After a 15-year absence from television, acclaimed actor Ryu Seung-ryong is making his highly anticipated return to the small screen in JTBC's new drama series "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim." The show, which premieres on October 25, follows the story of Kim Nak-soo, a seasoned corporate manager who suddenly loses everything he once considered the pillars of success – his job, social status, and personal identity – before embarking on an unexpected journey to rediscover the true meaning of happiness.
At a press conference held on Wednesday at The Link Hotel in Seoul, director Jo Hyun-tak joined cast members Ryu Seung-ryong, Myung Se-bin, and Cha Kang-yoon to discuss the upcoming production. Director Jo, who has gained recognition for creating hit dramas including "SKY Castle" (2018), "Snowdrop" (2021), and "The Atypical Family" (2024), explained his attraction to the project's relatable themes and emotional resonance. "The original webtoon was already beloved by many readers. As someone around the same age as the main character, I found myself deeply immersed in the story and felt compelled to bring it to life," Jo said, while praising Ryu's portrayal as being so authentic that it became difficult to distinguish the actor from his character.
Ryu takes on the role of Kim Nak-soo, a dedicated employee who, after spending 25 years working for a major conglomerate, finds himself suddenly stripped of everything he had worked so hard to achieve. Describing his character, Ryu explained, "He's a middle-aged 'kkondae,'" using a Korean term that can be translated as 'boomer' in English and refers to an old-fashioned, self-righteous person who tends to impose their traditional views on others. "I portrayed this middle-aged character like a clown – someone who is funny and entertaining but not hateful or completely unlikeable," he added.
The veteran actor shared insights about his experience on set, revealing the challenges he faced in balancing different aspects of his performance. "On set, I was one of the oldest actors except for a few senior performers, so I tried to maintain a generous attitude while also being creative with my interpretation. It was quite difficult to find the right balance between these elements," Ryu admitted with characteristic honesty. "To others watching, I might still appear like a 'kkondae' myself," he added with humor.
The series skillfully blends elements of comedy and deep introspection, depicting Kim's dramatic fall from corporate stability and his often chaotic search for life's true meaning. "It's fundamentally a story about losing what you initially thought mattered most and eventually finding what really does matter in life," Ryu explained about the show's central theme. "My goal was to make audiences laugh and feel entertained, but also to help them connect with something genuine and meaningful."
Director Jo emphasized that the drama serves as an exploration of Korea's generational divide, using humor and empathy as tools to bridge understanding between different age groups. "There's this persistent sense that the generations in our society are disconnected and don't understand each other," Jo observed. "I wanted to create a story that could help bridge that gap and foster better understanding between older and younger Koreans."
Co-star Cha Kang-yoon, who plays Kim's son in the series, offered a different perspective on Ryu's personality, noting the stark contrast between the actor and his on-screen character. "He's absolutely nothing like a 'kkondae' in real life," Cha revealed. "When I arrive on set each day, he greets me enthusiastically by saying, 'My son's here!' and immediately makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome from the very start. But when the cameras begin rolling, he completely transforms into his character. My respect and admiration for him as a professional grew even more throughout our collaboration. It was truly a joy and privilege to work alongside him."
With its thoughtful blend of social satire, genuine warmth, and insightful family dynamics, "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim" captures the bittersweet comedy inherent in midlife experiences. The series poses profound questions about what it truly means to live a fulfilling life, approaching these themes with both humor and emotional depth that promises to resonate with viewers across different generations.
