K-drama spotlight shifts to middle-aged men as ‘ajeossi’ stories gain traction

Korean dramas are increasingly shifting focus from young romance to stories about middle-aged men navigating work, family and identity.

With actors such as Ryu Seung-ryong, So Ji-sub and Ha Jung-woo returning to television, the era of the “ajeossi narrative” — dramas centering on men in their 40s and 50s — is gaining momentum.

Rather than confining these actors to supporting roles as fathers, bosses or villains, these new series portray middle-aged men as complex protagonists whose struggles mirror the real-life pressures of adulthood.

Leading the trend is “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,” which premiered on JTBC on Oct. 25. It follows Kim Nak-su (played by Ryu Seung-ryong), a man who once believed he had achieved everything — a stable job, a home in Seoul and a respectable title at a major company — until he suddenly loses it all and embarks on a journey to rediscover his true self beyond corporate success.

The show portrays the exhaustion, self-doubt, and quiet dignity of ordinary men caught between superiors and subordinates. At a press conference, Ryu said, “This story isn’t just about one person — it could be our future, someone’s past or even my own. It’s something everyone can relate to.”

Another drama, “Manager Kim,” starring So Ji-sub and set to air on SBS next year, tells the story of a father who exposes a long-hidden secret from his past as a North Korean defector spy to save his kidnapped daughter. The show emphasizes the emotional power of paternal love and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, Ha Jung-woo will headline tvN’s “How to Become a Building Owner in Korea,” also scheduled for next year.

He plays Ki Soo-jong, a man who becomes a landlord by borrowing beyond his means but soon finds himself crushed by debt. Caught in criminal schemes to protect his family and property, he embodies the moral gray areas of survival in modern society.

The projects mark the actors’ long-awaited returns to television: Ryu after 15 years, So after three and Ha after 19.

Critics say the shift reflects changing audience sentiment. As K-dramas move away from fandom-driven youth stories toward realistic depictions of work and family, middle-aged male characters are emerging as a new emotional core.

Streaming platforms have also widened the target demographic, allowing dramas with universal themes to reach older audiences. With their depth and lived experience, middle-aged actors bring a grounded authenticity that younger casts often cannot.

Ultimately, the rise of these dramas represents not a generational turnover but a narrative expansion — stories of men in midlife confronting change, loss and renewal, proving that K-dramas about second acts can be just as compelling as those about first loves.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.