So, picture this: Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung. In the same drama. Playing opposite each other. I know—mind-blowing, right? We’ve seen these two shine on their own in countless K-dramas, but putting them together? That’s a twist nobody saw coming. And yet here we are, living in the era of The Nice Guy, which dropped on July 18, 2025, and immediately lit up the internet like it was New Year’s Eve.
This isn’t just your average romantic series. It’s a cocktail of sweet nostalgia, raw family dynamics, and heart-pounding gangster chaos—yep, all in one. Let’s dive into the juicy details, because trust me, this one’s got layers.
A “Nice Guy” in a Not-So-Nice World
Meet Park Seok Cheol (played by the ever-charismatic Lee Dong Wook). He’s the eldest grandson of a three-generation crime family. But plot twist—he’s nothing like them. In fact, he’s known for being almost… too kind. Innocent, even. (Yes, Lee Dong Wook playing innocent is a whole thing.)
Seok Cheol’s heart? It belongs to his childhood love, Kang Mi Young (Lee Sung Kyung). She’s his first love, and honestly, the chemistry between them? Instant fireworks. But life hasn’t been kind to her. Mi Young once dreamed of becoming a famous singer, but crippling stage fright and lingering emotional scars have kept her offstage. Instead, she’s now chasing her dream through—you guessed it—YouTube.
So we’ve got a good guy from a bad family and a sweet girl with big dreams and baggage. If your heart’s already clenching, same.
The First Episode Is a Rollercoaster
Right off the bat, The Nice Guy throws you into the thick of it. We’re not easing into anything here. Episode one opens with gangland family drama, and you’ll quickly realize that being born into a gangster dynasty doesn’t mean you fit the mold.
Park Seok Cheol might have inherited the last name, but he didn’t inherit the grit. Sure, he can throw a punch if needed (and he will), but deep down, he’s just a guy trying to protect the people he loves.
And speaking of people, let’s talk about his sisters. Seok Cheol’s got two: the fierce Park Seok Kyung (played by Oh Na Ra) and the sharp yet unpredictable Park Seok Hee (Ryu Hye Young). Each sibling has a distinct personality, and trust me, the dynamic is both chaotic and adorable. Imagine tough love meets wild loyalty. Their family dinners must be wild.
Childhood Love That Refuses to Die
Let’s rewind a bit. Seok Cheol and Mi Young? They go way back. First love, first heartbreak, the whole package. They drifted apart during school, as people often do, but fate clearly wasn’t done with them.
Now adults, they reunite—unexpectedly—and the spark is immediate. And not the awkward, unsure kind. We’re talking intense eye contact, unspoken history, and that “oh no, feelings” tension that makes your heart skip a beat. You know the one.
But this isn’t a fluffy teen rom-com. Their connection feels deeper. More mature. There’s longing, yes, but also hesitation. They’ve both lived through enough to know love isn’t always easy. And yet… here they are.
Lee Sung Kyung Like You’ve Never Seen Her
Okay, quick pause to appreciate Lee Sung Kyung’s transformation here. We’re so used to seeing her as loud, confident, a little chaotic—and we love her for it. But in The Nice Guy, she dials it back. As Kang Mi Young, she’s quiet, vulnerable, even delicate at times.
There’s this softness to her performance that makes you want to protect her, root for her, and cry with her. Her dream of being a singer feels so real, especially with the trauma that’s been holding her back. Watching her post covers on YouTube while avoiding live audiences? Oof. It hits hard.
You’ll want to hug her. And then you’ll want to scream at the screen when things get tough. But that’s the beauty of it—her pain feels real, not manufactured.
Expect Comedy, Chaos, and Criminal Shenanigans
Don’t let the romantic undertones fool you—this drama isn’t just slow-burning glances and longing stares. We’re talking action-packed sequences, street-level fights, and tangled family politics. And yes, comedy too.
Even with all the drama, The Nice Guy doesn’t forget to have fun. Some of the most entertaining moments come from Seok Cheol’s awkward attempts to live outside the criminal world. He’s like a golden retriever in a shark tank—completely out of place but weirdly resilient.
And when family conflicts boil over? Get ready. Between his gangster dad and tough-love sisters, Seok Cheol’s stuck in a never-ending battle between doing what’s right and doing what’s expected.
Two Episodes In, and Already Hooked
Let’s be real—some dramas take a while to warm up. Not this one. By episode two, you’re already second-guessing motives, worrying about Mi Young’s stage fright relapse, and praying Seok Cheol doesn’t get pulled deeper into the gangster world.
The writing is tight, the editing crisp, and the visuals? Absolutely stunning. Every frame feels intentional, with that polished JTBC aesthetic that makes you want to screenshot everything and use it as your phone wallpaper.
What’s more impressive? The drama somehow keeps a light tone while dealing with heavy topics. That’s not easy to pull off, but The Nice Guy makes it look effortless.
Is The Nice Guy Drama Worth Your Time?
Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Absolutely yes.
If you’ve been waiting for something that blends romance with tension, sweetness with grit, and innocence with emotional complexity, this is your next binge. It’s fresh, unpredictable, and totally addictive.
The chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Lee Sung Kyung alone is enough to carry the show, but throw in complex family dynamics, unresolved childhood trauma, and a high-stakes gangster backdrop? You’ve got a recipe for something truly unforgettable.
And hey, even if you’re just here for the eye candy, you won’t be disappointed. This cast? Flawless. The styling? On point. The soundtrack? Lowkey fire.
Where to Watch and When to Catch It
Episodes drop every Friday, so if you’ve got weekend plans, cancel them. This one’s available on Disney+, so yes—you can stream it in bed, in your pajamas, crying into your snack stash like the rest of us.
Seriously, don’t sleep on this drama. The hype is real, and it’s only just getting started.
Final Thoughts (But Not Really the End)
You know that feeling when a drama checks all your boxes? That’s The Nice Guy. It’s got heart, humor, pain, and passion. Whether you’re here for Lee Dong Wook’s soulful eyes or Lee Sung Kyung’s tender vulnerability, you’ll find something to love—and then some.
So go ahead. Hit play. Let yourself get pulled into this beautifully messy world. And when you’re done, message your friends immediately, because you’re going to need someone to scream about this with.
See you in the next episode recap? I’ll bring the snacks.