Lee Dong Wook has made a gripping return to television with The Nice Guy, a drama that’s quickly capturing attention for its emotional depth and genre-blending narrative. Following his success in The Divorce Insurance, the actor steps into the role of Park Seok Chul, a character layered with contradictions—born into a gangster legacy yet shaped by compassion and sincerity. The show premiered on July 18, 2025, and has already gained momentum with its first two episodes, offering a compelling mix of romance and crime that sets it apart from conventional K-dramas.
The drama centers around Seok Chul’s struggle to maintain his moral compass in a world filled with violence and loyalty tests. As the eldest grandson of a notorious gangster family, he’s expected to carry forward the legacy. However, his heart leans toward peace, kindness, and a life that stands in opposition to the one he was born into. The conflict intensifies when he crosses paths with his childhood love, Kang Mi Young, played by Lee Sung Kyung. Mi Young is unwavering in her pursuit of a music career, and her reentry into Seok Chul’s life sparks a cascade of unresolved feelings and new dilemmas. Their reunion becomes the emotional core of the series, testing both characters’ limits and resilience.
Episodes 3 and 4 are scheduled to release on July 25, 2025, continuing the show’s weekly drop every Friday. The 14-episode series airs at 8:50 PM KST on JTBC for domestic viewers, while global audiences can stream it on Disney+ and Viki, both platforms offering multilingual subtitles. This accessibility has already contributed to a growing international fanbase, with audiences appreciating its fresh take on storytelling.
What makes The Nice Guy especially compelling is its noir-tinged cinematography paired with a strong romantic thread. It avoids falling into predictable patterns by interweaving emotional vulnerability with the raw realities of crime family politics. The direction highlights both the visual and psychological tensions, pulling viewers into a world where characters are constantly at the edge of moral and emotional choices.
Lee Dong Wook brings nuance to his performance, portraying Seok Chul as a man weighed down by expectation but still yearning for personal redemption. His dynamic with Lee Sung Kyung adds warmth and unpredictability, making their story one to root for. Supporting characters, likely to be fleshed out in upcoming episodes, hint at deeper subplots that could explore betrayal, legacy, and the painful cost of love in high-stakes environments.
With strong performances, a mature narrative, and high production values, The Nice Guy promises to be more than just a romance or crime drama. It’s shaping up to be a memorable exploration of identity, love, and the battle between the past we inherit and the future we choose to create.