Ordinary Man's Extraordinary Struggle: The Dream Life of Mr. Kim

As of 2025-10-31T08:15:08+00:00, the Netflix series 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' has been creating a buzz with its poignant exploration of a middle-class man's battle against South Korea's corporate hierarchy. The show, created by Jo Hyun-tack, Kim Hong-ki, and Yoon Hae-sung, premiered last month and has been praised for its nuanced storytelling and standout performance by lead actor Ryu Seung-ryong.

The series centers around Kim Nak-su, a middle manager at a telecom firm who is convinced that his long service and spotless record will soon earn him a managing director's title. However, as of the current date, his promotion remains elusive, his colleagues are revealed to be "snakes in suits," and his sense of control at home is quietly slipping away. Nak-su's world begins to unravel, and his "dream life" turns into something far more introspective and unsettling.

Ryu Seung-ryong's nuanced performance as Nak-su has been widely praised, with the actor capturing the character's tragicomic journey with both humor and poignancy. The show's satire bites hardest in the office setting, but it also serves as a meditation on the true meaning of "success" in a world where doing everything right still doesn't guarantee peace of mind.