Han Suk-kyu's 'Mr. Shin' Premieres to Top Ratings, Signaling a Thrilling Negotiation Hero's Return

Veteran actor Han Suk-kyu has captivated audiences with his commanding presence in the premiere of tvN's new drama 'Mr. Shin Project'. The series, which aired its first episode on the 15th, centers around Shin Sajang (played by Han Suk-kyu), a legendary negotiator now running a chicken shop, and immediately gripped viewers with its compelling narrative.

The premiere episode achieved impressive viewership ratings, with the Seoul metropolitan area reaching an average of 6.5% and a peak of 7.9%. Nationally, it garnered an average of 5.9% and a high of 7.3%. This secured the drama the number one spot in its time slot across all cable and general programming channels, marking the highest premiere rating for a tvN Monday-Tuesday drama in 2025. The show also dominated the 2049 demographic, topping ratings for cable, general programming, and all channels in its time slot, underscoring its widespread popularity.

From the outset, Shin Sajang demonstrated his exceptional negotiation skills by calmly persuading a man attempting self-immolation. He later accepted a request from his old acquaintance, Judge Kim Sang-geun (played by Kim Sang-ho), to mediate a dispute between a broadcasting station and salted seafood merchants. He was also assigned a new junior judge, Jo Pil-lip (played by Bae Hyun-sung), as his assistant for the case.

During the mediation, Shin Sajang attempted to reach an agreement regarding the merchants' claims of false reporting by the broadcast company. However, the broadcasting station maintained that their report was legitimate, escalating the conflict. Shin Sajang then noticed suspicious activity: a real estate company was acquiring shops that had closed due to the broadcast's impact. He enlisted the help of hacker Kim Su-dong (played by Jung Eun-pyo) to examine real estate transaction records, which led to him being pursued by dangerous individuals.

With his surprising motorcycle skills and the assistance of delivery employee Lee Si-on (played by Lee Re) and her friends, Shin Sajang narrowly escaped danger. He uncovered a corporate resort construction plan as the motive behind the dispute and confronted the company, demanding fair compensation for the merchants. The corporation not only rejected his proposal but also plotted to eliminate him. Shin Sajang and Jo Pil-lip found themselves trapped between two trucks, heading towards an oncoming train. In a desperate moment, Shin Sajang managed to break the car window and escape, defiantly declaring, "Haven't you heard the rumors? I am Mr. Shin, Mr. Shin!" This exhilarating escape cemented his status as a unique hero.

'Mr. Shin Project' successfully blended the everyday humor of a chicken shop with the thrilling tension of high-stakes negotiations, captivating viewers. Han Suk-kyu's blend of playful charm and sharp charisma during negotiation scenes provided immense catharsis. The chemistry among Han Suk-kyu, Bae Hyun-sung, and Lee Re, coupled with Director Shin Kyung-soo's witty direction, further amplified the drama's entertainment value and excitement. Audiences are eagerly anticipating Shin Sajang's next move against those who wronged the merchants.

The second episode of 'Mr. Shin Project' airs today, the 16th, at 8:50 PM KST on tvN.

Han Suk-kyu debuted in theater in 1984 with 'Hamlet' and has since showcased a remarkable acting range across films and dramas. His nuanced emotional performances and commanding presence have earned him the reputation of a 'trustworthy actor,' leaving a lasting impact on every project he undertakes. With 'Mr. Shin Project,' he embarks on a new genre, signaling another significant transformation in his career.