'Shin's Project' director: If only we had someone like Shin in situations like Hyundai–LG plant raid

On September 8, an online press conference for tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama Shin's Project was held. The event was attended by director Shin Kyung Soo, along with Han Seok Kyu, Bae Hyeon Seong, and Lee Re.

Shin's Project follows Shin (Han Seok Kyu), a chicken restaurant owner who solves and mediates disputes in the neighbourhood. 

Director Shin introduced the K-drama, saying, "When I met writer Ban Ki Ri last year, he told me that this is a drama we need in this age of failed communication and unfortunate times. He said he wanted to deliver solace to viewers through a story [that emphasizes] dialogue and understanding rather than anger and hatred. I agreed with that sentiment, and that is why I decided to direct the series."

Han Seok Kyu also reiterated the sentiment when asked what message he hopes to convey through Shin's Project: "People get swayed by emotions, and I think it's important we think about how to control our emotions and how we pass them on to others. I think our society is losing that point of connecting with others through emotions."

Responding to the question of in what kinds of real-life situations a person like Shin, from the K-drama, might be needed, director Shin Kyung Soo replied, "Last winter, there was a clash between police officers and farmers at Namtaeryeong, and it made me think of Se Jong (Han Seok Kyu's character). I wondered what it would have been like if he had shown up holding chicken in each hand to mediate between the two groups." "Also, recently, many Korean workers have been detained in the United States, and I thought it would be helpful if someone like Shin were there in such circumstances."

The director is referring to the recent incident in which more than 300 Korean workers were caught in an immigration crackdown by U.S. authorities at a joint battery plant of Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution, which led to their arrest and detention.

tvN also unveiled a highlight teaser for the K-drama.

The teaser gives a glimpse of the full-fledged arrival of a never-before-seen kind of hero, with a narration that says, "The moment people can no longer hold back their anger, conflicts arise and fists fly," accompanied by chicken restaurant owner Shin's appearance as he blocks conflicts at every critical moment.

Carrying a bizarre attitude, he nonchalantly crosses the boundaries of the law and seems to show not even a hint of a guilty conscience, yet at the same time impresses by effortlessly mediating disputes. On top of that, he even displays a kind of "courtesy" by offering his counterpart the choice between intimidation and negotiation.

Then there is rookie judge Jo Philip (Bae Hyeon Seong), who, for some reason, reports to a chicken restaurant instead of the courtroom, and Gen Z professional deliverywoman Lee Si On (Lee Re). Jo Philip, carrying the label of a parachute employee, endures not only Shin's scolding but also Si On's disregard, while Si On, though often exasperated with him, secretly looks out for him.

Gradually, the chicken restaurant staff, Boss Shin, Jo Philip, and Lee Si On, come to display perfect teamwork. With Shin's sharp question, "Do you think law and principles are always right?" the three of them dive together into negotiations.

Shin's Project is premiering September 15. The K-drama will be streaming on Viu (select regions). Check out the teaser. 

Source (1)(2)(3)