Ryu Seung-ryong's character heroically safeguards factory workers from a crisis.
In the 7th episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' (directed by Jo Hyun-tak, written by Kim Hong-ki and Yoon Hye-sung), aired on the 15th, Kim Nak-soo (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) manages a factory accident at Asan and takes responsibility, concluding his 25-year career at a major corporation. The episode garnered a 4.1% viewership rating in the metropolitan area.
Tasked by the HR team to select 20 factory workers for dismissal, Kim Nak-soo begins to create justifications for layoffs as he inspects the factory. Sensing something amiss, the employees resort to flattery to avoid the impending layoffs, adding a bitter undertone to the situation.
However, as Kim Nak-soo delves deeper into the employees' circumstances under the guise of management, his resolve begins to waver. From those supporting elderly and sick parents to employees with young children, there was no one he could justify letting go.
To make matters worse, his son Kim Soo-gyeom (played by Cha Kang-yoon) arrives in Asan with the shocking revelation of a 30 million won debt, further burdening Kim Nak-soo. Reassuring his son with a promise to arrange the money, Kim Nak-soo's worries deepen.
While grappling with the weight of his responsibilities and the livelihoods of his employees, an unexpected fire breaks out at the Asan factory, escalating the crisis. HR manager Choi Jae-hyuk (played by Lee Hyun-kyun) seizes the opportunity to pressure Kim Nak-soo into dismissing those involved in the fire incident. Feeling deep remorse at the HR manager's suggestion to bring the responsible manager back to headquarters while firing the factory workers, Kim Nak-soo is left in turmoil.
Particularly, Lee Joo-young (played by Jung Eun-chae), who worked tirelessly to manage the accident, requests to be the first to be let go, further weighing on Kim Nak-soo's conscience. Recognizing Lee Joo-young as the most essential personnel at the site, Kim Nak-soo decides to protect the employees' safety and take full responsibility for the incident.
Returning to headquarters not for errands but to truly work, Kim Nak-soo signs his resignation papers, ending his 25-year career at the corporation. As he loads the remnants of his past dedication and youth into his car, Kim Nak-soo's solitary sighs of mixed emotions evoke sympathy.
Most poignantly, his wife Park Ha-jin (played by Myung Se-bin) offers comfort with the words "You've worked hard, Manager Kim," and a warm embrace, bringing tears to viewers' eyes. Kim Nak-soo's tears, a mix of anxiety about the future, a sense of accomplishment, and guilt towards his family, evoke a deep emotional response. The future of Kim Nak-soo, transitioning from 'Kim Manager at a Major Company in Seoul' to 'Kim Nak-soo, the Man with a Home in Seoul,' piques curiosity.
The 8th episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,' featuring Ryu Seung-ryong's journey into the second act of life, will air on the 16th at 10:30 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr