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Lee Dong Wook Is Back in "The Nice Guy"—And This Time, He Smiles

Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung smiling warmly at each other in a romantic scene from The Nice Guy
Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung share a sweet moment in The Nice Guy (Credits: JTBC)

K-drama fans, get ready.  Lee Dong Wook returns in a fresh new role in The Nice Guy. This time, he’s not the cold or serious type; we get to see a softer, more fun side of him! Paired with Lee Sung Kyung, this drama is set to be one of the most exciting releases of the summer.



A Gangster with a Soft Heart?


The Nice Guy tells the story of Park Seok Cheol (Lee Dong Wook), the oldest grandson in a gangster family. But he’s not what you’d expect. He looks tough, but deep down, he’s sweet and caring. He’s the type who fights to protect others but also shows his emotions when no one’s watching.


Then comes Kang Mi Young (Lee Sung Kyung), his first love. She wants to be a singer and live a peaceful life away from all the chaos. When they meet again, old feelings return—and so do new challenges. Will they find happiness this time?


Collage of Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung’s touching scenes from The Nice Guy K-drama
Highlights from The Nice Guy show the emotional journey of Seok Cheol and Mi Young (Credits: JTBC)


Lee Dong Wook Like Never Before


We’re used to seeing Lee Dong Wook play the icy heartthrob, but in The Nice Guy, he’s playful, clumsy, and surprisingly expressive. Early stills show him bouncing between action scenes and quiet bookstore moments. Yes, this time, he actually shows emotion loudly, and it’s charming.


Opposite him, Lee Sung Kyung also brings her charm to the role. As Mi Young, she’s strong but soft, making her a great match for Seok Cheol. Fans are already shipping this duo!


Four-image collage of Lee Dong Wook in The Nice Guy, top images show his soft, calm side with books; bottom images show him bloodied and holding a gun
Two sides of Seok Cheol: Gentle book lover vs ruthless fighter in The Nice Guy (Credits: JTBC)

What Makes This Worth Watching?


Behind the scenes, the drama is in good hands. Writer Kim Woon Kyung (Yoo Na’s Street) and director Song Hae-sung (Failan) are both known for their heartfelt, layered storytelling. With just 14 episodes, the show promises tight pacing, emotional highs, and the kind of cathartic love story viewers love.


You’ll laugh, you’ll cry—and you might rethink what a "nice guy" really looks like in the K-drama world.



Final Thoughts


The Nice Guy has all the ingredients of a hit—unexpected softness, solid cast, emotional family ties, and a romance that’s destined to be messy, healing, and unforgettable.


Mark your calendars! The Nice Guy—also known as The Good Man—debuts on July 18, 2025, with the first two episodes dropping on Viki at 8:50 PM KST. After that, two new episodes will arrive every Friday.


Let us know what you’re most excited about and whether this could be Lee Dong Wook’s most lovable role yet!



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