Veteran Korean actor Han Suk-kyu has returned to television with a lighter role in tvN's new legal comedy-drama "Shin's Project," which premiered to strong ratings of 7.4 percent last week. Following his critically acclaimed performance in last year's dark mystery series "Doubt," Han takes on the character of Mr. Shin, a fried chicken restaurant owner whose culinary business serves as a front for his exceptional skills as a professional negotiator.
The series draws clear inspiration from the hit Korean film "Extreme Job," featuring Han as the crafty chicken shop proprietor who initially handles small neighborhood disputes between local shopkeepers. However, his expertise soon catches the attention of higher-ups in the legal system, leading to more complex and significant cases that require his unique mediation abilities.
The story takes an interesting turn when Judge Kim Sang-geun, played by Kim Sang-ho from "Sweet Home," visits Shin's restaurant accompanied by Philip Jo, portrayed by Bae Hyun-sung from "Family by Choice." Philip is a recent graduate from the judicial institute who is just beginning his career as a budding judge. After ordering chicken, Judge Kim unexpectedly leaves Philip behind, instructing him to work for Shin, much to both men's confusion.
Philip's new responsibilities include making chicken deliveries, tasks that seem far beneath a qualified judge's capabilities. Initially bewildered by this unusual assignment, Philip remains determined to understand why his senior colleague placed him in this position. As he observes Shin's daily operations and methods, Philip gradually realizes that the restaurant owner possesses extraordinary talents that extend far beyond selling fried food.
Shin is equally puzzled by his unexpected new employee and almost immediately attempts to fire Philip. However, the young judge proves to be tenacious, continuing to perform his duties despite being dismissed. Through his persistence and dedication, Philip eventually demonstrates his own judicial expertise and wins Shin's grudging respect and attention.
Judge Kim has also assigned Shin a particularly challenging case involving a group of seafood merchants who are suing a television investigation program for defamation. The TV show aired a damaging report exposing the merchants' allegedly unsanitary working conditions and contaminated food products, effectively destroying their business operations. The merchants claim they were deliberately set up and demand legal recourse for the damage to their livelihoods.
Shin's investigation takes him first to meet with the uncompromising host of the investigation program, who firmly refuses to consider any settlement offer. The host stands by his show's journalistic integrity and maintains that the report was accurate and necessary. Undeterred, Shin then travels to the countryside to meet directly with the affected seafood merchants, where he begins to piece together the complex elements of the case.
Throughout these investigations, Philip dutifully accompanies Shin, gradually proving his worth by demonstrating his sharp judicial knowledge and analytical skills. The unlikely partnership develops as they handle legal casework during daytime hours while spending their evenings frying chicken and making deliveries to maintain the restaurant's cover.
The chicken shop receives an unexpected boost in popularity when the handsome Philip, dressed in his sharp business suit, makes a delivery that results in an impromptu cameo appearance on a customer's popular streaming show. This incident brings additional attention and customers to their establishment, further complicating their dual existence as legal mediators and restaurant operators.
The supporting cast includes Lee Re, known for her work in "Hellbound," who plays Lee Shi-on, a part-time worker at Shin's restaurant. Additionally, Kim Sung-oh from "Low Life" appears as police officer Choi Chul, who provides assistance with their various cases and investigations.
While Shin's exact professional background remains deliberately mysterious, viewers can deduce that he possesses a brilliant legal mind combined with exceptional negotiation skills that go beyond traditional legal training. His true talents are first revealed in the series opening, where Shin encounters a group of police officers and concerned neighbors gathered beneath a building where a distressed man threatens to set himself on fire and jump from the rooftop.
Rather than presenting himself as a professional negotiator or crisis counselor, Shin cleverly approaches the situation by appearing on the roof with a basket of laundry, pretending his only purpose is to hang clothes to dry. Without directly questioning the suicidal man, Shin skillfully draws out his grievances and establishes a friendship, even joining him in yelling complaints down to the street below. Throughout this interaction, Shin slyly removes all the fuel the man brought to the roof, successfully defusing the dangerous situation through his unconventional methods.
Han Suk-kyu's portrayal of Shin bears similarities to his previous role in the medical drama "Dr. Romantic," but with a more cynical and world-weary perspective. Once again, Han plays a highly capable character with exceptional people-reading abilities and the skills to handle complex situations that others cannot resolve.
With Shin's origins currently shrouded in mystery, the series relies heavily on Han Suk-kyu's considerable charisma and screen presence to carry the show. While "Dr. Romantic" featured Han surrounded by younger characters who elevated each other's performances, "Shin's Project" presents a more unbalanced dynamic between its two leads. Philip's character appears somewhat one-dimensional in the early episodes, and Bae Hyun-sung faces the challenge of making his character memorable alongside Han's more commanding presence.
However, both the actor and character have ample opportunity for growth as the series progresses and Philip gradually adapts to his unconventional internship arrangement. The show's decision to keep several key plot elements mysterious ensures that there will be plenty of story development and character revelation in upcoming episodes as viewers learn more about the titular character's background and motivations. "Shin's Project" is currently available for streaming on the Viu platform.
