Have you ever thought you were living your dream life? You check all the right boxes—a stable career, a lovely home, and a happy family. But what happens when your perfect life unexpectedly starts to shake? That is an intriguing question from the new Korean drama, “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,” coming this October 2025.
The story follows a middle-aged man, Kim Nak-soo, who seems to have achieved his dream life. However, his perfect dream life takes a surprising turn. This K-drama is more than just about corporate life, but a powerful journey of self-discovery.
Discover everything about this heartfelt K-drama that perfectly captures the pulse of modern life, and find out why it’s a must-watch!
“The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” (서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김 부장 이야기) Korean Drama 2025
The Korean drama “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” is not your typical office or family drama. With a mix of humor and raw emotion, the story really brings these themes to life. It’s relatable for anyone who has ever wondered if their dreams are within reach.
A Story that Hits Close to Home: Synopsis and Themes
Meet Kim Nak-soo (played by the brilliant Ryu Seung-ryong). He’s a dedicated department manager.
For 25 years, he has been the perfect employee and family man. But one day, his world tilts. Trouble brews at work. Cracks appear at home.
His wife of 25 years, Park Ha-jin (Myung Se-bin), decides it’s her turn to chase a dream and enters the workforce. Their son, Kim Soo-gyeom (Cha Kang-yoon), watches his parents navigate this new, unsteady ground.
Nak-soo must face a harsh reality. When his job title and homeowner status are gone, who is he?
The series follows his emotional and often humorous journey of self-discovery.
“The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” Exceptional Main Cast and Characters
Ryu Seung-ryong of “Moving” embodies the main character, Kim Nak-soo, mixing strength and vulnerability, which makes the character feel real. His face displays the fatigue and hopes of a man living a double life, both at work and at home.
Myung Se-bin (“Doctor Cha”) plays Kim Nak-soo’s dedicated wife, Park Ha-jin. In the story, she finds her strength to pursue her dreams and becomes self-employed. Her journey of transformation offers inspiration and relatable insights.
Cha Kang-yoon, known for his roles in “The Art of Negotiation” and “Head Over Heels,” this year, takes the role of Kim Soo-Gyeom, the son of Kim Nak-Soo and Park Ha-jin’s son. He shows the differences between generations sincerely and thoughtfully.
Together, they create a real family, blending rich Korean culture with a universal appeal. Furthermore, they will show the flaws and the deep love within the family, making it an easy drama for K-drama lovers worldwide to resonate with.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Forces at Work
“The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” isn’t your typical office drama. It skips the flashy CEOs and epic romances. Instead, it focuses on real life in Seoul—the pressure to succeed, changing family roles, and the search for meaning when you feel lost.
Director Cho Hyun-tak, who has produced outstanding works such as “Sky Castle” and “Snowdrop,” helms the series. He is known for his characteristically sharp insights into society. This time, he brings a gentle yet powerful touch to the story.
The screenplay was written by Kim Hong-gi and Yoon Hye-sung. They’ve crafted layered characters and storylines, which makes the show really engaging.
The drama is produced by SLL and Drama House Studio, known for bringing us some great K-dramas and films. So, you can count on solid production values and a polished viewing experience in this upcoming show.
Together, this talented production team will deliver a drama that combines high-quality storytelling with heartfelt moments, offering a glimpse behind the polished façade of life in Seoul, both at work and at home.
Fun Facts and Why You Should Tune In
The drama is a live adaptation of the novel “The Story of Manager Kim, Who Works for a Large Corporation and Lives in Seoul” (서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김 부장 이야기) by Song Hee-gu and Kim Byeong-gwan.
In this series, director Cho Hyun-tak’s signature style combines suspense, humor, and social critique, making this more than just another office-family drama.
For K-drama lovers, this drama offers fresh storylines and emotional depth. For travelers, it provides a thoughtful look at everyday Seoul life—beyond tourist spots. You might watch it and see the city through a whole new lens.
Premiere Date & Where to Watch of “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim”
Mark your calendars!
The Korean drama “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” will premiere on JTBC on October 25, 2025. The new episodes will come on Saturdays at 10:40 PM and Sundays at 10:30 PM KST.
For K-drama lovers outside Korea, you can stream the series on Netflix, with new episodes released weekly.
Finding the Real Dream
“The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” is more than just a show. It’s a warm and honest look at what it means to be human. It reminds us that our biggest dreams can change, and that’s perfectly okay!
It also shows that our worth isn’t just about our jobs or where we live. Instead, it’s about our friends, our bravery, and our ability to stand up again when life gets tough.
This drama offers solace for those on their personal journeys. As you follow Mr. Kim’s path of self-rediscovery, you might start to wonder, “What does my dream life look like?”
So, what is your dream life? Please share with us in the comments below.
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