Native Title	서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김 부장 이야기
Also Know as	The Story of Manager Kim, Who Owns His Home and Works for a Large Company in Seoul; The Story of Manager Kim, Who Lives in a Private House in Seoul and Works at a Major Corporation; Seoul Jagae Daekieob Danineun Kim Bujang Yiyaki
Director	Jo Hyun-Tak
Writer	Kim Hong-Ki, Yun Hye-Seong (script); Song Hui-Gu (novel, webcomic)
Distributor	SLL, Varo Entertainment, Drama House Studio, JTBC, Netflix
Air Time	Saturday 22:40, Sunday 22:30
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	12 episodes
Genre	Black Comedy, Daily Life, Drama, Office
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2025-10-25
End Date	2025-11-30

"The Dream Life of Mr. Kim" is a poignant slice-of-life comedy that resonates with the everyday struggles of middle-aged ambition and rediscovery. Starring Ryu Seung-ryong, this JTBC drama offers a sincere yet humorous look at chasing true happiness beyond societal badges of success.

Overview

"The Dream Life of Mr. Kim" (Korean: 서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김 부장 이야기, lit. "The Story of Manager Kim Who Owns a Home in Seoul and Works for a Large Company") is an upcoming 2025 South Korean television series directed by Jo Hyun-tak, known for "Sky Castle" and "The Atypical Family," and written by Kim Hong-gi and Yoon Hye-sung. Produced for JTBC, it consists of 12 episodes, each approximately 70 minutes long, rated 15+ for teens and older. Adapted from the novel by Song Hui-gu, which was also turned into a webtoon, the series airs every Saturday at 22:40 and Sunday at 22:30 starting October 25, 2025, until November 30, 2025. It explores themes of resilience, family, and self-worth in modern Korean society.

Plot Synopsis

Kim Nak-soo, a 25-year veteran salesman turned department manager at a major Seoul corporation, embodies the "dream life": a prime apartment in the city, a devoted wife, a son, and a track record of promotions. But beneath the success lies exhaustion from relentless corporate politics and familial pressures. When a shocking crisis upends his world—stripping away his job, home, and identity—Nak-soo embarks on a grueling journey of survival. From menial labor at industrial sites to car washes and beyond, he confronts the fragility of his values, learning that true happiness isn't in titles but in authenticity. Joined by his self-sacrificing wife Park Ha-jin and daughter Kim Ji-eun, Nak-soo's path evokes tears and laughter, blending heartfelt family bonds with satirical jabs at work-life imbalance as he rebuilds from rock bottom.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Ryu Seung-ryong as Kim Nak-soo: The overworked manager whose "dream life" crumbles, evolving from weary commuter to resilient everyman. Ryu Seung-ryong's expressive range captures the fatigue and quiet determination.
Myung Se-bin as Park Ha-jin: Nak-soo's supportive wife, a pillar of quiet strength navigating her own sacrifices in their shared downfall.
Cha Kang-yoon as Kim Ji-eun: The couple's daughter, adding generational perspective to the family's trials and triumphs.

Supporting Cast

Includes additional family and colleagues enhancing the corporate satire and emotional arcs, with Jo Hyun-tak's direction emphasizing authentic ensemble dynamics.

Reception

Teaser Sparks Relatable Empathy

The September 2025 teaser, showing Nak-soo's blank-faced commute and shattering "milestones" like "Seoul homeowner" and "corporate manager," has sparked empathy, with fans on X calling it "relatable AF for burnt-out salarymen."

Posters Amplify Emotional Buzz

Posters depicting Ryu Seung-ryong straining under literal burdens have amplified buzz, positioning it as a "fun yet sincere" comfort watch per the production team.

Comparisons to Social Commentary

Early sentiment draws parallels to "Sky Castle" for social commentary, with high expectations for Ryu Seung-ryong's heartfelt performance amid JTBC's strong weekend slot.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Webtoon-Novel Roots

Adapted from Song Hui-gu's novel, which inspired a hit webtoon, the series captures its blend of humor and pathos, focusing on "protecting one's values" in a high-pressure society.

Ryu Seung-ryong's Relatable Burden

Posters literally show Ryu carrying massive loads, symbolizing Nak-soo's "overwhelming" titles; the teaser escalator scene mirrors the daily grind, cracking under pressure.

Director's Signature Touch

Jo Hyun-tak reunites with his "Sky Castle" satirical lens for corporate jabs, promising "tears and laughter" in Nak-soo's resilience arc.

Teaser Symbolism

Words like "owning a house" and "large corporation" shatter as Kim Nak-soo ascends, teasing his identity crisis and quest for genuine happiness.

Global Netflix Rollout

Streams weekly on Netflix starting October 25, 2025, broadening its reach beyond JTBC's domestic audience.

Final Thoughts

"The Dream Life of Mr. Kim" arrives as a timely balm for 2025's overworked souls, transforming midlife unraveling into a hopeful rebuild through laughter and quiet truths. Ryu Seung-ryong's weary yet endearing lead, backed by a tight ensemble, promises resonance in its sincere take on happiness beyond accolades. In JTBC's lineup, it's set to be a comforting weekend staple—reminding us that the real dream is living authentically, burdens and all.

Where to Watch

"The Dream Life of Mr. Kim" premieres on JTBC in South Korea on October 25, 2025, airing Saturdays at 22:40 and Sundays at 22:30 until November 30, 2025. It streams globally on Netflix with weekly episodes starting the same date. In Korea, access via JTBC's app or cable; check Netflix for subtitles in multiple languages.

Gallery

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