The Nice Guy: 3 reasons why this upcoming K-drama is a must-watch

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Set your reminders, K-drama fans - JTBC's
is gearing up for its big premiere on July 18, and it's poised to deliver a fresh take on noir-meets-melodrama. The series stars Lee Dong Wook as Park Seok Chul, a third-generation gangster with the heart of a poet, and Lee Sung Kyung as Kang Mi Young, a would-be singer whose reunion with her first love sets off a journey of love, pain, and second chances.

Still deciding whether to tune in for this upcoming K-drama? Here are three compelling reasons
should be on your radar:

A gangster with a poet's heart

Park Seok Chul isn't a average mobster. Though born into a world of crime, he once dreamed of becoming a novelist - and beneath his tough exterior lies a deeply empathetic soul. His chance reunion with Kang Mi Young, who battles her own past traumas and stage fright, rekindles something both beautiful and heartbreaking. Their love story is shaping up to be one of the show's emotional anchors.

Director Song Hae Sung describes Seok Chul as "a contradiction - a pure heart in a ruthless world," while writer Kim Hyo Seok notes, "These characters are messy, flawed, and human. They reflect real people trying to change."

Trusted storytellers


brings together a powerhouse creative team. It is co-directed by acclaimed filmmaker Song Hae Sung (

,
) and Park Hong Soo (
), with a script by Kim Woon Kyung (
) and Kim Hyo Seok (
). 

It's also the first TV drama produced by Hive Media Corp, known for critically acclaimed films like
and
. The production promises both quality storytelling and cinematic scale, blending gritty crime drama with emotional depth.

Fiery cast


Lee Dong Wook as Park Seok Chul, a man torn between loyalty and love.

Lee Sung Kyung as Kang Mi Young, whose courage grows through love.

Park Hoon as Kang Tae Hoon, Seok Chul's former comrade turned rival, entangled in a tense love triangle.

Oh Na Ra as Park Seok Kyung, Seok Chul's impulsive sister who spirals after personal failures.

Ryu Hye Young as Park Seok Hee, the youngest sibling - smart, upright, but facing her own moral dilemmas.

Chun Ho Jin as Park Sil Gon, the patriarch carrying the weight of past regrets.

Director Song praised the ensemble, saying, "Casting was everything here. These actors embody their roles perfectly." Writer Kim Hyo Seok echoed this, calling the casting "fated."

Romance, revenge, and redemption

The love story between Seok Chul and Mi Young is not just about rekindled feelings - it’s about healing. Their connection helps them face their pasts and imagine better futures. "They complete each other," says director Song, "He regains innocence through her, and she finds the strength to sing again through him."
But with family tensions, rival gangs, and personal betrayals threatening to tear them apart,

promises a rollercoaster of emotions.


premieres July 18 at 8:50 PM KST on JTBC, airing two back-to-back episodes every Friday. Prepare for a gritty, heartfelt journey where love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.  

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