2025. 10. 21. 15:19ㆍProfiles
JTBC’s upcoming weekend drama “서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김 부장 이야기 (The Dream Life of Mr. Kim)” has been drawing buzz for its sharp, relatable storytelling that balances realism with warmth. Among its standout characters is Lee Han-na(이한나), played by actress Lee Jin-i(이진이), whose bright and confident presence instantly lights up the screen.
A Natural Challenger — Lee Jin-i
Born January 26, 1999, in Seoul, Lee Jin-i (birth name Park Ji-young) is the daughter of renowned actress Hwang Shin-hye, making her part of one of Korea’s best-known acting families. She began her career as a model before transitioning to acting with the 2016 SBS drama Mystery Freshman.
Since then, she has steadily built her résumé with impressive supporting roles in tvN’s Drama Stage – The History of Walking Upright and Mental Coach Jegal. In 2019, she made her big-screen debut in the romantic comedy Your Girlfriend and soon expanded her reach globally with a role in the U.S. series Treadstone (produced by NBCUniversal UCP).
Lee Han-na — The Ambitious Heart of a Startup
In The Dream Life of Mr. Kim, Lee Jin-i plays Lee Han-na, a globally minded, study-abroad-educated professional who serves as a key member of a rising startup. Smart, passionate, and forward-thinking, Han-na becomes both the emotional and strategic core of her team.
Working alongside Kim Su-gyeom (played by Cha Kang-yoon), the son of veteran company man Kim Nak-su (Ryu Seung-ryong), she helps drive the story’s youthful energy and growing pains. As Su-gyeom navigates the clash between generations and values, Han-na becomes his mirror and, at times, his muse—illustrating what ambition and freedom mean to a new generation.
Calm and Vibrant — The Charm of Han-na
Han-na is more than a career-driven character. Positioned between Nak-su’s old-school worldview and Su-gyeom’s modern idealism, she becomes a bridge between generations. Lee Jin-i captures Han-na’s optimism and emotional depth with delicate precision—balancing bright, playful energy with subtle moments of reflection that ground the series in authenticity.
Perfect Character Synergy
Off-screen, Lee Jin-i’s own experiences align naturally with her role. Having studied abroad herself, she brings fluent English and a nuanced global sensibility to the part. Her background as a model adds polish to Han-na’s chic and confident style, while her intuitive understanding of modern youth dialogue enhances the show’s realism. Each scene highlights the effortless chemistry between her real-life personality and Han-na’s worldview.
A Rising Star to Watch
Recently, Lee Jin-i showcased her emotional range as Ahn Hee-ju in Let’s Get Divorced, earning praise for her honest and layered acting. In The Dream Life of Mr. Kim, she is set to display a more mature and multifaceted side—both lighthearted and grounded. With her bright presence and evolving emotional depth, Lee Jin-i is poised to deliver one of her most memorable performances yet.
JTBC’s weekend drama The Dream Life of Mr. Kim premieres October 25, 2025, at 10:40 p.m. KST. Expect Lee Jin-i’s portrayal of Lee Han-na to bring a refreshing spark of youth, empathy, and determination to the heart of this realistic workplace-family story.