Lee Dong Wook leads double life in ‘The Nice Guy’ teaser as fighter and book lover; release date revealed

Lee Dong Wook

is set to come back to the small screen in a new avatar that blends grit and grace. JTBC's highly anticipated drama '

The Nice Guy

' recently released a series of intense character teasers that show the interesting duality of Lee's character, Seok Cheol. Fans were also excited with the release of teasers as the official premiere date was announced as well.From bruised fists to literary citations – A story of two identitiesIn the newly released teasers, audience members finally get their first glance at Seok Cheol's complicated universe, a man torn between his gangster family's brutal expectations and his own desire to live a quiet, intellectual existence. Wearing in one teaser a black leather jacket with a bruise or two on his face, Seok Cheol bandages up his hands, suggesting a recent scuffle. A gravely voicedover whispers, "A man who had much to protect," fueling speculation that his brutal altercations are driven by love and loyalty, not crime.Contrasting starkly, a second teaser also introduces Seok Cheol but this time as a contemplative bookworm with the caption quoting Ernest Hemingway: "As long as the sun rises, there is hope. Will the sun rise again for me? " Here he is holding a book and dressed in ageless sophistication, revealing the contemplative side of his nature. The final composite teaser is an elegantly crafted syncretism of these two visages, leaving us with the moving line, "I took the road less traveled by.

And that has made all the difference."According to Pinkvilla, these peeks into Seok Cheol's life give us the picture of a man split between obligation and lust, honor and love.Sharing Lee Dong Wook in this emotionally complex story is

Lee Sung Kyung

who portrays Kang Mi Young, a lively young lady with aspirations to be a singer. Her energy and kindness slowly lift Seok Cheol out of his shell, bringing him a taste of the life that he's always wanted. Together their tale is sure to be one of romance, defiance and self-awareness.When and Where to watchThe Nice Guy will have 14 episodes and airs on July 18 on JTBC. New episodes will be released every Friday until August 29. Although the drama's OTT streaming partner is still not known, hype keeps building with every new development. With its innovative mix of noir and poetry, action and love 'The Nice Guy' is becoming the most discussed

K-drama

of the year,headed by a gripping performance by Lee Dong Wook that fans can't afford to miss.