Man Who Dies to Live

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Current user rating: 47/100 (2242 votes)

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Drama: Man Who Dies to Live (literal title)
Revised romanization: Jookeoya Saneun Namja
Hangul: 죽어야 사는 남자
Director: Ko Dong-Sun
Writer: Kim Sun-Hee
Network: MBC
Episodes: 24
Release Date: July 19 - August 24, 2017
Runtime: Wednesday & Thursdays 22:00 (35 minutes each / 2 episodes per day)
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

In the late 1970's, Jang Dal-Goo (Choi Min-Soo) went to the Middle East and settled down in the small kingdom. He became Count Souad Fahd Ali and found success there, but he returns to South Korea to find his daughter. He appears in front his daughter Lee Ji-Young (Gang Ye-Won) and his son-in-law Kang Ho-Rim (Shin Sung-Rok).

Lee Ji-Young has a positive personality and her dream is to have a happy family and become a writer. Kang Ho-Rim has a great looking appearance and works as an ordinary salaryman.

Notes

"Man Who Dies to Live" takes over MBC's Wednesday & Thursday 22:00 time slot previously occupied by "The Emperor: Owner of the Mask" and followed by "Hospital Ship" on August 30, 2017.

Cast



Choi Min-Soo	Gang Ye-Won	Shin Sung-Rok	Lee So-Yeon	Cho Tae-Kwan
Jang Dal-Goo	Lee Ji-Young A	Kang Ho-Rim	Lee Ji-Young B	Abdallah



Kim Byung-Ok	Hwang Seung-Un	Bae Hae-Sun	Ko Bi-Joo	Cha Soon-Bae
Detective Agency Manager Han	Yang Mi-Hwa	Wang Mi-Ran	Kang Eun-Bi	Choi Byung-Tae

Kang Moon-Kyung

Priest

Additional Cast Members:

Jo Kyung-Sook - Na Ok-Ja
Lee Jong-Goo - Doctor
Kang Sang-Won - Moon Soo-Hyeok
Seo Hae-Won - Choi Min-Hee
Lee Tae-Yeon - Kang Hye-Rim
Kim Mi-Hye - reporter
Lee Hyo-Bi - little girl of happy family in park

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date	Episode	TNmS		AGB
Date	Episode	Nationwide	Seoul	Nationwide	Seoul
2017-07-19	1	9.8% (10th)	11.0% (5th)	9.1% (8th)	10.3% (5th)
2017-07-19	2	10.5% (9th)	11.3% (4th)	9.1% (8th)	10.4% (4th)
2017-07-20	3	9.7% (12th)	11.0% (5th)	8.6% (9th)	9.5% (7th)
2017-07-20	4	10.0% (10th)	11.2% (4th)	9.6% (7th)	10.5% (5th)
2017-07-26	5	9.5% (11th)	10.1% (5th)	8.1% (10th)	9.2% (5th)
2017-07-26	6	10.8% (7th)	10.8% (4th)	9.4% (8th)	10.6% (4th)
2017-07-27	7	8.2% (16th)	8.9% (11th)	8.0% (12th)	9.2% (7th)
2017-07-27	8	8.9% (14th)	10.1% (8th)	9.2% (8th)	10.3% (5th)
2017-08-02	9	8.1% (12th)	9.3% (7th)	7.4% (15th)	8.6% (8th)
2017-08-02	10	9.4% (8th)	10.8% (4th)	9.6% (6th)	10.9% (4th)
2017-08-03	11	7.4% (17th)	8.1% (12th)	8.7% (12th)	9.9% (6th)
2017-08-03	12	8.5% (12th)	9.9% (5th)	9.6% (6th)	11.0% (4th)
2017-08-09	13	8.4% (14th)	9.7% (7th)	8.0% (13th)	8.9% (7th)
2017-08-09	14	10.1% (10th)	11.4% (4th)	11.2% (4th)	12.5% (4th)
2017-08-10	15	10.4% (10th)	10.5% (8th)	11.1% (5th)	12.6% (5th)
2017-08-10	16	12.4% (5th)	12.9% (4th)	12.9% (4th)	14.1% (4th)
2017-08-16	17	10.4% (9th)	11.0% (5th)	10.7% (6th)	11.7% (5th)
2017-08-16	18	11.7% (5th)	12.7% (4th)	12.8% (4th)	14.1% (4th)
2017-08-17	19	9.3% (14th)	9.9% (7th)	11.4% (6th)	12.8% (5th)
2017-08-17	20	10.8% (9th)	11.4% (5th)	13.5% (4th)	15.2% (3rd)
2017-08-23	21	9.4% (11th)	9.9% (7th)	10.7% (9th)	12.2% (5th)
2017-08-23	22	10.8% (8th)	11.8% (4th)	12.8% (4th)	14.1% (4th)
2017-08-24	23	9.5% (13th)	10.2% (9th)	12.0% (5th)	13.1% (5th)
2017-08-24	24	10.7% (9th)	11.5% (4th)	14.0% (4th)	15.1% (3rd)

Source: TNS Media Korea & AGB Nielson

NR denotes not ranked within the Top 20 TV programs (including news, sports, variety, etc.) for that day according to TNS Media Korea and AGB Nielson.

Awards

2017 MBC Drama Awards - December 30, 2017
- Excellent Actor (mini series) (Shin Sung-Rok)

Comments

User Jul 05 2019 3:00 pm What an offensive and disrespectful content and poster , last time with the website and the Channel and the fitlths "which " contributed.

Vivian May 27 2019 4:11 am Choi min soo is awesome as usual ? enjoy this drama thanks to him, but it will be better if that b*tch who steal other woman's husband and pretend to be the real daughter is humiliated But overall want season 2 of hot damn daddy choi min soo...

Laura Dec 30 2018 11:43 am I will watch for sure because of Shin Sung Rok.

Yujin Aug 03 2018 10:22 pm Creators of this drama definitely didn't do their homework. Easy to see why it offended some. There was indeed quality acting, but the story was just too outrageous. I appreciate comedy, even the slapstick stuff sometimes, but for me the shameful inaccuracies were too many to ignore. Just because no disrespect was intended doesn't mean people aren't going to feel disrespected. I decided to finish watching, believing edits or adjustments were made. The abrupt and "shocking" ending seems to reflect the network's response to the controversy. Looking forward to seeing these talented actors in future dramas more worthy of their efforts.

Minoswifeuu Dec 11 2017 11:47 pm I thought it was going to be a comedic drama. I was annoyed how the storyline takes having an affair lightly. Its another makjang drama with a bit of funny scenes because of Choi Min Soo

Kinda regretted watching it 4/10

Wood00 Nov 02 2017 9:48 pm I just finished watching it. It was so damn funny. Choi Min-Soo, as usual, dominated the drama with his acting. Such a great actor indeed! The last 3 minutes were disappointing as it didn't make sense. The ending remains a mystery to me. Anyone knows what happened?

Raja Oct 01 2017 7:40 pm The actor who played the loser husband reminded me of Homer Simpson. It was very annoying. Anyway, the drama was just okay. While Choi Minsoo did a fabulous job, the storyline fell apart at the end. It was too goofy, and the climax occurred much too early. And, what's with the ending? It didn't make sense.

Sanie Sep 28 2017 8:37 am A delightful drama that is filled with humor.

Just loved Cho Min-Soo's performance!

I respect the opinions of those who felt offended but the declaimers from the producers shows no disrespect was intended.

If you are deciding whether to watch this drama, or had decided not to, then I suggest you watch it and judge for yourself... you'll be pleasantly surprised. I know you'll kick yourself for having waited so long to watch...I did.:)

To me, it looks like someone (or more) messed with the ratings for I don't believe that over 1600 viewers found this poorly done...I have rated it 100% because I totally enjoyed it. Nice job done by all the actors!

Red Sep 11 2017 9:00 am A truly moving story artfully told. The message of healing from past wounds is strong. Oh and Choi Min Soo is wonderful in this. The entire cast is solid as an ensemble. The comedy is skillfully written and performed. I loved it. I would watch this again.

judith Sep 08 2017 11:06 am This is a very funny drama, played brilliantly over-the-top by Choi Min-Soo, with an outstanding backup cast including Shin Sun-Rok. It's a chance to see two outstanding actors in roles that are not their usual fare - slapstick comedy. I'm enjoying it a lot. The producers have done everything to assure people that they are not dis-respecting Muslims or other countries, although with airport shots of Dubai, you get to make your own inferences. But the absurd plot hinges on the lead actor having a ridiculous amount of wealth, and the obvious place to seat him is in the oil-rich Arab world. If you can get past that, it's a fun drama. If you can't, don't watch. Simple choice, isn't it?

Lovettalgi Sep 07 2017 8:07 am Not gonna watch this drama cause why? This drama portrayed shits about another religion. I love kdrama but this drama is shits.

Stars and moon Aug 31 2017 6:17 am Looks like Becky' Back's cursing woman is back

Moonlight Aug 29 2017 7:53 pm It is really a great drama As always choi min soo is a great actor. I enjoy all of the acting from him. All of the cast is really great. The script is good too.

wjb7 Aug 26 2017 8:42 pm I understand how this could be offensive. I guess it was rather sloppy in some of the details confusing iconic Muslim items with historical Arab items. Not all Arabs are Muslim. And, I'm pretty sure I remember in one of the intros Choi Min Soo said he was NOT Muslim (yet) which would mean his character was meant to be "Arabic" to denote ethnicity not religion. Aside from this controversy, it was an okay story line. I'm pretty sure it was meant to be completely over the top and farcical in an attempt to depart from the regular love triangle story line or Sageuk. I love Choi Min Soo (looked so cool with facial hair) and it was refreshing to see Shin Sung Rok play a lame cheating dolt rather than a evil scary bad guy.

Sapsari Aug 25 2017 3:51 pm It's really good drama .i enjoyed it :)

wany Aug 16 2017 2:06 am finally the drama rate is going higher! i love this drama because its so hilarious & i watch it because choi min soo looks so handsome here <3

Mandy Aug 12 2017 12:36 pm A real pity about the flame that the drama received for inaccuracies because it has quite an entertaining fluffy story with good acting. To be fair, most Hollywood shows do not depict reality that accurately but they are widely watched. Anyway, good to see the ratings recover.

miu miu Aug 07 2017 8:48 am As a muslim I don't find it as offending, American shows got worse representations of islam, all terrorist blah blah blah. Okay maybe the "oh my Allah", it really gets on my nerves. But what shocks me more is that cheating coward of a husband, how is that even possible. All he wants are rich parents in law, he pisses me off. Without mentioning his mother and sister.

Ioneha Aug 04 2017 4:55 pm Hoopla aside,it seems like a pretty dumb premise.

Rul Aug 04 2017 10:30 am Semi-nice comedy drama. Good acting on all parts (especially Choi Min-Soo does a great job portraying his role). Story is a bit meh, but quite watchable as queuing drama (Drama you watch while waiting for new episodes from the better ones).

Blair C Jul 31 2017 1:33 pm I am so happy for this drama. It was done in less than a month since Ha Ji-Won and Hospital Ship were not ready yet and the Jang Nara drama failed. And they did it only to occupy space for 6 weeks. Instead it beat everyone at ratings and it's almost 10%. MBC fighting!!

Heyheyla Jul 27 2017 1:56 am As an Arab, a Muslim, and as someone who has lived/traveled to many middle eastern countries, I want to say that this is not so bad. Yes there are some stereotypes in the drama as well as women who are dressed weird but remember this is a Korean drama and a comedy!! Take a chill pill guys. The main actor is impressive. Even though his pronunciation of the Arabic words is horrible, you have to give the guy the credit for actually learning Arabic and deliver the lines with such confidence. It's actually quite funny watching them speak Arabic lmao. Anywho I applaud the actors:) Although it would have been nice for the scene to be more accurate, you need to remember that this is a Korean drama. Like come on, even the "Americans" that pops up on most kdramas and talk English are hilarious to watch.

Sunhee Jul 25 2017 5:44 pm everyone is being overdramatic. This is an amazing drama! The actor is phenomenal. Its like he really is royalty! And the plot is super juicy!

Del ^o^ Jul 23 2017 2:20 am love this drama...I really don't care about the Arab part ..I will watch it for fun Shin Sung-Rok. all the Best

patrickfoo08 Jul 21 2017 1:51 am Can buy all the crap in the world but cant afford to buy the info of his real daughter?????

cringe worthy Jul 20 2017 6:35 pm first of all I'm not ARAB but I come from Middle East I watched this drama for 6 minutes and 31 seconds and it was cringe af. LIKE seriously I've been to Dubai many times and you don't see women like that ( covering face but then wearing bikini like clothes to show their b**b). DUBAI is basically AMERICA or even better. if you live there you'll understand it. From fashion to culture I feel like everything is ahead but I mean... I laughed so hard seeing that, hijab is not like that. in Saudi Arabia is different you can see women covering themselves since it's their culture but it's not only their face and head its BODY part too.(never been there so Idk if they still like that or not, not even sure if they have any right or not I'm just saying this based on what I know from that country) also what is the point of covering your face and head when your whole body is out?? But I do know that men in arab countries do wear that kind of clothing (similar) bc I saw many in Dubai (mostly old people wear those, youngsters are very fashionable) another thing I thought the king or whatever who asked jung dal to marry the princess must be crazy. like how a sheikh would stupidly command(more like beg) someone to marry his daughter? that was more than a joke. this drama has many disadvantages, and I don't think I'll be able to watch it unless I want to cringe all the way until he goes back to Korea. The only good thing I saw was him talking in arabic that's it. LOL to watch this arabs must have a lot of nerves or else they'll be enrage. I really feel bad for them bc they portrayed an unbelievable image. sorry but I can't stop laughing while I watch this drama?

Steph Jul 20 2017 6:00 pm I tried watching but halfway through first ep, I stop. I just can't handle the bad script when the characters speak in Arabic. Just stick to English & Korean pls......

Miro Jul 20 2017 9:31 am PLOT : "Kang Ho-Rim has a great looking appearance and works as an ordinary salaryman." - so for me it's so in the case of Shin Sung-Rok is not, I do not like his eye sight ... and a sneaky smile...

bdoor Jul 14 2017 5:55 pm This looks funny!!! Gonna watch it for laughs lmfao

Yani Jul 05 2017 4:55 pm looks fun. I will watch this.

Missmong Jul 02 2017 5:08 am Dongsaengs here for kang yewon

arwa Jun 30 2017 7:14 pm some time i feel like Korea in anther plant seriously do some searches before write something about Arab culture ..(count) :( ooooh and Choi Min-Soo clothes even in the 70s we didn't wear like this .i hope korean writer spend some time on educate themselves about our history.

mariz Jun 30 2017 4:21 pm to the last comment the story takes mostly place in Korea so i don't think they would go to Saudi Arabia just for scene and the synopsis doesn't state the country in which the story takes place. In descendants of the sun apparently they wrote arabic in reverse, i must that i hate when they don't fully research on other cultures in kdramas before portraying them.

Arwaalawfi Jun 29 2017 1:45 pm I'm from saudi arabia, i find many false things... souad the woman name!!! Count!!!! We have not this military rank. Ah in teaser what this.. desert?!! Hhhhhhhh but also we have houses, cities and streets we are not live in desert. Finaly the style of clothes is very bad, what this!!! We don't wearring like this. Yup we wearring thop but not like this way. Please if you want enter to culture arab ,you should search well for us, very annoying, please please please.

berceuse May 27 2017 9:19 am I agree with the other three comments below. But this sounds like an original plot and I'm so looking forward to Shin Sun Rok's acting.

Grace May 20 2017 6:16 am @loneha : Kinda agree with you. the synopsis a bit off...... I read the synopsis first than realize this is a drama xD that synopsis fit movie more than drama . But, since the 3 lead are legend. let believe the drama to them :)))

maya May 19 2017 10:44 pm Such a weird story lol

Ioneha May 17 2017 5:41 pm What the hell kind of plot is that? I love Ye Won but this sounds so weird.

External Links

Official Website

Man Who Dies to Live

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Awards

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments

External Links