‘Good Man’ Drama Faces Backlash for Outdated Storylines – Is Nostalgia Enough?
Seoul, South Korea – July 19, 2025 – JTBC’s newly launched Friday night drama, ‘Good Man,’ is already facing a wave of criticism for its perceived anachronistic setting and storyline. While boasting a star-studded cast including Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung, the series, which centers around a family entangled with the world of gangsters, is being called out for feeling “out of touch” with contemporary Korean drama trends. This is breaking news for K-drama fans and industry watchers alike, raising questions about the risks of leaning too heavily into retro aesthetics.
A Step Back in Time: The Plot and Initial Reactions
‘Good Man’ tells the story of Park Seok-chul, a man from a three-generation gangster family who dreams of becoming a writer. Torn between his family’s legacy and his personal aspirations, he navigates love, work, and the complexities of his lineage. The drama also features storylines involving a woman striving for a singing career and a sister grappling with the aftermath of domestic violence and a gambling addiction. However, critics and viewers are questioning the relevance of these tropes in 2025.
Cultural critic Kim Sung-soo described the drama as feeling “like a street from the 1990s,” suggesting the setting feels forced rather than organically integrated. The production team, led by director Song Hae-sung, acknowledged the retro inspiration, stating the “job of Gundal gives the feeling of the 1980s and 1990s.” But some viewers are finding the execution jarring, pointing to specific scenes – like a character sporting a fedora and white suit reminiscent of older gangster films, or an audition taking place in a decidedly 80s-style pub – as particularly out of place.
The Shifting Landscape of K-Dramas: A Demand for Modernity
This backlash comes at a time when Korean dramas are increasingly embracing modern themes and progressive narratives. Recent hits have focused on professions like doctors and lawyers, and feature strong, independent female leads. The fast-paced, episode-driven format has also become a standard expectation for many viewers. ‘Good Man’ deviates significantly from these trends, opting for a slower burn and more traditional character archetypes. This shift reflects a broader cultural change, with audiences seeking stories that resonate with their current experiences and values. Understanding these SEO trends is crucial for content creators aiming to reach a wider audience through Google News.
Star Power and Early Ratings: A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the criticism, ‘Good Man’ isn’t entirely without merit. The drama benefits from the popularity of its lead actors – Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sung-kyung, Ryu Hye-young, and Onara – who are known for their ability to deliver compelling performances in lyrical and classic dramas. Kim Sung-soo acknowledged the actors’ appeal, stating they possess “the charm and the ability to digest the characters.”
Early viewership numbers, based on Nielsen Korea’s paid households, are relatively stable, with the first two episodes achieving ratings of 3% and 3.2% respectively. This suggests that the star power and initial curiosity are drawing in an audience, even if the storyline isn’t universally embraced. The drama’s success will likely hinge on its ability to evolve beyond its initial, potentially problematic, setup and deliver a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.
The challenge for ‘Good Man’ isn’t just about appealing to a modern audience; it’s about proving that nostalgia can be successfully integrated into contemporary storytelling. Whether it can overcome the initial hurdles and find its footing remains to be seen, but the drama’s early performance is a crucial indicator of the evolving tastes of K-drama viewers and the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.
