So Ji-sub Kneels Before Joo Sang-wook for His Daughter... First Confrontation in 'Manager Kim' Revealed

So Ji-sub and Joo Sang-wook of 'Manager Kim' have signaled an intense first confrontation.

On June 15, the production team for the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Manager Kim' (written by Nam Dae-joong, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), which is set to premiere on the 26th, released stills of a 'faculty office standoff' where the protagonist, So Ji-sub, pathetically kneels before Joo Sang-wook to protect his daughter.

'Manager Kim' is a father-universe revenge action drama about the 'most ordinary' father in the world who becomes the 'most dangerous' man to get his only daughter back. Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name, it has been considered a highly anticipated project since its production stage.

In the drama, So Ji-sub plays the role of Manager Kim, an ordinary employee at a small savings bank who is actually a former agent who carried out numerous special operations, showcasing his signature powerful action and deep paternal love. Facing him is Joo Sang-wook, who plays Joo Gang-chan, an absolute power figure who started as a low-level thug and rose to the position of chairman of Joo-hak Construction, taking on his first intense villain role in his acting career.

The released stills capture the breathtaking first meeting between the two fathers. A situation arises where Joo Gang-chan's (Joo Sang-wook) daughter, Joo Hye-ri (Yoo Ji-an), threatens to hold a School Violence Countermeasures Committee meeting against Manager Kim's (So Ji-sub) daughter, Min-ji (Seo Su-min). In response, even with his daughter watching, Manager Kim sets aside all his pride and kneels before Joo Gang-chan, pleading for leniency with a sorrowful expression.

On the other hand, Joo Gang-chan, who has taken control of the school with his immense wealth and power, looks down at the kneeling Manager Kim with a cold gaze, exuding a heavy presence. Much like the tagline, "A father is someone who doesn't need pride if it's for his daughter," Manager Kim's desperate choice for his daughter's future rather than justice raises curiosity about the aftermath it will bring.

According to the production team, So Ji-sub and Joo Sang-wook drew admiration as they perfectly immersed themselves in their respective characters as soon as filming began. It is said that So Ji-sub portrayed heart-wrenching paternal love, while Joo Sang-wook countered with unapproachable charisma, heating up the atmosphere on set. The fateful confrontation between these two strong men, who both hide internal power, is expected to maximize the drama's immersion.

The production team expressed their confidence, stating, "So Ji-sub and Joo Sang-wook will form a fierce opposition in the drama and provide an unprecedented level of engagement to viewers," adding, "Please look forward to the ultimate acting showdown between the two actors, starting with their extraordinary first meeting."

'Manager Kim' will premiere on Friday, June 26, at 9:50 PM, following the conclusion of 'Brave New World'.

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Seon-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.