Why this weekend drama matters
When a veteran manager loses the job title that once defined his worth, he has to figure out who he is without the badge, the corner seat, or the “Mr. Kim” honorific. The Dream Life of Mr. Kim turns that scary moment into a witty, warm, and surprisingly hopeful search for identity—one that plays as office satire at work and a tender family story at home. It premieres October 25, 2025 (KST) on JTBC with weekend episodes.
Where and when to watch
pisodes air Saturdays 22:40 and Sundays 22:30 (KST) on JTBC, with a 12-episode run (~70 minutes each). The series will stream weekly on Netflix for global audiences. AsianWiki+1
Tone check: smart laughs, lingering heart
Expect sharp “meeting-room politics,” meme-able PowerPoint scuffles, and then—right when you’re done laughing—a line that makes you rethink how you measure success. The show balances light workplace comedy with empathetic character beats so the jokes never undercut the growth.
Main Characters & Cast
Kim Nak-soo — Ryu Seung-ryong
A 25-year corporate veteran and rules-first team leader who’s great at reports but awkward at home. Losing his title forces him into a true second act: less about rank, more about self. 위키백과
Park Ha-jin — Myung Se-bin
Nak-soo’s wife and the family’s quiet center. After years as a full-time homemaker, she cautiously maps a return-to-work path—an equally compelling midlife reboot that mirrors her husband’s journey. Soompi+1
Kim Soo-gyeom — Cha Kang-yoon
Their son, speaking fluent Gen-Z: “authenticity over stability.” He challenges his dad’s success formula and helps rewire the family’s conversations. 위키백과+1
Based on a hit webtoon (and why that helps)
The series adapts the popular webtoon by Song Hee-Gu (story) & Kim Byeong-Gwan (art), giving it a lived-in office ecosystem—bosses, deputies, rookies—that already clicked with readers. Director Cho Hyun-tak (SKY Castle) and writers Kim Hong-gi & Yoon Hye-sung steer the TV version. 위키백과
Through-line themes (webtoon → drama):
Title detox: What remains when “Seoul home-owner” and “big-company manager” drop off your resume? 위키백과
Family as translator: Arguments turn into better vocabulary for love and respect. 위키백과
Office realism with heart: Reports, reviews, and KPIs as pressure—but also as catalysts for change. BNT News
3 Fun “Hook” Points for New Viewers
Title ≠ Self: Watching Nak-soo stand again without a title is oddly exhilarating. 위키백과
PowerPoint Philosophy Battles: A single slide can ignite generational fireworks—perfect meme fuel. BNT News
Sunday Reset Energy: Episodes land in a way that helps you decompress and gear up for Monday. What’s on Netflix
Quick Watch Guide
Start here: Ep.1–2 set up the office and home “ecosystems.”
Feel the turn: Around Ep.3–4, Nak-soo’s identity shift kicks in.
Ride the climb: Mid-run episodes stretch conflicts without cynicism.
Stick the landing: The back half aims for earned change over easy wins. (12×70’ weekly rollout.) What’s on Netflix