The Dream Life of Mr. Kim () is a 2025 South Korean television series starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Myung Se-bin, and Cha Kang-yoon. Based on the novel of the same title by Song Hee-gu, it aired on JTBC from October 25, to November 30, 2025, every Saturday at 22:40 (KST) and Sunday at 22:30 (KST). It also streams globally on Netflix.
Synopsis The drama follows Director Kim, who begins work at a large company in Seoul, navigating both corporate politics and personal challenges.
Cast Main Ryu Seung-ryong as Kim Nak-soo A veteran sales manager who built his life on success now faces the slow collapse of everything he has earned. Myung Se-bin as Park Ha-jin Nak-soo's devoted wife who always lived in his shadow now decides to build her own future. Cha Kang-yoon as Kim Soo-gyeom Nak-soo's son who rejects his father's path, chasing freedom in a startup.
Supporting People at ACT Yoo Seung-mok as Baek Jeong-tae An executive who rose through office politics, outwardly loyal to Nak-soo but driven enough to betray him for his own ambition. as Do Jin-woo A sharp manager who rose quickly and quietly aligns with power to secure his place at the top. Lee Seo-hwan as Heo Tae-hwan A kind but slow-working longtime employee, stuck as a perpetual mid-level manager. Shin Dong-won as Song Ik-hyeon A dependable worker who sometimes acts as Nak-soo's right-hand man. Jeong Sun-won as Jeong Seong-gu A mid-level employee who dislikes Nak-soo's old-fashioned behavior, but finds himself mirroring him. as Kwon Song-hee A young employee who questions authority and corporate nonsense.
People at Soo-gyeom's startup as Lee Han-na Soo-gyeom's first love in middle school. Kim Su-gyeom as Lee Jeong-hwan A charismatic startup founder who hides ruthless ambition behind charm.
Park Ha-jin's family Lee Se-hee as Park Ha-young Ha-jin's younger sister. as Han Sang-cheol Ha-young's husband and successful fintech CEO.
People around Kim Nak-soo Ko Chang-seok as Kim Chang-soo Nak-soo's older brother and humble auto shop owner. Park Soo-young as Nom-Peong-ah Nak-soo's childhood friend who knows him better than anyone else.
Special appearance Jung Eun-chae as Lee Joo-young
Production The series is directed by Cho Hyun-tak, known for Sky Castle (2018), Snowdrop (2021), The Atypical Family (2024), and written by Kim Hong-gi and Yoon Hye-sung. The series is produced by SLL, Drama House Studio, and .
It is based on the novel of the same title by Song Hee-gu, which was published in 2021 by Seosamdok Publishing House.
Viewership
+Average TV viewership ratingsOriginal broadcast dateAverage audience share(Nielsen Korea)Nielsen Korea ratings:
NationwideSeoul 1 October 25, 2025 2 October 26, 2025 3.540% 3.508% 3 November 1, 2025 3.159% 3.380% 4 November 2, 2025 3.399% 4.074% 5 November 8, 2025 3.564% 3.907% 6 November 9, 2025 4.678% 5.563% 7 November 15, 2025 3.411% 4.082% 8 November 16, 2025 4.731% 5.506% 9 November 22, 2025 4.559% 5.462% 10 November 23, 2025 5.433% 6.012% 11 November 29, 2025 5.591% 5.694% 12 November 30, 2025 Average In the table above, the represent the lowest ratings and the represent the highest ratings. This drama airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).
Accolades Award ceremony Year Category Nominee Result Baeksang Arts Awards 2026 Grand Prize – Television Ryu Seung-ryong Best Actor Best Drama The Dream Life of Mr. Kim Best Director Cho Hyun-tak Best Supporting Actor Yoo Seung-mok Best Supporting Actress Myung Se-bin Seoul International Drama Awards 2026 Best Mini-Series The Dream Life of Mr. Kim Outstanding Korean Drama Best Actor Ryu Seung-ryong
References
External links