What if the hero we need right now isn’t clad in armor or sitting in a palace, but instead standing behind a fryer in a neighborhood chicken shop?
That’s exactly what tvN’s new drama, Shin’s Project, explores—mixing humor, humanity, and a dash of crispy golden chicken.
Acclaimed actor Han Suk Kyu, stepping into a role unlike any he’s played before, embodies a small-town restaurant owner who was once a legendary negotiator, now using his skills to solve disputes in surprising ways.
The production conference for Shin’s Project, held on September 8 and broadcast live online, set the tone for what viewers can expect. Director Shin Kyung-soo explained the heart of the series: “What we need most today isn’t more division or anger—it’s conversation and understanding. I wanted this drama to feel like a warm comfort for anyone watching, something that reassures and restores.”
A Hero Who Serves Dialogue (and Chicken)
The story, penned by writer Ban Ki-ri, is described as a “conflict resolution hero drama.” Han Suk Kyu’s character is a man of two worlds: the former master negotiator who once commanded boardrooms and backroom deals, and the current chicken shop owner who lives a quieter life among neighbors. Yet, when conflicts arise—whether personal disputes, legal entanglements, or community clashes—he steps back into problem-solver mode, wielding both empathy and wit to seek justice.
But there’s more than meets the eye. The new CEO holds a mysterious secret, and that hidden past gradually weaves into the lives of those around him. This duality—the ordinary fried chicken apron masking the extraordinary talent for negotiation—makes his journey as compelling as it is comforting.
Joining Han in this adventure are two rising stars: Bae Hyun Sung, playing a principled rookie lawyer, and Lee Re, as a sharp, energetic delivery worker who finds both mentorship and friendship in the unlikely CEO.
RELATED STORIES
- Han Suk Kyu, Bae Hyun Sung, and Lee Re Transform a Chicken Shop Into a Justice Hub in “Shin’s Project”
- SEPTEMBER 2025 KOREAN DRAMAS: “Confidence Queen,” “Tempest,” “A Hundred Memories,” “Shin’s Project,” and More
A Reunion After a Decade
For PD Shin Kyung-soo, this project is also a reunion with Han Suk-kyu, marking their third collaboration after Tree with Deep Roots and Secret Door. Reflecting on this partnership, he said with a smile, “In the past, I had the honor of working with him as King Sejong and King Yeongjo. This time, I’m giving him a chicken shop. I almost feel sorry! But our shared vision about storytelling and acting made communication smooth, as always.”
The director also praised Han Suk-kyu’s presence behind the scenes, saying he often guided younger actors with thoughtful conversations and encouragement, helping them bring out their best performances.
Han Suk-kyu Embraces a New Kind of Role
For the actor himself, this project is a refreshing departure from his previous gravitas-filled characters. “My résumé might be more impressive than anyone else’s, but here I am, a chicken restaurant owner,” Han laughed. “What makes this role different is the everyday nature of it. I love the chance to talk with neighbors, interact with people, and show how ordinary lives can hold extraordinary stories.”
He also shared his admiration for his younger co-stars. Han confessed to watching Bae Hyun-sung’s earlier drama Family by Choice and teasingly said, “The way he handles a knife—it convinced me he shouldn’t be in the kitchen at all. He’s meant for the counter, talking to customers.” About Lee Re, he added with amusement, “Seeing her confidently ride a motorcycle for the delivery role—it was clear she was born for this job.”
Building Real Chemistry Off-Screen
Chemistry between the cast didn’t happen by chance. Before filming even began, Han, Bae, and Lee met twice a week for two months, not just to rehearse lines but to really understand each other. They read scripts, analyzed scenes, and shared meals, creating a natural rapport that’s expected to shine on screen.
Lee Re, who plays delivery worker Lee Si-on, described Han Suk-kyu as a mentor both in character and in real life. “On set, he felt like a father figure,” she said. “Just as Si-on relies on the CEO in the story, I found myself leaning on him for comfort and guidance in reality too. There were many moments when I thought, ‘This is what a true senior looks like.’”
Meanwhile, Bae Hyun-sung spoke warmly about his character, rookie lawyer Jo Philip. “He looks rational and by-the-book, but deep down, he’s someone who feels deeply and empathizes with people. I hope audiences will even coin a new phrase for him: ‘soft on the outside, soft on the inside.’ That’s the kind of warmth he represents.”
A Drama for Today’s Times
In a world where misunderstandings and conflicts seem more common than connections, Shin’s Project promises a refreshing mix of humor, heart, and humanity. Through the eyes of a man who has lived both as a high-level negotiator and as an everyday chicken shop owner, the drama highlights how even the simplest conversations can resolve the toughest disputes.
With Han Suk-kyu’s steady presence, the charm of Bae Hyun-sung, and the energy of Lee Re, the show doesn’t just serve fried chicken—it serves lessons on empathy, communication, and community.
Shin’s Project premieres September 15 on tvN, offering viewers not only entertainment but also a reminder: sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones who listen, understand, and reach out with kindness.
Leave a Reply