Han Suk-kyu is back—and this time, he's trading in suits for aprons as a mysterious chicken shop owner with a genius for negotiation in tvN's upcoming drama The Negotiator Project.

🍗 Chicken shop owner by day, negotiation hero by nature

On May 13, tvN confirmed that veteran actor Han Suk-kyu has been cast in the lead role of The Negotiator Project (written by Ban Ki-ri, directed by Shin Kyung-soo).

In the series, Han plays Mr. Shin, a chicken restaurant owner with an outsized personality and razor-sharp speech. Whenever conflicts arise in the neighborhood, he steps in to mediate, becoming an unlikely but charismatic local hero.

🗣️ A social satire with punch and purpose

Described as a "nationwide communication project," the show dives into a society where dialogue is often broken. Mr. Shin—aka the "god of negotiation"—helps those in crisis navigate disputes in unconventional but effective ways.

Though he appears to be just another small business owner, Mr. Shin's boldness, persuasive charm, and risk-taking instincts hint at a much deeper backstory.

💥 "No Mr. Shin without Han Suk-kyu"

The production team praised Han Suk-kyu's irreplaceable presence:

"There is no Mr. Shin without Han Suk-kyu. He embodies the identity of The Negotiator Project from start to finish."

They added, "Viewers can look forward to powerful negotiation scenes, tough action, and sharp intellect. Mr. Shin will definitely become a fan favorite."

🗓️ First broadcast: This fall on tvN

The Negotiator Project is set to premiere in the second half of 2025 and promises a bold blend of drama, humor, and social commentary—with Han Suk-kyu leading the charge as a brand-new kind of hero.

[Photo Credit: Clover Company]