tvN's 'Shin's Project' Captivates Viewers with Thrilling Debut

Last week, tvN's 'Love, Take Two' concluded with a 4.2% viewership rating, while ENA's 'My Troublesome Star' recorded 3.89% nationwide. Meanwhile, 'Shin's Project' captivated audiences with a leading 5.9% rating.

Premiering on the 15th, tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Shin's Project' showcased the extraordinary exploits of former legendary negotiator turned chicken shop owner, Shin Sa-jang, played by Han Suk-kyu, delivering intense immersion from the first episode.

The first episode achieved an average viewership rating of 6.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 7.9%, and a nationwide average of 5.9%, peaking at 7.3%. It ranked first in its time slot across cable and general programming channels, marking the highest debut for a tvN Monday-Tuesday drama in 2025. It also topped the 2049 male and female target demographic ratings across all channels, proving its popularity. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite, provided by Nielsen Korea)

Shin Sa-jang, who revealed his true negotiating prowess by calmly persuading a man attempting self-harm, received a mediation request from his old friend, Chief Judge Kim Sang-geun, played by Kim Sang-ho, involving a dispute between a broadcasting station and a salted seafood merchant. He was also assigned a new judge, Jo Philip, played by Bae Hyun-sung, to assist him.

Shin Sa-jang and Jo Philip embarked on mediating the dispute between the merchant and the broadcasting station. While Shin Sa-jang sought to resolve the merchant's lawsuit over false broadcasting through negotiation, the station insisted on the legitimacy of their report, intensifying the conflict.

Amidst the seemingly deadlocked negotiation, Shin Sa-jang uncovered suspicious circumstances. A real estate company was buying up stores closed due to the broadcast's impact. He enlisted the help of hacker Kim Soo-dong, played by Jung Eun-pyo, to verify the real estate transaction records, leading to a tense pursuit by mysterious figures.

Thanks to Shin Sa-jang's unexpected motorcycle skills and the assistance of delivery employee Lee Si-on's friends, played by Lee Re, he escaped danger and discovered a resort construction plan by a corporation behind the incident. Shin Sa-jang confronted the corporate representatives, demanding fair compensation for the market merchants.

The corporation not only rejected Shin Sa-jang's negotiation proposal but also plotted to eliminate him. As Shin Sa-jang and Jo Philip moved to negotiate, they found themselves trapped by trucks, facing an imminent collision with a train. The approaching train's roar and the lack of an escape route left viewers on the edge of their seats.

In the midst of extreme fear, Shin Sa-jang and Jo Philip managed to break the car window and escape, confirming each other's survival with relief. At that moment, Shin Sa-jang unexpectedly burst into laughter, declaring, "I guess you haven't heard, I'm Shin Sa-jang, the Gentleman!" signaling the birth of a new kind of hero. Viewers are eager to see how the determined Shin Sa-jang will confront the villains.

'Shin's Project' captivated viewers with its rich visuals, seamlessly transitioning between the familiar setting of a chicken shop and thrilling negotiation journeys. Shin Sa-jang's charismatic presence, hidden behind his playful demeanor, exploded during negotiation moments, delivering exhilarating catharsis.

The dynamic performances of Han Suk-kyu (Shin Sa-jang), Bae Hyun-sung (Jo Philip), and Lee Re (Lee Si-on) as chicken shop employees, combined with director Shin Kyung-soo's witty direction, enhanced the drama's excitement and satisfaction. Audiences are already anticipating how Shin Sa-jang will resolve future disputes.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr