[Seoul=RNX News] Reporter Seo-yeon Jeong = Cha Kang-yoon portrays Kim Soo-gyeom, who experiences life’s trials and tribulations, reflecting a youthful desire to be different, offering viewers a rollercoaster of emotions.
In JTBC’s weekend drama ‘The Story of Kim Manager Working at a Major Corporation in Seoul’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘Kim Manager Story’) (Directed by Jo Hyun-tak, Written by Kim Hong-gi, Yoon Hye-seong, Produced by SLL, Drama House, Baro Entertainment), Cha Kang-yoon takes on the role of C-level hopeful Kim Soo-gyeom, revealing the worries of a different younger generation and evoking empathy, contrasting with Kim Nak-soo (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) in the drama.
Kim Soo-gyeom is an ordinary college student in Korea, raised without lack by a corporate executive father and a homemaker mother. He has lived dutifully as directed by his parents and, at his father’s recommendation, was accepted into a prestigious university after retaking entrance exams. However, he is still unclear about what he is good at or what he wants to become.
Driven by a desire to be something different from ordinary people and filled with recklessness, Kim Soo-gyeom accepts a scouting offer to become the Chief Destruction Officer, or C.D.O, at the startup ‘Jealousy is My Strength’ and embarks on a new challenge.
However, when it is revealed that Lee Jung-hwan (Kim Soo-gyeom’s role) borrowed money under the employees’ names and fled abroad, Kim Soo-gyeom faces a bitter reality for the first time and falls into despair.
Unlike his teammates, who nonchalantly repay a large sum of 30 million won, Kim Soo-gyeom, unable to repay it all at once, tries to find a way to solve his problems without losing confidence.
Notably, while raising money to pay interest by selling office supplies second-hand, Kim Soo-gyeom demonstrates a newfound smartness, flawlessly writing reliable sale posts and negotiating prices.
Having earned a substantial 3.8 million won from second-hand transactions, Kim Soo-gyeom decides to try his hand at selling goods. However, needing startup capital for business preparations, viewers are eager to see if Kim Soo-gyeom, having found his aptitude through trial and error, will embark on a second venture.
This journey of Kim Soo-gyeom, who navigates through life seeking work he wants to do rather than the path set by his father, is enhanced by actor Cha Kang-yoon’s realistic performance, drawing viewers in. The scenes where Kim Soo-gyeom conflicts with his father Kim Nak-soo over differences in values, with trembling voice and watering eyes, evoke empathy for the rebellious son.
Furthermore, portraying the emotional fluctuations of Kim Soo-gyeom through nuanced eye acting after joining ‘Jealousy is My Strength,’ adds persuasiveness to the character’s feelings.
From an adult’s perspective, Kim Soo-gyeom might seem immature, yet his burning passion in contemplating his future reminds one of the transitional phases everyone experiences at least once.
Consequently, anticipation builds for Cha Kang-yoon’s portrayal of Kim Soo-gyeom’s startup challenge, resonating with his stance, “I will live my life in my own way, as a true-born Korean.”
The continued struggles of Cha Kang-yoon to pursue genuine work are broadcasted in episode 7 of JTBC’s weekend drama ‘The Story of Kim Manager Working at a Major Corporation in Seoul’ on the 15th (Saturday) at 10:40 PM.
