Lee Dong-wook returns in The Nice Guy, a noir romance K-drama premiering July 18, 2025. Action, heartbreak, and redemption collide in this gritty story of love and legacy.

Quick Drama Facts

Drama TitleThe Nice Guy
Network & StreamingJTBC, Viki
Premiere DateJuly 18, 2025
Episodes14 (Every Friday)
GenresNoir, Romance, Action
Main CastLee Dong-wook, Lee Sung-kyung, Ryu Hye-young
DirectorSong Hae-sung, Park Hong-soo
WriterKim Woon-kyung, Kim Hyo-seok

Plot Summary

the gritty world of crime, Park Seok-cheol (Lee Dong-wook) is the heir to a three-generation gangster family. But unlike his bloodline, he’s ready to throw in the towel. His dreams? Peace, escape… maybe even love.

Just when he’s about to quit the thug life, fate reintroduces Kang Mi-young (Lee Sung-kyung), his first love—now a struggling part-timer chasing her music dream. Their reunion sparks a complicated romance against a backdrop of gang rivalries and family loyalty.

This isn’t your usual “bad boy turns good” story. It’s raw, emotional, and full of noir intensity.

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The Nice Guy

Main Cast Breakdown

Lee Dong-wook as Park Seok-cheolA brutal gangster with the soul of a writer. He’s fierce in the ring but fragile in love. A man torn between duty and desire.
Lee Sung-kyung as Kang Mi-youngA part-time worker and aspiring singer with a wounded heart. She’s fierce, vulnerable, and unforgettable.
Ryu Hye-young as Park Seok-heeSeok-cheol’s younger sister who brings balance to the chaos. Grounded, honest, and caught in her brother’s dangerous world.

Reasons to Watch

  • 1. Lee Dong-wook in a Dark, Gritty Role

Forget the charming dentist from Strangers From Hell. Here, he’s bruised, broken, and completely magnetic.

  • 2. A Noir Love Story That Hurts (In a Good Way)

The chemistry between Dong-wook and Sung-kyung is 🔥, but it’s layered with regret, longing, and hope.

  • 3. Cinematic Quality

From moody subway scenes to rain-drenched showdowns, the visuals scream high-end noir.

  • 4. A Soulful Soundtrack Is Coming

While OST details are still under wraps, the teasers hint at a melancholy, piano-heavy vibe that’s bound to break you.

Final Takeaway

The Nice Guy isn’t just a romance or an action flick—it’s a deep dive into what happens when someone tries to escape the life that shaped them. With strong performances, moody visuals, and a plot full of tension, this K-Drama is going to hit hard.

Don’t miss the premiere on July 18. And remember: being a nice guy in a bad world isn’t easy.

Image Source JTBC

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