Latest news with #LeeDong-wook
India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
The Nice Guy review: Lee Dong-wook's drama is slow, sweet, and strikingly relevant
If you think you've seen every possible twist on the gangster drama, think again. 'The Nice Guy' arrives with a premise that's deceptively familiar—yes, there's a mob family, debts to pay, and grudges to settle—but instead of the usual blood-soaked bravado, it offers something warmer, rawer, and more grounded. This isn't about making crime look cool; it's about showing just how messy, exhausting, and tragically ordinary it can be when the 'family business' is the one thing holding you back from the life you actually by Song Hae-sung and written by Kim Woon-kyung, The Nice Guy features Lee Dong-wook, who plays Park Seok Cheol, the eldest grandson of a third-generation gangster clan, whose soft heart and creative dreams are constantly at war with the hard-edged life forced upon him. His first love, Kang Mi Yeong (Lee Sung-kyung), is an aspiring singer juggling multiple jobs to support her mother's nursing home bills. The two find themselves navigating through family duty, love, and survival in an unforgiving makes 'The Nice Guy' a refreshing drama is its refusal to romanticise crime. It strips away any glamour associated with the genre, and replaces it with economic hardship, family obligations, and the often invisible grind of chasing dreams even when the odds seems to be against you. It's a sharp reflection of middle-class anxieties. Be it rising costs of living or the pressure to support loved ones in uncertain times. Every character carries a quiet desperation. Seok-cheol, tied to the gangster life by his father's legacy, secretly yearns to write. Mi-young works herself to exhaustion yet remains financially behind. Seok-kyung spirals into gambling post-divorce, trying to regain control of her life. Sil-gon, the patriarch, clings to fading respect in a world moving on without him. Seok-hee sacrifices her own stability, giving away every pay-check to her parents' needs. These struggles are so textured and relatable they feel like they belong to a real family in a small Korean city (minus, perhaps, a gangster who looks like Lee Dong-wook). That said, the pacing can feel deliberately slow. While this measured storytelling gives every character's arc the room to breathe, it also demands more attention from viewers. The romance is woven throughout the episodes in small, heartfelt beats rather than grand gestures, so anyone expecting a romance-heavy drama might find themselves wanting when the romance does appear, it's a quiet delight. Seok-cheol's huge, awkward grin whenever he sees Mi-young is heart-melting. Their cafe meeting, where his eyes crinkle in unguarded joy, is pure serotonin. Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung bring a chemistry that's playful yet earnest, making you root for them from the first moment.'The Nice Guy' is more than just another gangster tale. It's poignant storytelling about day-to-day life, without being preachy, romantic without being saccharine, and funny without undercutting its emotional is a drama worth watching not for its guns or grudges, but for its human heart.(The Nice Guy has 14 episodes. This review is based on the first 8 episodes.)- Ends3.5 out of 5 stars to The Nice Guy.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Nice Guy episode 1 release date and time: Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyun's romantic K-drama might become your next binge-watch obsession
The Nice Guy - the new K-drama on the block! Lee Dong-wook is officially back, and this time he's stepping into a world of romance, loyalty, and family secrets. He stars opposite Lee Sung-kyung in a series that's already generating major buzz online. With teaser posters circulating and social media abuzz over their fresh pairing, the anticipation is high for a drama that blends romance, emotional struggles, and underworld intrigue. At the heart of the story is Park Seok-chul, played by Lee Dong-wook, the unlikely heir to a third-generation gangster family. While his bloodline carries a legacy of crime, Seok-chul is nothing like the men who came before him. He is sincere, soft-spoken, and values love over violence. The Nice Guy turns the typical "tough guy with a soft side" narrative on its head, promising a journey filled with emotional complexity, romantic tension, and the fight to break free from one's past. If you like the storyline synopsis and want to learn more about The Nice Guy, as well as when and where to see it, here is everything you need to know: What is The Nice Guy about? Park Seok-chul was born into a powerful mafia family, but he refuses to follow in their footsteps. Despite his family's horrible history, he lives with integrity, preferring kindness and loyalty to violence. His life takes an unexpected turn when he reunites with his first love, Kang Mi-young (played by Lee Sung-kyung), a determined singer trying to make it on her own. Will this nice guy finish last?Lee Dongwook and Lee Sungkyoung star in #TheNiceGuy coming to #DisneyPlusPH on July 18. As family tensions increase and old loyalties resurface, Seok-chul is torn between defending the woman he loves and preserving the heritage he was born into. The Nice Guy tells a fascinating narrative of love tested by ambition, secrets, and the weight of blood ties. When and where to watch The Nice Guy The Nice Guy, starring Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung, will air on JTBC on July 18, 2025. The 14-episode drama will also be available to worldwide viewers through Disney+ and Viki. New episodes will be broadcast every Friday at 8:50 PM KST (5:20 PM IST), with the finale set for August 29, 2025. The cast also includes Ryu Hye-young as Park Seok-hee Oh Na-ra as Park Seok-gyeong Park Hoon as Kang Tae-hun The series, directed by Song Hae-sung and written by Kim Woon-kyung, is quickly garnering popularity as one of JTBC's most promising dramas of the year. The Nice Guy, with its genuine love story, great cast, and emotional heart, is building up to be a must-see drama this summer. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Korea Herald
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
JTBC's 'The Nice Guy' blends first love with gangster grit
Hallyu heartthrob Lee Dong-wook breaks away from fantasy, discusses glamorizing gangsters A fresh yet nostalgic mix of romance and crime is coming to the small screen this summer in the new JTBC series 'The Nice Guy,' starring Hallyu favorites Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung. The story follows Seok-cheol (Lee Dong-wook), the eldest son in an organized crime family who dreams of becoming a writer, and his first love Mi-young (Lee Sung-kyung). Together, they navigate a story brimming with youthful longing and harsh realities. Speaking at a press event in Seoul on Monday, Lee Dong-wook — celebrated for his performances in TV drama hits such as 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God' and 'A Shop for Killers' — explained why he took the role. 'For the past four to five years, I've mostly been doing fantasy-based works, and I was feeling a bit worn out,' he said. 'I wanted to do something more grounded and realistic, where I could portray a realistic character.' Adding that he did not do a lot of special preparation for the role, he said, "You could call it everyday acting. At times, it might even feel like you're seeing the real Lee Dong-wook. I wanted to portray a more relatable, ordinary character — someone you might actually encounter in real life — by staying flexible on set and working closely with the other actors.' Director Song Hae-sung described the show's vibe as a throwback to the 1980s and '90s, with a focus on first love and gangster life. 'We aimed for something subtle, like Pyongyang cold noodles — simple at first but lingering in your mind,' he said. Addressing ongoing concerns about glamorizing gangsters — a frequent challenge in Korean noir storytelling — Lee spoke candidly. 'The role of a gangster might come off as old-fashioned or cliche,' he said. 'But by showing the character as somewhat pitiful and pathetic, it feels more real.' He added, 'When I spoke with the director and writers, we all agreed that there would be no glamorization. I had no intention of making the character look cool at all.' 'The Nice Guy' premieres Friday on JTBC and will stream exclusively on Disney+.
Asia News Network
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Asia News Network
What you need to know about the Saja Boys, Korea's grim reapers in K-pop form
July 4, 2025 SEOUL – When the Saja Boys appeared on screen for the first time, dressed in floor-length black hanbok and wide-brimmed hats casting shadows over pale, painted faces, Kang Chan-mi, a 32-year-old office worker in Seoul, immediately recognized the look. 'I knew instantly what they were,' she said. 'If you're Korean, it's almost impossible not to.' The Saja Boys, a fictional K-pop group from the new Netflix animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' may appear to be just another stylish boy band debuting for a global audience. However, for many Korean viewers, their stagewear evokes something much older and far more haunting: the 'jeoseung saja,' or the traditional Korean Grim Reaper. The image is deeply familiar to Koreans. A pale-faced man, draped in black robes and wearing a gat, a traditional Korean hat made of horsehair and silk, has long signaled death in Korean storytelling. This isn't the first time the grim reaper's look has stepped into the limelight. Most recently, on the dance competition show 'World of Street Woman Fighter,' the Korean crew Bumsup built a performance around the figure, donning black shirts and 'gat,' a traditional hat, to evoke the jeoseung saja's chilling presence. In Korean television and film, grim reapers have often been reimagined as charismatic and charming figures. In the 2016 hit drama 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,' actor Lee Dong-wook played a modern version of the character, trading traditional robes and a gat for a tailored black suit and fedora. The styling was contemporary, but the symbolism remained intact. So, where did this image come from? Many trace it back to a June 1980 episode of the KBS series 'Legend of the Hometown' (unofficial title), a show known for its ghost stories. It was there that the jeoseung saja took on its now iconic appearance. 'We wanted to create a distinctly Korean image of death,' said Choi Sang-shik, a producer on the series, in a past interview. 'Since death is associated with darkness, we dressed the grim reaper in black robes and contrasted it with a pale face and jet-black lips.' But the grim reaper hasn't always looked this way. According to the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture by Kim Deok-mook, the jeoseung saja originally appeared in shamanistic rituals as a military officer, dressed in official armor. In many paintings from the Joseon era — including Gamjae Saja, which indicates one of the underworld messengers — he is depicted wearing bright red armor. He was also a figure to be feared, as his arrival marked the moment a soul was taken from the world of the living. Though he was a figure to be scared of, he was not treated with hostility. In traditional funerary rites, the reaper is regarded with solemn respect. 'Since the reaper also serves as a guide through the long and difficult journey to the afterlife, mistreating him could bring misfortune to the deceased,' Kim said. 'That's why families treat him with care during rituals.' Even the number of reapers varies between tradition and pop culture. In 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' there are five Saja Boys; in many Korean dramas and films, the jeoseung saja often appears alone, an isolated figure quietly escorting the dead. But in Korean shamanism, the number is typically three. According to Kim, in a traditional funerary ritual from Hwanghae Province, families prepare three bowls of rice, three pairs of straw shoes, and three sets of spoons and chopsticks. These offerings are meant to honor the three reapers guiding the soul from this world to the next. That belief has also made its way into modern storytelling. In the hit film 'Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds,' three grim reapers move together as a team. The group is led by a commander, played by Ha Jung-woo, with Joo Ji-hoon and Kim Hyang-gi portraying his companions.
Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Born in ghost stories, South Korea's grim reapers transform into pop culture icons
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The Saja Boys are a fictional K-pop group from the new Netflix animated film K-pop Demon Hunters. SEOUL - When the Saja Boys appeared on screen for the first time, dressed in floor-length black hanbok and wide-brimmed hats casting shadows over pale, painted faces, Ms Kang Chan-mi, a 32-year-old office worker in Seoul, immediately recognised the look. 'I knew instantly what they were,' she said. 'If you're Korean, it's almost impossible not to.' The Saja Boys, a fictional K-pop group from the new Netflix animated film K-pop Demon Hunters may appear to be just another stylish boy band debuting for a global audience. However, for many Korean viewers, their stagewear evokes something much older and far more haunting: the jeoseung saja or the traditional Korean grim reaper. The image is deeply familiar to Koreans. A pale-faced man, draped in black robes and wearing a gat - a traditional Korean hat made of horsehair and silk - has long signalled death in Korean storytelling. This is not the first time the grim reaper's look has stepped into the limelight. Most recently, on the dance competition show World Of Street Woman Fighter, the Korean crew Bumsup built a performance around the figure, donning black shirts and gat to evoke the jeoseung saja's chilling presence. In Korean television and film, grim reapers have often been reimagined as charismatic and charming figures. In the 2016 hit drama Guardian: The Lonely And Great God, actor Lee Dong-wook played a modern version of the character, trading traditional robes and a gat for a tailored black suit and fedora. The styling was contemporary, but the symbolism remained intact. Tracing the allure of Korean grim reapers So, where did this image come from? Many trace it back to a June 1980 episode of the KBS series Legend of the Hometown (unofficial title), a show known for its ghost stories. It was there that the jeoseung saja took on its now iconic appearance. 'We wanted to create a distinctly Korean image of death,' said the series producer Choi Sang-shik in a past interview. 'Since death is associated with darkness, we dressed the grim reaper in black robes and contrasted it with a pale face and jet-black lips.' But the grim reaper has not always looked this way. According to the Encyclopedia Of Korean Culture by author Kim Deok-mook, the jeoseung saja originally appeared in shamanistic rituals as a military officer, dressed in official armour. In many paintings from the Joseon era - including Gamjae Saja, which indicates one of the underworld messengers - he is depicted wearing bright red armour. He was also a figure to be feared, as his arrival marked the moment a soul was taken from the world of the living. Though he was a figure to be scared of, he was not treated with hostility. In traditional funerary rites, the reaper is regarded with solemn respect. 'Since the reaper also serves as a guide through the long and difficult journey to the afterlife, mistreating him could bring misfortune to the deceased,' Mr Kim said. 'That's why families treat him with care during rituals.' Even the number of reapers varies between tradition and pop culture. In K-pop Demon Hunters, there are five Saja Boys; in many Korean dramas and films, the jeoseung saja often appears alone, an isolated figure quietly escorting the dead. But in Korean shamanism, the number is typically three. According to Mr Kim , in a traditional funerary ritual from Hwanghae Province, families prepare three bowls of rice, three pairs of straw shoes, and three sets of spoons and chopsticks. These offerings are meant to honour the three reapers guiding the soul from this world to the next. That belief has also made its way into modern storytelling. In the hit film Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds, three grim reapers move together as a team. The group is led by a commander, played by actors Ha Jung-woo, with Joo Ji-hoon and Kim Hyang-gi portraying his companions. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
