Ryu Seung-ryong has been officially cast in the highly anticipated JTBC drama Manager Kim, scheduled to premiere in the second half of 2025, according to a report from Edaily on April 1. This gripping narrative centers around Kim Nak-soo, a middle-aged office employee who faces a profound life crisis, losing everything he holds dear.
The storyline chronicles Nak-soo’s journey of recovery and self-discovery. Throughout this process, he grapples with defining his identity beyond being merely a manager, inviting audiences to explore themes of resilience and personal growth.
Origin of the Drama: A Bestselling Novel
Manager Kim is adapted from the popular novel The Story of Manager Kim, Who Works at a Large Company in Seoul by Song Hee-goo. This book has garnered immense attention, boasting over 10 million community views and selling 300,000 copies within just a month of its release.
Ryu Seung-ryong as Kim Nak-soo
In this drama, Ryu Seung-ryong embodies the character Kim Nak-soo, a seasoned salesman with over 25 years of experience. Renowned for his skills, Nak-soo has consistently climbed the corporate ladder, earning admiration and respect from his colleagues.
He has built a fulfilling life for his family, complete with a supportive wife and son, all while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in one of Seoul’s most prestigious neighborhoods. However, as the narrative unfolds, Nak-soo faces an unsettling decline in both his professional and personal life. The series not only portrays a serious issue but also highlights themes of resilience, happiness, and the human experience.
“We believe Ryu Seung-ryong is the ideal choice for the role of ‘Kim Nak-soo.’ He will authentically express the joys and challenges of life. Our hope is for Chief Kim’s story to resonate and provide comfort to many in today’s world,”commented the production team.
Ryu Seung-ryong: A Brief Biography
Ryu Seung-ryong began his career in theater before rising to prominence as a cherished supporting actor in the Korean film industry. His exceptional talent gained widespread recognition with standout performances in films such as War of the Arrows, All About My Wife, Masquerade, and the record-breaking Miracle in Cell No. 7.
He notably won the Grand Prize at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in Miracle in Cell No. 7 and solidified his status as a leading actor with the comedy Extreme Job, which also ranks among the top-grossing films in Korean cinema history. Remarkably, he is the first South Korean male actor to star in four films that have each attracted over 10 million viewers.
Television Works and Recent Projects
On the small screen, Ryu has appeared in acclaimed series such as Painter of the Wind, Personal Taste, Kingdom, and Moving. In addition to his acting endeavors, he shares his expertise as an adjunct professor in the Department of Acting Arts at Seoul Arts College.
His latest project is the Netflix series Chicken Nugget, where he stars alongside Ahn Jae-hong. The series follows the comic yet desperate quest of Choi Seon-man (played by Ryu), who seeks to restore his daughter, Min-ah (portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung), after she mysteriously transforms into a chicken nugget.