KOR
Scheduled to premiere next year, the new SBS drama 'Nightmare' (written by Kim Kyu-won, directed by Lee Dan) follows a vigilante group that imprisons villains who cannot be punished by law—not in a physical prison, but inside their own nightmares. The series depicts their fantastical pursuit of justice as they traverse the boundaries between dreams and reality. The project is drawing intense interest as it reunites SBS with Kim Nam-gil, who previously won the Grand Prize (Daesang) twice at the SBS Drama Awards for his roles in 'The Fiery Priest' series and 'Through the Darkness'.
On June 17, a special teaser video for 'Nightmare' was officially released on SBS's online channels. The clip, which was previously pre-released to reporters at the SBS Drama Media Day on June 1, heightens anticipation by showcasing Kim Nam-gil's chilling charisma as he perfectly embodies the dangerous detective, Kim Tae-yi.
Opening against the backdrop of a glittering city nightscape, the teaser leaves a strong first impression by highlighting various incidents and accidents occurring throughout the city. It points out the harsh reality where the daily lives of innocent people are shattered by everything from violent crimes to industrial disasters, yet the perpetrators escape proper punishment under the guise of mental or physical weakness.
Complex and subtle emotions fill the eyes of detective Kim Tae-yi (played by Kim Nam-gil) as he surveys a crime scene so devastating it is hard to look at. In particular, his voiceover—"After trampling on someone's daily life, I bet you'll sleep soundly with your legs stretched out tonight"—vividly conveys Kim Tae-yi's deep-seated anger toward the villains who have slipped through the cracks of the law.
His subsequent declaration, "That's why we're coming for you today—into your dreams," sparks curiosity about his unique method of retribution. Attention is focused on how Kim Tae-yi will punish the worst criminals who cannot be confined by real-world laws, and the decisive blow he will deliver to bring hell to these offenders.
Along with the premise, Kim Nam-gil's visuals, which perfectly capture the dark aura of detective Kim Tae-yi, also draw significant attention. Known for infusing his unique color into every character across genres—ranging from lighthearted comedy and thrilling action to intricate psychological warfare and deep emotional acting—Kim Nam-gil is set to open a new chapter in cathartic revenge dramas by crossing between dreams and reality as Kim Tae-yi.
Above all, 'Nightmare' is expected to deliver a profound resonance. Rather than simply showcasing the thrill of vigilante justice, it delves into a deep sense of humanity—where one is willing to sacrifice themselves to save another—and the stories that lie beyond.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)