Ryu Seung-ryong Demoted in 'A Managerial Life' Amidst Record-Breaking Ratings

In the JTBC weekend drama 'A Managerial Life,' Ryu Seung-ryong's character, Manager Kim Nak-soo, has been transferred from the ACT sales team to factory management, leaving viewers with a sense of bittersweet sorrow.

The 4th episode, aired on the 2nd, depicted Kim Nak-soo's desperate struggle to hold onto his managerial position, a narrative that resonated deeply with the audience. The episode achieved a new personal best in viewership ratings, reaching 4.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea.

Sensing impending demotion, Kim Nak-soo attempted to persuade Managing Director Baek Jeong-tae (Yoo Seung-mok) by inviting him home. However, his desperation led him to lash out at his wife, Park Ha-jin (Myung Se-bin), straining their marital relationship. He also took on direct sales responsibilities across the country to boost team performance, even encountering his former colleague, Heo Tae-hwan (Lee Seo-hwan), now working for a rival company.

Despite his strenuous efforts, Managing Director Baek had already decided to reassign Kim Nak-soo to factory management in Asan. Kim Nak-soo's plea, 'I'm still a useful person,' as he faced this outcome, tugged at viewers' heartstrings. The episode concluded with Manager Kim swallowing his anguish alone, hiding his demotion from his family, leaving many viewers teary-eyed.

Meanwhile, Kim Nak-soo's son, Kim Su-gyeom (Cha Kang-yoon), has decided to join the startup 'Jealousy is My Strength' as its Chief Destruction Officer (CDO), marking a new chapter.

Netizens expressed sympathy for Manager Kim's situation, commenting, 'This is so heartbreaking,' and 'Ryu Seung-ryong's acting is incredible.' Many are also looking forward to seeing how Kim Su-gyeom's character will develop in his new role at the startup.