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

Ryu Seung-ryong's character, Kim Nak-soo, encounters new obstacles as he attempts to rediscover his true self within the family circle.

In the 11th episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' (directed by Jo Hyun-tak, written by Kim Hong-ki), aired on the 29th, Kim Nak-soo's journey towards a new future was halted. The episode achieved a viewership rating of 6% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 5.6% nationwide, marking a new high for the series according to Nielsen Korea's paid household ratings.

Kim Nak-soo discovered that his wife, Park Ha-jin (played by Myung Se-bin), had put their house up for sale without consulting him. For Kim Nak-soo, the house in Seoul symbolized everything he had worked for and was his last remaining pride.

Faced with urgent loan interest payments and living expenses, Kim Nak-soo accepted his brother Kim Chang-soo's (played by Go Chang-seok) offer to work at a car center, handling hand car washes. As he adapted to this new routine, he found satisfaction in the meticulous work and began to consider that a different way of life might not be so bad.

However, nothing comes easy. Kim Nak-soo faced unique challenges at the car wash and pondered whether he could truly live humbly without grand titles. The proposal from Executive Director Baek Jung-tae (played by Yoo Seung-mok) further complicated his thoughts, leading him to inform Park Ha-jin of his decision to accept Baek's offer.

Yet, Park Ha-jin, who had always supported her husband, could not agree with Kim Nak-soo's decision this time. To her, it seemed like a stubborn pride rather than a realistic choice. Left alone after his wife's candid words, Kim Nak-soo felt a heavy heart.

Intoxicated and wandering aimlessly, Kim Nak-soo began to reflect honestly on his life. He contemplated what he had been fighting for, what he truly wanted to protect, and who had supported him all along. A myriad of emotions crossed his face as he revisited these thoughts.

Confronting the pride that once fueled him but had become a shackle, Kim Nak-soo finally understood himself, who had been competing relentlessly. This sincere introspection freed him from his self-imposed chains, allowing him to bid farewell to his past self, who had nothing but pride, with a "thank you for your hard work." With a lighter heart, he returned home and embraced Park Ha-jin, shedding tears.

Subsequently, Kim Nak-soo shared cherished memories of the house with potential buyers, letting go of his trophy. He firmly rejected Executive Director Baek's offer and cleared out traces of his managerial past. He also turned over a troublesome commercial property to his son, Kim Soo-gyeom (played by Cha Kang-yoon), for an office, and started a small car wash next to his brother's car center, embarking on a new chapter.

One day, while cleaning customers' cars as usual, Manager Do Jin-woo (played by Lee Shin-ki) appeared at the car wash, surprising everyone. As Kim Nak-soo's pride began to resurface in the face of this unpleasant acquaintance, viewers are left wondering if he can completely let go of his competitive spirit towards Manager Do.

The final episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,' featuring Ryu Seung-ryong's last dance for all the 'Kim Managers' out there, will air on the 30th at 10:30 PM.

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TENASIA syjj426@tenasia.co.kr