Lee Dong-wook returns as unlikely gangster in JTBC’s ‘The Nice Guy’

Actors Lee Sung-kyung, left, and Lee Dong-wook pose at a press conference for JTBC’s new series “The Nice Guy” at a hotel in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Actor Lee Dong-wook, best known for his roles in genre dramas like “Goblin,” and “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” is taking a turn into more grounded territory with his latest project, “The Nice Guy.”

In contrast to his past fantasy and supernatural characters, Lee plays an unglamorous, down-on-his-luck gangster in a heartfelt noir drama that centers on love, dreams and redemption.

At a press conference Monday, director Song Hae-sung and cast members including Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sung-kyung, Park Hoon, Oh Na-ra and Ryu Hye-young introduced the new JTBC Friday series.

“The Nice Guy” follows Park Seok-chul (Lee Dong-wook), the eldest grandson of a third-generation gangster family who once dreamed of becoming a novelist. Now resigned to a life he never wanted, Seok-chul crosses paths with his first love, aspiring singer Kang Mi-young (Lee Sung-kyung), setting off a journey of emotional reckoning and transformation.

Described as an “emotional noir,” the series explores the fierce love and relentless hope of two people striving to reclaim their dreams amid harsh realities.

Director Song Hae-sung, known for films like “Failan” and “A Family,” co-directs alongside Park Hong-soo of “Lost.” The script was penned by veteran writer Kim Woon-kyung of “Yuna’s Street” and “Seoul’s Moon,” along with Kim Hyo-seok, who wrote the political thriller “Yadang.”

The show also marks the first drama project by production company Hive Media Corp., which produced box-office hits such as “12.12: The Day,” “The Man Standing Next” and “Deliver Us From Evil.”

Actor Lee Dong-wook speaks during a press conference for JTBC’s new Friday series “The Nice Guy” at a hotel in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Sheds fantasy roles for gritty realism

Asked about the decision to take on a more realistic role, Lee said, “I was getting a bit tired. Genre shows require building entire worlds — flying through the air with wires and saving the world. This time, I wanted something more grounded, a story with its feet on the ground. That’s why I chose ‘Good Man.’”

He emphasized that the show does not glamorize gangster life. “I didn’t want to look cool. I wanted to look exhausted,” he said. “This character is worn down by life, and I didn’t want to romanticize any of that.”

Song echoed this point. “The title may sound outdated — like a phrase from the 1980s — but the drama is built on emotions and realism. It’s the kind of story that might feel unfamiliar at first, but gradually draws you in.”

Lee Sung-kyung plays Kang Mi-young, who struggles with stage fright but refuses to give up on her dream of becoming a singer. She described the project as “a happy one — I didn’t lose any weight during filming for the first time.” She added, “There’s joy in the music, and in every part of the storytelling.”

When asked about their on-screen chemistry, Lee Dong-wook said, “I was curious about working with her too, but she brought so much energy. She has this ability to flip heavy emotions into something light.” In response, Lee Sung-kyung said, “He has the kind of first-love 'oppa' visuals that make your heart flutter. It was easy to get immersed.”

A drama embracing its retro sensibilities

Supporting cast members include Ryu Hye-young, who said she was initially struck by how “old-fashioned” the script felt — but in a good way. “It leans into its retro vibe with confidence, and that’s what makes it refreshing,” she said. “Today’s audiences appreciate authenticity, and this drama delivers that.”

Song said he hopes viewers will find the story emotionally resonant. “It’s not about spectacle. It’s about people finding themselves and their place in the world — just like the rest of us.”

“Good Man” premieres Friday on JTBC.

From left are actors Park Hoon, Ryu Hye-young, Oh Na-ra, Lee Sung-kyung, and Lee Dong-wook during a press conference for JTBC’s new series “The Nice Guy” on Monday. Yonhap

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.