After a 15-year absence from television, acclaimed South Korean actor Ryu Seung-ryong is making his highly anticipated return to the small screen in JTBC's new drama series "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," which premieres on October 25. The series follows Kim Nak-soo, a seasoned corporate manager who suddenly loses everything he once considered the pillars of success - his job, his social status, and his sense of identity - and embarks on an unexpected journey to rediscover the true meaning of happiness.

At a press conference held on Wednesday at The Link Hotel in Seoul, director Jo Hyun-tak and the main cast members, including Ryu Seung-ryong, Myung Se-bin, and Cha Kang-yoon, shared their insights about the upcoming production. Director Jo, who has built an impressive resume with hit dramas such as "SKY Castle" (2018), "Snowdrop" (2021), and "The Atypical Family" (2024), explained his attraction to the project's emotional depth and universal appeal. "The original webtoon was already beloved by audiences," Jo said. "As someone around the same age as the protagonist, I was deeply immersed in the story and felt compelled to direct it." The director praised Ryu's performance as being "so complete that it was hard to distinguish him from the character."

Ryu takes on the role of Kim Nak-soo, a hardworking man who, after dedicating 25 years of his life to a major conglomerate, finds himself suddenly stripped of everything he had worked toward. "He's a middle-aged kkondae," Ryu explained, using a Korean term that can be translated as "boomer" in English and describes an old-fashioned, self-righteous person who tries to impose their views on others. "I portrayed this middle-aged kkondae like a clown - funny but not hateful. On set, I was one of the oldest except for a few senior actors, so I tried to stay generous while also being creative. It was difficult to find the right balance. To others, I might still look like a kkondae."

The series masterfully blends elements of comedy and introspection as it depicts Kim's dramatic fall from stability and his chaotic search for meaning in life. "It's a story about losing what you thought mattered and finding what really does," Ryu shared with the audience. "I wanted audiences to laugh but also feel something real." This approach allows the show to tackle serious themes about midlife crisis and personal fulfillment while maintaining an accessible and entertaining tone.

Director Jo emphasized that the drama serves as an exploration of Korea's generational divide, using humor and empathy as tools to bridge understanding between different age groups. "There's this sense that the generations are disconnected," he observed. "I wanted to create a story that helps bridge that gap." This thematic focus makes the series particularly relevant in contemporary Korean society, where generational conflicts have become increasingly prominent.

Cha Kang-yoon, who plays Kim's son in the series, offered a glimpse into Ryu's personality off-camera, revealing a stark contrast to his character's traits. "He's nothing like a kkondae in real life," Cha said with admiration. "When I arrive on set, he greets me by saying, 'My son's here!' and makes everyone comfortable from the start. But when the camera rolls, he completely transforms. My respect for him grew even more. It was a joy to work with him." This testimony highlights Ryu's professionalism and his ability to create a positive working environment while delivering compelling performances.

With its unique blend of satire, warmth, and family insights, "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim" promises to capture the bittersweet comedy of midlife experiences. The series poses fundamental questions about what it truly means to live well, exploring these themes through a lens of humor and heart that resonates with audiences across different generations.