Actress Son Na-eun has officially joined the cast of one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2025, SBS’s Manager Kim.
The announcement, made on October 22, 2025, has excited fans and industry insiders alike, as the series promises a gripping storyline and a high-profile ensemble cast.
Son Na-eun will take on the role of Sang-ah, an important character working at Manager Kim’s company, adding depth and intrigue to the drama’s narrative.
Manager Kim centers on the life of a seemingly ordinary middle-aged office worker, Manager Kim, portrayed by So Ji Sub. While appearing to lead a quiet and stable life, Kim harbors a hidden past as a North Korean special agent.
The story escalates into a thrilling sequence of events when his beloved daughter is kidnapped, forcing him to confront both his past and present. The series is set to air on SBS in 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating its debut.
The Creative Team Behind the Drama
The drama will be directed by Lee Seung Young, known for his work on Wonderful World (2024), Tracer (2022), and Voice 2 (2018).
His expertise in crafting intense narratives ensures that Manager Kim will combine suspense, action, and emotional storytelling.
The script is penned by Nam Dae Joong, who is making his drama-writing debut. He brings a wealth of cinematic experience, having directed films such as First Ride (2025), Love Reset (2023), Homme Fatale (2019), and The Last Wish (2016).
With Lee Seung Young and Nam Dae Joong collaborating, the drama is set to balance thrilling action with nuanced character development.
Son Na-eun’s Role and Acting Journey
In Manager Kim, Son Na-eun portrays Sang-ah, an employee at Manager Kim’s company who becomes deeply involved in the unfolding events.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, industry insiders suggest her role will be pivotal in driving key narrative moments and providing emotional resonance within the story.
Since debuting as a member of Apink in 2011, Son Na-eun has steadily transitioned into acting, building a diverse and impressive portfolio. Some of her notable past projects include:
- Twenty Again (2015)
- Cinderella and the Four Knights (2016)
- Dinner Mate (2020)
- Lost (2021)
- Ghost Doctor (2022)
She has also earned critical acclaim in more recent works, such as Agency (2023), which achieved a peak viewership rating of 16.044%, and Family X Melo (2024), where she portrayed the eldest daughter archetype with a balance of warmth and strength.
Earlier in 2025, she starred in Lady Ok’s Tale, breathing new life into the character of Lady Ok Tae Young, further cementing her acting credentials.
With this diverse acting background, Son Na-eun brings both experience and versatility to her role in Manager Kim.
Her casting has been widely praised, as fans anticipate the chemistry she will share with So Ji Sub, Chae Dae Hoon, Yoon Kyung Ho, and the rest of the ensemble.
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Fan Expectations and Industry Buzz
The addition of Son Na-eun has heightened expectations for Manager Kim. Fans are particularly eager to see how she navigates her role as Sang-ah and interacts with the central characters, especially within the intense, suspense-driven storyline.
Given the popularity of the original Naver webtoon, viewers are hoping for a faithful yet exciting adaptation that highlights the talents of the cast and creative team.
Industry observers note that Son Na-eun’s participation signals SBS’s commitment to casting actors with proven appeal and versatility, ensuring that the drama resonates with both domestic and international audiences.
Her casting also reinforces the growing trend of K-pop idols successfully transitioning to acting, bringing a loyal fanbase to new projects.
Looking Forward to 2025
As Manager Kim gears up for its 2025 release, anticipation continues to build. The combination of a thrilling plot, experienced director, fresh screenwriter, and a talented ensemble cast, including Son Na-eun, makes it one of the most anticipated dramas of the year.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the series balances suspense, character development, and emotional storytelling, while also highlighting Son Na-eun’s evolving career as an actress.
