tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama Shin’s Project has officially wrapped up and it went out on a high note.
The finale, which aired on October 28, recorded an average nationwide viewership rating of 8.6% and a peak of 9.9%, according to Nielsen Korea. In the Seoul metropolitan area, it achieved an average of 8% and a peak of 9.4%, ranking No.1 across all channels, including public broadcasters, in its time slot.
Among the key 20–49 demographic, the drama also topped both cable and terrestrial ratings cementing its position as one of tvN’s most successful 2025 dramas.
Written by Ban Ki-ri and directed by Shin Kyung-soo, Shin’s Project tells the story of a man who uses negotiation as a weapon to solve disputes in a communication-broken modern world.
Han Suk-kyu stars as Mr. Shin, a former legendary negotiator who now runs a small fried chicken restaurant while helping people settle conflicts through unconventional means. Bae Hyun-sung plays Cho Philip, a former lawyer turned mediator, while Lee Re takes on the role of Lee Si-on, Shin’s loyal assistant and the emotional heart of the team.
The final episode offered a heartfelt conclusion for all three main characters.
Mr. Shin, finally coming to terms with his grief after losing his son, decided to fly to the U.S. to meet his ex-wife a symbolic gesture of closure and forgiveness. While there, he showcased his trademark negotiation skills once again, humorously returning home wearing a Mexican hat gifted by a grateful client.
Cho Philip received a new professional opportunity joining a conflict resolution task force at the court, signaling his return to the legal world. Meanwhile, Si-on passed her GED exam and set her sights on becoming a police officer, continuing her journey of growth.
Their lives intersected once more at Mr. Shin’s fried chicken shop, now transformed into a meeting place for mediators and a symbol of hope for everyday heroes solving society’s toughest problems.
As the drama concluded, the cast shared emotional farewell messages.
Han Suk-kyu said, “It still feels unreal that the drama has ended. Mr. Shin is a character who embodies both light and darkness — portraying him allowed me to explore many emotions. This project gave me joy, but also moments of deep reflection. I hope viewers felt the same.”
He added, “As an actor, my job is to give people memories. I’ll keep striving to create meaningful ones for as long as I can.”
Bae Hyun-sung expressed gratitude toward his co-stars and director, calling the experience “a time of great learning.”
“Working with Han Suk-kyu and Lee Re was an honor. I’ve gained mentors, friends, and unforgettable lessons,” he shared.
Lee Re, who portrayed Si-on, called the series “a turning point” in her acting career. “I’ll always keep Shin’s Project close to my heart. Thank you to everyone who loved Si-on and cheered her on,” she said warmly.
The drama’s appeal lay in its mix of realism and wit solving social conflicts not through power, but through dialogue and empathy. In an era filled with division, Mr. Shin’s creative negotiation methods gave viewers both catharsis and comfort.
As one online comment aptly put it, “He doesn’t just negotiate deals he negotiates humanity.”
The Negotiator’s Project will be followed by Nice to Not Meet You, starring Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon. The new Monday–Tuesday drama premieres November 3 at 8:50 PM (KST) on tvN.
Sources: wikitree
You must be logged in to post a comment.