Ryu Seung-ryong's Character Faces Unexpected Challenges in 'Kim Bu-jang's Story'

Ryu Seung-ryong's character in 'Kim Bu-jang's Story' resigns after 25 years.

In the 8th episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Kim Bu-jang's Story,' aired on the 16th, viewers witnessed the downfall of Kim Nak-soo, played by Ryu Seung-ryong. The ratings, which had briefly dipped, climbed back to 5.5% in the metropolitan area and 4.7% nationwide.

Kim Nak-soo bid farewell to his colleagues at ACT, including team leader Lee Joo-young (Jung Eun-chae), marking the end of his career. As he transitioned to unemployment, his family faced significant changes. His wife, Park Ha-jin (Myung Se-bin), continued attending real estate agent interviews, while his son, Kim Soo-gyeom (Cha Kang-yoon), decided to work and repay debts instead of relying on his father. Despite cutting back on expenses, credit card bills continued to drain Kim Nak-soo's bank account.

Desperate to find work, Kim Nak-soo searched for opportunities, but no company matched his previous salary as a corporate manager. The subtle mockery from his wife's brother-in-law, Park Ha-young (Lee Se-hee), further bruised their pride.

Amidst this, Kim Nak-soo recalled a flyer for a commercial property he received outside a convenience store. Owning a property could provide a steady rental income. He quickly visited the sales office and, leveraging his 25 years of sales experience, negotiated a deal to purchase a property worth 1.6 billion won for 1.05 billion won.

Without consulting Park Ha-jin, Kim Nak-soo used his severance pay and took out a loan to become a property owner. Although a toast shop replaced the planned café, the prospect of a stable income filled him with hope. Park Ha-jin secured a job as a real estate agent, and with his father's support, Kim Soo-gyeom began planning a new business with Lee Han-na (Lee Jin-yi).

However, it was all a scam. The property, praised by the sales manager as prime real estate, was a hollow shell. With the sales manager unreachable and the toast shop owner backing out, Kim Nak-soo rushed to the property.

Upon arrival, he found others who had been deceived, all equally outraged. As the banners proclaiming successful occupancy fell, the empty reality of the property was revealed, leaving everyone in shock. The episode concluded with Kim Nak-soo sitting in despair, his expression empty.

Reporter: Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr