Han Suk-kyu's Unexpected Heroics in 'Shin's Project' Captivate Viewers

'Negotiation Hero' Han Suk-kyu resolved a rental scam in an unexpected way. The 5th episode, aired on the 29th of last month, recorded a peak viewership of 8.7%, but the 'Gentleman Project' couldn't maintain its momentum due to the Chuseok holiday.

In the 7th episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Shin's Project', aired on the 6th, Shin Sa-jang (played by Han Suk-kyu), Jo Philip (played by Bae Hyeon-seong), and Lee Si-on (played by Lee Re) teamed up to bring justice to rental scammers Oh Mi-sook (played by Jung Ae-yeon) and Lee Min-chul (played by Yang Jong-wook), delivering a thrilling catharsis to viewers.

The 7th episode achieved a viewership rating of 5.4% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 6.6%, and 5.5% nationwide, peaking at 6.8%, ranking first in its time slot on cable and general programming channels. It also ranked first among tvN's target demographic of 20-49-year-old men and women. (Based on Nielsen Korea's cable, IPTV, and satellite integrated paid platform data)

Facing Baek Seung-moo (played by Lee Jong-hyun), who was falsely accused of rental fraud due to his mother Oh Mi-sook's betrayal, Shin Sa-jang offered realistic advice, urging him not to forgive until the situation was resolved. With Jo Philip's help, Baek Seung-moo decided to report Oh Mi-sook himself.

However, knowing that the report would be futile if Oh Mi-sook didn't return the money, Jo Philip couldn't hide his frustration. Observing this, Shin Sa-jang hinted at a heroic counterattack, saying, "When dealing with someone inhuman, you must treat them accordingly," raising expectations to the highest level.

Shin Sa-jang first confirmed the location of Lee Min-chul's burner phone through administrative welfare center official Kim Soo-dong (played by Jung Eun-pyo) and immediately set out with Jo Philip and Lee Si-on. Disguised as a newlywed couple, Jo Philip and Lee Si-on approached the real estate and secured crucial evidence that Oh Mi-sook and Lee Min-chul were planning another rental scam under a homeless person's name, prompting the police to launch an investigation.

Shin Sa-jang delivered a satisfying blow in his own way. With the help of club Secret's representative Ju Madam (played by Woo Mi-hwa) and her employee Manager Bae (played by Bae Yoon-kyu), they kidnapped Oh Mi-sook and Lee Min-chul, subjecting them to extreme fear by administering suspicious IV drips and unidentified drugs.

Terrified by the eerie atmosphere, Oh Mi-sook eventually promised to return the money to the rental scam victims, allowing them to recover their funds. Although Oh Mi-sook and Lee Min-chul claimed they were threatened by Shin Sa-jang when handed over to the police, it was revealed that the IV was glucose and the drug was effervescent vitamins, leaving a humorous twist.

Shin Sa-jang was deep in thought upon hearing that Yoon Dong-hee (played by Min Sung-wook), the murderer of his son, had escaped from the National Forensic Hospital. Despite his previous lethargy due to mental issues, Yoon Dong-hee was seen moving normally on CCTV.

After hearing from Detective Choi Chul (played by Kim Sung-oh) about a possible mastermind behind Yoon Dong-hee, Shin Sa-jang asked Kim Soo-dong to check for any hidden assets of Yoon Dong-hee. Suspicious transactions under Yoon Dong-hee's deceased mother's name were discovered, raising the possibility of a contract killing.

Curiosity about why Yoon Dong-hee killed Shin Sa-jang's son is growing. At the end of the episode, a mysterious woman's photo was delivered to Yoon Dong-hee, signaling the beginning of another incident as episode 7 concluded.

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