Musings from Dennis #281. “The Dream Life of Mr Kim”. This might be my first post about a K-drama - and you’ll soon see why. (Mild spoilers ahead.)
The protagonist, Kim Nak Su, played by the brilliant 55-year-old
Ryu Seung Ryong (Kingdom, Moving), is difficult to like from the
outset. He is arrogant, lacking in self-awareness, dismissive of his team,
overly confident, and deeply insecure - all at once.
Yet, like many of us, Kim Nak Su is in relentless pursuit of
his “dream life,” making a series of questionable decisions along the way - until
a dramatic and humbling fall from grace forces him to confront himself.
What follows is a compelling journey of self-discovery - of
rebuilding self-worth, developing awareness, and ultimately finding purpose,
not only for himself but also for his family. We witness his gradual
transformation: he softens, becomes more vulnerable, begins to address his
mental health, and grows into a more grounded, empathetic individual.
As viewers, our emotions evolve alongside him - we are first
irritated, then sympathetic, then empathetic, and finally, we find ourselves
celebrating his growth. It is this emotional arc that makes Kim Nak Su such a
deeply relatable character.
Much of the success of this 12-episode Netflix series, beyond
the excellent writing by Kim Hong Gi and Yoon Hye Sung, can be attributed to
Ryu Seung Ryong’s extraordinary performance. His nuanced portrayal, down to the
subtlest micro-expressions, brings Kim Nak Su vividly to life. It’s no surprise
he was awarded the Grand Prize in the TV category at the 62nd Baeksang Arts
Awards (often considered South Korea’s equivalent of the Oscars or BAFTAs).
Perhaps what resonated most with me is this: there’s a “Mr
Kim” in every workplace - and, if we’re honest, a little bit of Mr Kim in all
of us.
This series is more than just a story about corporate life; it’s a reminder that while we strive for success and chase our ambitions, we must not forget to truly live along the way.
