A new drama has appeared, breathing fresh life into tvN's Monday-Tuesday lineup for 2025. The series in question is none other than "Mr. Shin's Project," marking the return of veteran actor Han Suk-kyu. While not a prolific actor, Han has consistently met audiences with a new project each year, building deep trust with the public. His name alone was enough to generate immense anticipation for this drama even before it aired. That anticipation turned into reality from the very first broadcast. "Mr. Shin's Project" kicked off with a phenomenal viewership rating of 6.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area for its first episode, a remarkable feat that instantly made it the highest-rated premiere among all tvN Monday-Tuesday dramas this year. This figure surpasses even many primetime weekend dramas, once again proving the immense power of Han Suk-kyu, an actor whose name is a seal of quality.
The weight the name Han Suk-kyu carries is substantial. His filmography runs parallel to the history of modern Korean drama and film, and the projects he chooses have always guaranteed a certain level of excellence. The news that he would be appearing in a tvN drama for the first time in his career became a hot topic in itself. For him, "Mr. Shin's Project" is a venture onto a new platform; for viewers, it is a chance to see a familiar yet fresh side of the actor. His acting has always possessed a charm that conceals the extraordinary within the ordinary and hides sharp insight behind a gentle smile, naturally amplifying curiosity about the character he will portray, the titular "Mr. Shin."
What elevates the anticipation for "Mr. Shin's Project" even further is the reunion between Han Suk-kyu and Director Shin Kyung-soo. The two have already demonstrated their perfect synergy through two masterpiece historical dramas on SBS, "Deep Rooted Tree" and "Secret Door." The combination of Han, who flawlessly portrayed a monarch agonizing under the weight of the throne, and Director Shin, who captured his performance with profound and sophisticated direction, has always been a winning formula. This time, they have moved their stage from the grand royal palace to a humble neighborhood chicken joint, joining forces once again in a modern setting. Witnessing the new synergy they will create with a character far more approachable and humorous than their previous solemn roles is one of the key points to watch in this drama.
At first glance, Mr. Shin, played by Han Suk-kyu, appears to be an ordinary chicken shop owner you could find in any neighborhood. With his hearty laugh and kind, welcoming smile, he is the epitome of warmth and friendliness. This is, in fact, one of the character types Han Suk-kyu portrays best. However, his characters are never one-dimensional. Just as he has often played roles that hide a sharp edge or a secret past beneath a warm-hearted exterior, viewers speculate that Mr. Shin in this project will be no different. His extraordinary ability to solve all sorts of incidents that occur in his neighborhood hints that he is no mere chicken vendor, deepening the mystery surrounding his past.
The drama kicks into high gear by showing Mr. Shin stepping up as a "fixer" whenever a problem arises in the neighborhood. In an early episode, a tense situation unfolds when a threatening individual causes a commotion on a building rooftop, dousing it with oil. While everyone else is at a loss, Mr. Shin calmly walks up to the roof and smoothly resolves the situation in his own unique way. This scene demonstrates that his primary skill is not physical force but an exceptional "negotiating ability" that allows him to see through people's hearts and grasp the essence of a situation. The sight of him rushing around to help neighbors in need, even forgetting to open his own shop, suggests he serves as the neighborhood's hidden hero and guardian.
The unique premise of "Mr. Shin's Project" shines even brighter with the introduction of "Jo Philip," a rookie judge played by Bae Hyun-sung. The process by which this brilliant elite, newly appointed as a judge, inexplicably starts "reporting to work" at Mr. Shin's chicken shop provides viewers with a fresh shock and plenty of laughter. Although the given reason is "to learn about the real world," the setup of a sitting judge working like a part-timer in a chicken restaurant feels delightfully surreal and piques curiosity. In particular, his awkward yet earnest appearance, making deliveries while always dressed in a formal suit, adds a comedic flair to the series and makes one wonder what kind of relationship he will form with the very different Mr. Shin.
The drama is further enriched by the performances of its distinctive supporting cast. A prime example is the character "Lee Si-on," played by Lee Re. As a high school dropout who works as a delivery person to support her family, she represents the youth of today who persevere through harsh realities. The combination of Mr. Shin, the elite rookie judge Jo Philip, and the delivery worker Lee Si-on—a trio that seems completely mismatched—emits an unexpected chemistry that injects vitality into the story. The process of these characters, each with their own stories and scars, coming together, clashing, and growing through their connection at the chicken shop is expected to offer warm empathy and comfort to the audience.
Contrary to initial expectations that it might be a gentle human drama about the small stories of neighborhood people, "Mr. Shin's Project" keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with surprisingly spectacular scenes. A prime example is a thrilling moment from early in the show where Mr. Shin gets involved in negotiations concerning a local redevelopment project. He is ambushed by mysterious trucks and nearly loses his life on a railroad track. This suggests that the conflicts Mr. Shin faces are not mere neighborly disputes but dangerous incidents involving powerful interests and dark forces. In this way, the drama masterfully weaves between heartwarming daily life and tense thriller, creating an immersive experience that is impossible to look away from.
While watching the drama, a fun question comes to mind: "When does Mr. Shin ever actually fry chicken?" He is always too busy running around negotiating deals and solving cases to look after his own shop. This reveals that the "chicken shop owner" setup is the most effective device to hide his true identity and an excellent choice for building an approachable image. People naturally let their guard down and open up to a friendly neighborhood chicken shop owner. Mr. Shin uses this to his advantage, getting to the heart of problems and finding solutions in ways no one expects. His job is not just a simple setting; it is the ultimate camouflage that makes all of his activities possible.
"Mr. Shin's Project" has made a phenomenal start, perfectly blending the overwhelming presence of a master actor like Han Suk-kyu, an intriguing mystery, an unpredictable plot, and an ensemble of unique characters. Planned for a total of 12 episodes, it promises a fast-paced story and is highly accessible, being available on various OTT platforms like TVING and Wavve. With such a powerful first impression, viewer interest and anticipation are only set to grow with each passing episode as they wait to uncover Mr. Shin's hidden past and the even bigger cases he will inevitably face.
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