| 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) |
| Air Time | Saturday 22:40, Sunday 22:30 |
| Content Rating | 15+ - Teens 15 or older |
| Runtime | 12 episodes |
| Genre | Office, Drama, Black Comedy, Daily Life, Social Criticism |
| 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.
"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 KST and Sunday at 22:30 KST starting October 25, 2025, until November 30, 2025. It explores themes of resilience, family, and self-worth in modern Korean society.
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 – Kim 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 son, Kim 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.
Includes additional family and colleagues enhancing the corporate satire and emotional arcs, with Jo Hyun-tak's direction emphasizing authentic ensemble dynamics.
The September 2025 teaser, showing Kim Nak-soo's blank-faced commute and shattering "milestones" like "Seoul homeowner" and "corporate manager," has sparked empathy, with fans calling it "relatable for burnt-out salarymen."
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.
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.
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.
Posters literally show Ryu Seung-ryong carrying massive loads, symbolizing Kim Nak-soo's "overwhelming" titles; the teaser escalator scene mirrors the daily grind, cracking under pressure.
Jo Hyun-tak reunites with his "Sky Castle" satirical lens for corporate jabs, promising "tears and laughter" in Kim Nak-soo's resilience arc.
Words like "owning a house" and "large corporation" shatter as Kim Nak-soo ascends, teasing his identity crisis and quest for genuine happiness.
Streams weekly on Netflix starting October 25, 2025, broadening its reach beyond JTBC's domestic audience.
"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.
Premiered on JTBC.
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