Ryu Seung-ryong Faces Critical Decision in 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' as Ratings Hit New High

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong is tasked with a critical mission in 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,' which could determine his return to the company's headquarters.

In the sixth episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,' aired on the 9th, Kim Nak-soo (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) finds himself at a crossroads that could decide his fate. The episode achieved its highest ratings yet, with 5.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 4.7% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea's paid household metrics.

After being demoted to a factory, Kim Nak-soo meets a senior who successfully returned to the headquarters and became an executive. Inspired by the advice to tackle any task from the headquarters head-on, Kim Nak-soo is determined. However, as he waits in vain for any communication from the headquarters, he fears being laid off. His anxiety is compounded by a nightmare where everyone, including his wife Park Ha-jin (played by Myung Se-bin), who recently passed her real estate agent exam, abandons him.

A sudden dinner invitation from Baek Jung-tae (played by Yoo Seung-mok) gives Kim Nak-soo hope. Uncertain of the headquarters' exact expectations, he tries to make his presence known by excelling in tasks like writing educational reports and conducting factory safety inspections.

Contrary to his expectations, Executive Baek harshly criticizes Kim Nak-soo's report, saying, "You're not working; you're just pretending to work." This leads Kim Nak-soo to express his long-held feelings of disappointment and betrayal towards Baek, who had previously sent him to the factory.

The tension escalates, resulting in a physical altercation at the restaurant, further jeopardizing Kim Nak-soo's chances of returning to the headquarters. Overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness, he feels his last shred of hope slipping away.

On the weekend, Kim Nak-soo is visited by HR manager Choi Jae-hyuk (played by Lee Hyun-kyun) at the Asan factory, leaving him with mixed emotions. Contrary to his fears of being offered early retirement, the HR manager presents an unexpected proposal: to select 20 employees for layoff as part of a company-wide downsizing.

Promised a return to the headquarters if he completes this task successfully, Kim Nak-soo is faced with a difficult decision that pits his survival against the livelihoods of others. The HR manager's mention of an impending early retirement announcement adds to the weight of Kim Nak-soo's decision.

Unaware of Kim Nak-soo's internal struggle, the factory employees continue to disregard his instructions. Frustrated, Kim Nak-soo sternly commands, "Do the safety exercises properly," displaying a newfound determination and assertiveness.

Yoon Jung-se, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr