[K Drama] The Nice Guy Cast & Plot Ending & Filming Location 2025

“The Last Good Man Standing” Kdrama The Nice Guy (착한 사나이) is JTBC’s bold new Friday drama for 2025, weaving together romance, family, and noir in a uniquely Korean tapestry of laughter and tears. Set in the bustling heart of Seoul, the series centers on Seok-cheol, the eldest grandson of a notorious three-generation gangster family, whose greatest battle is not against rival gangs but the everyday struggles to protect his loved ones, dreams, and dignity.

The drama opens with Seok-cheol at a crossroads: torn between the legacy of his family’s criminal past and his own yearning for an honest life, he finds himself juggling the roles of dutiful son, loyal friend, and reluctant heir. The arrival of Ji-hye, a fiercely independent woman with a mysterious past, and Min-jun, a principled prosecutor determined to bring justice to the city’s underbelly, sets off a chain of events that will test the boundaries of loyalty, love, and redemption. As Seok-cheol navigates the treacherous waters of family expectations and personal ambition, he is forced to confront the question: Can a man born into darkness choose to walk in the light?

What sets The Nice Guy apart is its deft blend of genres. The drama’s heart beats with the warmth of family dinners, the awkwardness of first love, and the camaraderie of lifelong friends, all set against the shadowy backdrop of noir-tinged intrigue. Director Song Hae-sung and Park Hong-soo bring a cinematic touch to the series, infusing each episode with visual flair and emotional nuance, while writers Kim Woon-kyung and Kim Hyo-seok craft dialogue that sparkles with wit and authenticity. The show’s production, a collaboration between SLL, Hybe Media Corp, and High Ground, spares no expense in recreating the vibrant streets of Seoul, from neon-lit alleys to cozy neighborhood eateries.

Central to the drama’s appeal is its cast, led by Lee Dong-wook as Seok-cheol, whose layered performance captures the vulnerability beneath the tough exterior. Lee Sung-kyung brings depth and charisma to Ji-hye, while Park Hoon’s Min-jun offers a compelling counterpoint as the drama’s moral compass. The chemistry among the leads, supported by a talented ensemble, grounds the series in genuine emotion, making even the most outlandish plot twists feel earned.

The Nice Guy is not just a story about crime or romance; it is a meditation on what it means to be good in a world that rewards ruthlessness. The series explores the gray areas of morality, the weight of family legacy, and the quiet heroism of everyday choices. With its mix of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, the drama invites viewers to root for a protagonist who, despite his flaws, never stops striving to do the right thing. As Seok-cheol faces betrayals, reconciliations, and the ultimate test of character, audiences are reminded that sometimes, the bravest thing a person can do is simply to remain kind.

The Nice Guy Drama

Japanese 優しい男の物語 | Korean 착한 사나이 | Chinese 善良的他
Revised romanization Chakhan Sanai
Director Song Hae-sung, Park Hong-soo
Writer Kim Woon-kyung, Kim Hyo-seok
Genre Romance, Family, Noir
Network JTBC
Release Date July 18, 2025
Number of Episodes 14
Airtime Friday 20:50 (KST)
Language Korean
Country South Korea
Planning/Production SLL | SLL, Hybe Media Corp, High Ground
Cast Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sung-kyung, Park Hoon, others
Filming Period February 2024 – August 2024 (pre-produced)
Streaming Disney+ (Korea, global), Hulu (US)
Rating 15+

The Nice Guy Cast

Seok-cheol (Lee Dong-wook): The eldest grandson of a gangster family, struggling to balance family loyalty with his desire for a better life.

Lee Dong-wook Instagram

Lee Dong-wook Selected Filmography

Goblin (2016–2017) : Played the Grim Reaper, a mysterious and tragic figure who guides souls to the afterlife, earning widespread acclaim for his nuanced performance.
Strangers from Hell (2019) : Portrayed Seo Moon-jo, a charismatic yet chilling dentist, showcasing his versatility in psychological thrillers.
Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020–2023)

Ji-hye (Lee Sung-kyung): A strong-willed woman with a hidden past, who becomes Seok-cheol’s confidante and love interest.

Lee Sung-kyung Instagram

Lee Sung-kyung Selected Filmography

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017) : Starred as Kim Bok-joo, a weightlifter navigating love and friendship, cementing her status as a leading actress in youth dramas.
Dr. Romantic 2 (2020) : Played Cha Eun-jae, a talented surgeon, bringing depth and empathy to the medical drama.
Sh**ting Stars (2022)

Min-jun (Park Hoon): A principled prosecutor entangled in Seok-cheol’s world, serving as both adversary and ally.

Park Hoon Instagram

Park Hoon Selected Filmography

Memories of the Alhambra (2018–2019) : Played Cha Hyung-seok, a pivotal character whose mysterious death drives the plot’s central mystery.

Director Selected Filmography and Style

Song Hae-sung is acclaimed for his emotionally resonant films such as Failan (2001), a poignant romance about an unlikely connection, and Maundy Thursday (2006), a moving drama exploring forgiveness and redemption. His style is marked by a focus on character-driven narratives, subtle emotional beats, and a cinematic approach to everyday life. Park Hong-soo, co-director, is known for his work on Doctor John (2019) and My Strange Hero (2018), both praised for their strong ensemble casts and deft balance of drama and humor. Together, they bring a blend of realism and stylized storytelling to The Nice Guy, elevating its noir and family elements.

The Nice Guy Filming Location

The drama “A Story of a Kind Man” was filmed mainly in Chuncheon, with other locations such as Gangneung and the Gangwon-do region serving as the primary settings. The exact filming locations will be disclosed once the drama footage is released.

GC Atelier Address: 500, Gyeongbok-daero, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Ilsan Cheongah Park

Address: 478-11, Seolmun-dong, Ilsan-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park

Address: 1154, Majong-ri, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Cham Pharmacy Front Address: 1282, Geumgang-ro, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Yangju Korea Hospital Address: 1533, Buheung-ro, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Geumchon 3-dong Community Service Center Address: 25, Songhwa-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Guri-Amsa Bridge Address: Topyeong-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do ~ Amsa-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
Shinsaembat-ro Address: Shinsaembat-ro, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Shalom House Nursing Home Address: 1282, Geumgang-ro, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (Same building as Cham Pharmacy, estimated)
Yucheon Bridge Address: Yeonpyeong-ri, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Geumsan 3-ri Bus Stop (1953) Address: Around 1277, Geumgang-ro, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Gyeongchun Line Hoban Bridge Address: Cheonghak-ri area, Byeollae-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Namchuncheon Station Area Address: 17, Sumeusup-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Chuncheon Intercity Bus Terminal Address: 9, Gongji-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Yaksagogae-gil Address: Yaksadong area, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Chuncheon-ro 114beon-gil Address: Naedong-myeon area, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Mujjae Coffee Address: 13, Hyoja-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

The Nice Guy Plot Summary

Episode 1~ 2

In a dark alley before dawn, Park Seok-cheol smokes a cigarette alone after a fight on the deserted street. In his hand is a folded poetry book, and he quietly reads a verse, enjoying a brief moment of calm.

At the breakfast table, Seok-cheol sits face to face with his father, Park Sil-gon. On the table lies a worn-out clock. Sil-gon, who has lived as a nationwide gangster, still exudes a powerful aura even in old age. Seok-cheol can never forget the day he entered Myungsan Industries at his father’s request. It was a choice for his family, but he still harbors regret deep in his heart.

In the afternoon, Seok-cheol visits the hospital carrying a container of kimchi. At the end of a hallway sits someone who catches his eye—his first love, Kang Mi-young, whom he had held in his heart for many years. This is their first meeting since their sudden breakup. Mi-young now endures difficult days caring for her mother, who suffers from dementia. Though she is weighed down by the burdens of life, she forces a smile. Seok-cheol watches her quietly from a distance.

As night deepens, Park Seok-kyung stumbles into his narrow goshiwon room, throwing down his exhausted body. The room is filled with loan agreements and promissory notes. A little later, the haggard Seok-kyung is visited by Seok-cheol and their younger sibling Seok-hee. The three siblings rescue their sister, who has fallen into debt at a gambling den. Although the debt of 300 million won still weighs heavily, Seok-cheol silently stays by his sister’s side.

A few days later, at the office, Seok-cheol decides to leave the organization. However, his boss, Oh Sang-yeol, tasks him once again with clearing “District 3.” Despite Seok-cheol’s plea to handle things peacefully, the site soon devolves into a chaotic scene of eviction trucks and the desperate cries of tenants.

In the midst of the turmoil, Seok-cheol confronts tenant representative Kim Jin-ho. After a confrontation, Kim Jin-ho pours oil over himself and, in the depths of despair, attempts self-immolation. Without hesitation, Seok-cheol rushes into the flames and rescues him. The incident becomes widely covered by the media, and the neighborhood again calls Seok-cheol a “hero.” Left alone staring into the flames, Seok-cheol’s face reflects wounds and emptiness.

Even after this, Seok-cheol cannot easily leave the organization. Boss Kim Chang-soo gives him an expensive watch, binding Seok-cheol’s resolve. Every time he vows, “I’ll leave after this job,” but is once again crushed by the weight of reality and family.

At night, Park Sil-gon parks his car in front of Myungsan Industries and tries to pay off his daughter’s 300 million won debt to Kim Chang-soo. Watching from afar, Seok-cheol grabs his father and explodes in anger. The father and son turn away from each other, growing distant in the cold dawn air.

Late at night, a light glows in Mi-young’s window, and the faint sound of piano drifts out. Seok-cheol’s steps are heavy as he walks the lonely alley. He endlessly wanders between direction in life, family and the organization, love and responsibility. With a face full of anger, sadness, regret, and determination, he greets the city’s dawn.

Episode 3~4

Seok-cheol and Mi-young grow closer, but Tae-hoon’s jealousy and gang conflicts deepen. Seok-cheol clashes with Chairman Kim Jin-ho (Park Won-sang) of Myeongsan Construction and experiences physical confrontations at the redevelopment site. Meanwhile, Seok-cheol’s sister Park Seok-hee (Ryu Hye-young) struggles between her study abroad dreams and family realities. Seok-cheol is endangered while trying to protect Mi-young.

Seok-cheol confesses his true feelings to Mi-young, and romance blooms between them. But Tae-hoon uses Mi-young to pressure Seok-cheol and strengthen his power in the organization. Due to a debt issue involving Seok-cheol’s older sister Park Seok-kyung (Oh Na-ra), the family faces the risk of losing their home. Seok-cheol negotiates with the gang boss to protect the family but faces unexpected betrayal.

Episode 5~8

Seok-cheol and Mi-young share their first kiss, confirming their feelings. However, Tae-hoon’s plot causes Seok-cheol to lose trust within the gang. Seok-hee gives up on studying abroad for her family’s sake, and Sil-gon contacts past colleague Jakdae-gi (Yoo Seung-mok) to save his son. Jakdae-gi helps Seok-cheol out of loyalty to Sil-gon.

The conflict between Seok-cheol and Tae-hoon escalates into a love triangle, raising tension. Mi-young tries to hide her relationship with Seok-cheol due to Tae-hoon’s threats but her heart leans toward Seok-cheol. Seok-cheol wins the battle against Myeongsan Construction, but a betrayer inside the gang is revealed. Seok-hee takes on a dangerous job to pay off the family debt.

Seok-cheol confronts Tae-hoon directly to protect Mi-young. With Jakdae-gi’s help, Seok-cheol overcomes the crisis but lacks funds to protect his family home. Mi-young gains attention in a singing audition, moving closer to her dream. However, Tae-hoon’s interference puts her opportunity at risk.

Seok-cheol undertakes a dangerous mission to solve the family’s debts. Despite Tae-hoon’s pressure, Mi-young chooses Seok-cheol, and their romance deepens. Seok-hee regrets her sacrifices for the family and conflicts with Seok-cheol. A conspiracy inside the gang emerges, and Seok-cheol faces new threats.

Episode 9~10

Seok-cheol teams up with Jakdae-gi to root out the gang’s betrayer. Mi-young performs on stage as a singer for the first time but faces obstacles from Tae-hoon. Seok-kyung secretly starts working to pay off debts, hiding it from the family. Seok-cheol dreams of a future with Mi-young but gang threats continue.

Due to Tae-hoon’s scheme, Seok-cheol is expelled from the gang. Mi-young risks everything to stand against Tae-hoon and help Seok-cheol. Sil-gon confronts old enemies to save his son. Seok-hee works toward family reconciliation but family tensions grow as Seok-kyung’s secrets are exposed.

Episode 11~ 12

Tae-hoon pressures Mi-young to break up with Seok-cheol. Seok-cheol fights to protect the gang boss position and his family. The gang splits due to Han Jae-young’s (Moon Tae-yu) ambitions, and Seok-cheol stands at the brink of life and death. Seok-hee pursues her study abroad dreams again and reconciles with the family.

Seok-cheol tries to clear misunderstandings with Tae-hoon, but Han Jae-young’s meddling worsens the situation. Mi-young makes a dangerous choice to protect Seok-cheol. Seok-cheol is seriously injured while saving Mi-young. Sil-gon stakes everything on saving his son, and the family strives to unite.

The Nice Guy Ending

Park Seok-cheol decides to take responsibility for his crimes. He obtains crucial evidence proving all the criminal activities of Kim Chang-su, the boss of the organization, and asks an officer to deliver it on his behalf. This evidence reveals that Kim Chang-su murdered Oh Seung-baek and staged it as an accident. Based on this, Kim Chang-su is arrested and brought to court for murder and violent crimes.

The court sentences Kim Chang-su to 20 years in prison. Oh Sang-yeol, Kim’s right-hand man, also receives a harsh punishment related to organized crime. Meanwhile, Park Seok-cheol, a former member of the organization burdened by remorse, surrenders to the prosecution following encouragement and is sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

Park Seok-cheol, who turned himself in, also faces justice. He chooses to take responsibility for his involvement in organized crime. During the trial, Kim Chang-su angrily tells Park Seok-cheol, “I will never go to prison alone. I’ll make sure you go with me,” declaring they will be punished together, which becomes reality.

The drama’s final scene follows Park Seok-cheol as he starts a new life after release. He tells Kang Mi-young, who has waited for him over the years, “Don’t come to pick me up the day I’m released. I want my family to see me at home, not here.” Kang Mi-young understands his choice and promises to wait. This marks a reunion not in the dark space of prison, but in the bright daily life.

Review

With its star-studded cast, cinematic direction, and genre-blending narrative, The Nice Guy is poised to become one of JTBC’s standout dramas of 2025. Anticipation is high among fans of romance, family sagas, and noir, with early trailers and promotional materials generating positive buzz online. Critics are already praising the show’s visual style and the chemistry between its leads.

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