon, who now resides in contemporary Seoul as a civil servant of the afterlife, monitoring supernatural creatures. He hopes to be with his first love, Ah Eum, who was reincarnated as Nam Ji Ah (Jo Bo Ah), an aggressive TV producer who investigates urban legends.
The story focuses on Lee Yeon and Ji Ah’s attempt to solve the mysteries of her past life despite threats from Imoogi, an evil serpent spirit (Lee Tae Ri), who seeks to inhabit Ji Ah’s body in order to acquire power. Lee Yeon’s half-brother, Lee Rang (Kim Bum), a vengeful gumiho, makes things more complicated due to his anger towards humans and Lee Yeon, fueled by a sad past. Ji Ah’s search for her parents’ mysterious accident leads her to discover her relationship with Ah Eum and the supernatural world.
The action, romance, and folklore are intertwined in the drama as Lee Yeon fights to safeguard Ji Ah, battles Imoogi, and repairs relationships with Lee Rang. They undertake mystical challenges, such as seeking out sacred relics and being judged by otherworldly rulers, while navigating themes of sacrifice and redemption. Supporting characters, like a shaman (Kim Yong Ji) and workers in the afterlife, provide depth to the supernatural universe.
The 16-episode season, which ran on tvN from October 7 to December 3, 2020, offsets dramatic conflicts with emotional scenes, ending in the battle of Lee Yeon and Ji Ah for their common fate. Two seasons came in 2023, but the first centers on their first reunion.
Read More: Buried Hearts Hits Its Best Ratings Yet; Undercover High School Returns Strong
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Hilfa, Senior Writer at Hilvaro, excels in pop culture journalism. She crafts engaging content on movies, TV, & trends, fueled by her love for storytelling & entertainment.
Discover more from Hilvaro
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
