Two generations, two completely different styles, and one unexpectedly perfect duo—Han Suk Kyu and Bae Hyun Sung are about to serve viewers a plateful of laughter, heart, and tension in tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday series, Shin’s Project.
Written by Ban Gi-ri and directed by Shin Kyung-soo, the series has already piqued curiosity with its newly released poster, cheekily titled “Shortcuts VS Law-abiding.”
The poster sets the stage for the drama’s core dynamic: two men in sharp black suits and dark sunglasses, seated across from one another at a negotiation table. Their serious expressions might suggest high-stakes diplomacy, but the playful backdrop—a humble chicken restaurant—adds a tongue-in-cheek twist. This contrast perfectly mirrors the show’s premise: negotiations that blend gravitas with absurdity, strategy with comedy.
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Han Suk Kyu’s character, simply referred to as the “New CEO,” exudes an air of seasoned authority. He’s a man who has no qualms about bending the rules, reading opponents with a furrowed brow, and crushing them with unconventional tactics. His tools of persuasion? Not just sharp wit, but hilariously unexpected props like a chicken coupon and even a photocard of his sidekick, Jo Philip. These bizarre “weapons” hint at his willingness to rely on beauty tricks, cheeky diversions, and shortcuts that blur the lines between clever and questionable.
By contrast, Bae Hyun Sung’s Jo Philip is the very definition of upright discipline. A prodigy since childhood, he has consistently ranked first through school, police academy, and law school, culminating in his role as a meticulous judge. Always equipped with a fountain pen and notebook, Jo Philip approaches negotiation as though it were a courtroom—methodical, precise, and firmly grounded in legal principles. He embodies the belief that every dispute has an answer within the framework of the law, though reality may not always comply.
What makes Shin’s Project irresistible is not just the clash between these two personalities, but the absurdity of how their fates intertwine. The New CEO, once a legendary negotiator but now the mysterious owner of a chicken restaurant, and Jo Philip, the law-abiding judge, suddenly find themselves navigating the same world as restaurant owner and employee. Their encounter is less “by chance” than “by cosmic mischief,” forcing them to collaborate despite fundamentally opposing worldviews.
The tagline printed across the poster—“We’ll solve it somehow!”—perfectly captures the heart of the drama. Whether through brazen shortcuts or painstaking legal interpretation, both characters are determined to untangle the messy conflicts thrown their way. Watching how they balance expediency with principle, and how their approaches frustrate yet complement each other, is where the magic lies.
Chemistry That Pops Like Cider
Han Seok-kyu, known for his commanding presence and nuanced acting, brings depth to the hot-tempered negotiator who isn’t afraid to play dirty if it means winning justice. Meanwhile, Bae Hyun-sung, one of the rising stars of his generation, injects youthful precision and moral conviction into Jo Philip. Their on-screen chemistry promises to be both explosive and endearing—like mixing half seasoned and half fried chicken, two flavors that couldn’t be more different yet create a delicious harmony together.
The production team likens the show’s energy to a refreshing cider—bubbly, sharp, and satisfying. Each episode will pit Han Seok-kyu’s cunning improvisations against Bae Hyun-sung’s carefully structured arguments, offering viewers both suspense and comic relief. The series isn’t just about conflicts; it’s about exploring the gray areas between law and life, order and chaos, shortcuts and principles.
Mark your calendars: Shin’s Project premieres on September 15 at 8:50 PM KST on tvN. Featuring its flavorful mix of wit, drama, and sizzling chemistry, it’s set to be one of the most refreshing series of the season.
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