Ryu Seung-ryong returns as lovable ‘kkondae’ in ‘Dream Life of Mr. Kim’

Actors Cha Kang-yoon, left, Myung Se-bin, center, and Ryu Seung-ryong pose at a press conference for JTBC’s “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” at The Link Hotel in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of JTBC

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong makes his long-awaited return to television after a 15-year hiatus in JTBC’s new drama, “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim.”

Premiering Oct. 25, the series follows Kim Nak-soo, a veteran corporate manager who suddenly loses everything he once believed defined success — his job, his status and his sense of self — and begins an unexpected journey to rediscover what happiness truly means.

At a press conference held Wednesday at The Link Hotel in Seoul, director Jo Hyun-tak and cast members Ryu, Myung Se-bin and Cha Kang-yoon shared insights into the production.

Jo, known for hit dramas such as “SKY Castle” (2018), “Snowdrop” (2021) and “The Atypical Family” (2024), said he was drawn to the story’s relatability and emotional depth.

“The original webtoon was already beloved. As someone around the same age as the protagonist, I was deeply immersed and felt compelled to direct it,” he said, praising Ryu’s performance as “so complete that it was hard to distinguish him from the character.”

Ryu plays Kim, a diligent man who, after 25 years at a conglomerate, finds himself stripped of everything he worked for.

“He’s a middle-aged kkondae,” Ryu said. (“Kkondae” can be translated as “boomer” in English, and describes an old-fashioned, self-righteous person who tries to impose their views on others.) “I portrayed this middle-aged kkondae like a clown — funny but not hateful. On set, I was one of the oldest except for a few senior actors, so I tried to stay generous while also being creative. It was difficult to find the right balance. To others, I might still look like a kkondae.”

Blending comedy and introspection, the series depicts Kim’s fall from stability and his chaotic search for meaning. “It’s a story about losing what you thought mattered and finding what really does,” Ryu said. “I wanted audiences to laugh but also feel something real.”

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong poses at a press conference for JTBC’s “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” at The Link Hotel in Seoul’s Guro District, Tuesday. Newsis

Director Jo said the drama explores Korea’s generational divide through humor and empathy. “There’s this sense that the generations are disconnected,” he said. “I wanted to create a story that helps bridge that gap.”

Co-star Cha Kang-yoon, who plays Kim’s son, said Ryu was the opposite of his character in real life. “He’s nothing like a kkondae,” Cha said. “When I arrive on set, he greets me by saying, ‘My son’s here!’ and makes everyone comfortable from the start. But when the camera rolls, he completely transforms. My respect for him grew even more. It was a joy to work with him.”

With its blend of satire, warmth and family insight, “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” captures the bittersweet comedy of midlife by asking, with humor and heart, what it really means to live well.

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