At the press conference for JTBC’s highly anticipated Friday drama The Nice Guy, stars Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung made one thing clear: they’re done with fantasy—and ready to get real.
Held at The Link Hotel in Sindorim on July 14, the event introduced The Nice Guy, a gritty emotional noir that explores love, family, regret, and resilience. With veteran director Song Hae-seong (Failan, Our Happy Time) and Park Hong-soo (Lost) at the helm, the drama weaves together a story that feels familiar yet refreshingly grounded.
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Featured in the series is Park Seok-cheol (Lee Dong Wook), the reluctant heir of a gangster family who once dreamed of writing like Hemingway. When he reunites with his childhood first love Kang Mi-young (Lee Sung Kyung), now an aspiring singer battling stage fright, old emotions and painful realities come rushing back.
Lee Dong Wook, known for his string of genre-heavy roles, revealed he was longing for a change. “I was honestly tired of fantasy. I’ve played characters who fly on wires or do things that aren’t grounded in the real world. When I read this script, it felt different — more human.” He even gave himself a fresh look, cutting his hair short for the first time in years to fully embody Seok-cheol.
While the concept of gangsters and first love might sound nostalgic, Director Song addressed this head-on: “Yes, it could feel like an ‘80s or ‘90s throwback. But I approached it like Pyongyang naengmyeon — clean, classic, and the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve had a taste.”
Lee Sung Kyung also stepped into uncharted territory with Mi-young, a character chasing her dream of becoming a singer despite the weight of self-doubt. “I was nervous about performing as an aspiring singer,” she said. “But I really gave it my all — even writing and playing an original piano song myself.” She added with a laugh, “It’s the first time I gained weight for a role too!”
The on-screen chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung is another highlight. “I’ve always seen Sung Kyung as a lively, bright person, and that energy really helped lift the scenes,” said Lee. “She’s flexible and collaborative — a great partner.” Lee Sung Kyung, in turn, praised her co-star’s sincerity: “He’s the kind of oppa who makes your heart flutter just by standing still. But what touched me more was his depth and the way he brought honesty to every moment.”
Joining the drama’s love triangle is Park Hoon as Kang Tae-hoon, a rival gang boss who falls hard for Mi-young. “I know I look like I’d be up to no good,” Park joked, “but my character is all about loyalty and raw emotion. It’s noir, but with heart.”
Also in the mix are Oh Nara as Seok-cheol’s impulsive older sister — “the family’s troublemaker with a hidden tenderness,” she described — and Ryu Hye Young as their upright youngest sibling, a nurse trying to keep it all together. “I loved how the drama leaned into its rustic vibe instead of running from it,” Ryu said. “It feels honest.”
Director Song wrapped up the event by saying, “This is a drama where you’ll root for every character. It’s about imperfect people trying their best.” Lee Dong Wook added, “You’ll see families who are just trying to get by — and that struggle will hit home.” Lee Sung Kyung agreed: “Whether you’re a gangster or a dreamer, pain is universal. I hope people see themselves in these characters.”
The Nice Guy premieres on July 18 at 8:50 PM with two back-to-back episodes, airing every Friday. If you’re looking for a drama with soul, grit, and stories that feel real, this one’s for you.
