Shin's Project

“Shin’s Project” (Korean: 신사장 프로젝트) is a black-comedy drama that premiered on tvN on September 15, 2025, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 20:50 KST. Produced by Studio Dragon, directed by Shin Kyung-soo and written by Ban Ki-ri, the series follows Mr. Shin, a fried-chicken chef with a legendary past in negotiation, who now mediates community disputes with equal parts charm and menace.

Plot Synopsis

Formerly a crisis negotiations advisor to global agencies like the FBI and Interpol – and once the youngest Harvard negotiation professor – Mr. Shin (Han Suk-kyu) now runs a humble chicken restaurant. But beneath his apron lies an unparalleled skill for conflict resolution. When community disputes arise, Mr. Shin steps into the fray – frying chicken by day, balancing rivalries, misunderstandings, and ethical gray zones by night.

Unexpectedly paired with him is Jo Philip (Bae Hyun-sung), a top-tier law graduate about to become a judge, but now forced into working at the chicken shop. Meanwhile, Lee Si-on (Lee Re), a spirited Gen-Z delivery driver, tackles the same neighborhood issues with street-smart intuition. Together, they form an unlikely team navigating justice, empathy, and fried chicken.

Cast & Characters

• Han Suk-kyu as Mr. Shin – The calm, enigmatic fried-chicken shop owner with an unparalleled negotiating mind. A neighborhood savior with flair.
• Bae Hyun-sung as Jo Philip – A brilliant young judge-aspirant who must adapt his legal sensibilities to everyday human dramas, stepping far outside the courthouse.
• Lee Re as Lee Si-on – A bold delivery rider embodying Gen-Z resilience and loyalty – part courier, part undercover aide in Mr. Shin’s mission of street-level justice.
• Supporting the trio are Kim Sung-oh, Woo Mi-hwa, Kim Sang-ho, Jung Eun-pyo, and others who represent the colorful personalities and problems that walk into Shin’s shop daily.

Reception

Buzz & Teasers

Early teasers and visual design – Mr. Shin in apron and suit, meditating negotiation and chicken frying – sparked enthusiastic responses. The tagline “Negotiation and intimidation are only a hair’s breadth apart” – paired with promise of “customized solutions” – set expectations high.

Actor Insight

Han Suk-kyu revealed he chose the role for its mix of “human warmth, humor, and realistic emotions,” and prepared by adjusting tone, gaze, and even chicken-frying style to convey duality.

Anticipation

Both Bae Hyun-sung and Lee Re expressed pride in playing characters who solve everyday conflicts – one from legal principle, the other from intuition – adding fresh dynamics to the concept.

Fun Facts

Oddest Hero Yet

Mr. Shin doesn’t wear a cape – just an apron over a suit, flipping from cooking to conflict-resolution in a single day.

Creative Reunion

Han Suk-kyu reunited with director Shin Kyung-soo for the third time – after successful dramas “Deep Rooted Tree” and “Secret Door” – a collaboration now marked by sharp comedic drama.

Culinary Symbolism

The fried chicken shop symbolizes both comfort and chaos – each dish is a metaphor for the daily tensions dealt with at Shin’s counter.

Final Thoughts

“Shin’s Project” serves up a clever blend of comedy, psychological insight, and social satire – all in a fried chicken joint. With Han Suk-kyu’s magnetic presence and a supporting trio that balances law, grit, and intuition, this series redefines the idea of superhero: not via powers, but through words, empathy, and the ability to bring peace – one messy conflict at a time.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

• Airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 20:50 KST on tvN starting September 15, 2025.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: TVING, Wavve.
• Japan: U-Next.
• Taiwan: friDay Video.
• Indonesia: Vidio.
• Thailand: TrueVisions Now.
• Globally: Viki.

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