JTBC has unveiled its new drama, 'This Good Man', with an unconventional programming strategy: airing two consecutive episodes on a Friday night. While the network has attempted a similar back-to-back format on Wednesdays in the past, doing so on a Friday, at the prime-time gateway to the weekend, comes as a fresh surprise to viewers.
Of course, this isn't the first time such a schedule has been tried in the industry, as other broadcasters have experimented with similar strategies. However, the recent trend has leaned towards airing single episodes per day, based on the conclusion that it is more effective for maintaining viewer engagement. It seems JTBC, already having a drama lineup for Saturdays and Sundays, is making a strategic gamble to capture a concentrated audience on Fridays. Nevertheless, the demand for viewers to dedicate two full hours to a single drama at the start of their weekend could be a significant ask, and all eyes are on whether this bold attempt will pay off.
The drama's title, 'This Good Man', clearly reveals its identity from the outset. The contradictory combination of "Good" and "Man" (implying a gangster) hints at the kind of story it aims to tell. At the center of this is actor Lee Dong-wook's radical transformation. Having built an unrivaled reputation in the fantasy genre as mystical characters like the Grim Reaper ('Goblin') and a Gumiho ('Tale of the Nine Tailed'), he is now taking on the role of an organized crime member for the first time.
It suggests, as he has mentioned in interviews, a thirst for a new genre, refusing to rest on the laurels of his fantasy success. While he has dipped his toes into genre work with detective roles in the past, a character living a rough life at the core of a criminal organization is a new challenge in his filmography.
His partner, Lee Sung-kyung, also sheds her existing image for a new look. Known for playing bubbly and charming characters, often from privileged backgrounds, she takes on the role of Kang Mi-young, a woman struggling to make ends meet while caring for her sick mother. She is a multi-faceted character who, despite her hardships, holds onto her dream of becoming a singer by working as a YouTuber. While the setup might feel unfamiliar for the actress, Lee Sung-kyung seamlessly melts into the character with her signature vibrant acting, building her own unique version of Kang Mi-young without a hint of awkwardness.
The core narrative revolves around Park Seok-cheol (Lee Dong-wook), a man who has inherited the life of a gangster, and his fateful love, Kang Mi-young (Lee Sung-kyung). Although Seok-cheol is the son of a nationally feared gangster, he has somehow remained a mid-level boss rather than the head of the organization. What's more intriguing is his inner self. Despite being immersed in a brutal world, he possesses a sensitive soul, even taking poetry classes at a local cultural center. His life is full of irony. The reason he became a gangster has yet to be revealed, but true to the drama's title, his true nature seems far removed from violence.
The main plot kicks off as Seok-cheol, having decided to leave this world behind, is asked by his organization to take on one last job. In the process, he has a fateful reunion with Mi-young, with whom he shared a youthful crush in middle school. Having returned to her hometown, Mi-young and Seok-cheol recognize each other instantly, heralding the beginning of an unstoppable romance. However, the drama opens its very first episode with a shocking scene of Seok-cheol being stabbed while trying to protect Mi-young, signaling that their love story will be anything but smooth.
The future of the plot is expected to center on Seok-cheol's story of pure, devoted love. He tries to solve problems through dialogue rather than violence, but his exceptional skills and unique position will likely make him a threat to rival organizations. There are hints of a tragic fate where he could be singled out as a sacrificial pawn to resolve conflicts between the two sides.
Initial viewership ratings started positively, rising slightly from 3.0% to 3.2% in the first week. However, to survive the fierce competition of Friday nights, which are packed with popular variety shows and other dramas, 'This Good Man' will need to showcase its unique charm.
The key will be how convincingly it can portray the tender romance between the two leads amidst the tense developments of the noir genre. Furthermore, a stellar supporting cast including Park Hoon, Oh Na-ra, and Ryu Hye-young is expected to add their own unique flavor and energy to the drama. It remains to be seen if this unusual blend of quiet, deeply moving romance and gritty noir can capture the hearts of viewers. The story ahead is one to watch with great curiosity.
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