[Photo] Lee Joon-hyuk wins 1.3 billion won in lottery, chooses a twist over resignation

The dilemma of an office worker holding 1.3 billion won — the birth of a reality-driven office drama

If you won the first prize in the lottery, would you hand in your resignation? That sweet fantasy, one nearly everyone has entertained at least once, takes on a vivid, reality-based form in TVING’s original series 'First-Prize Lottery Winner Goes to Work' (hereafter 'First Prize'). Lead actor 'Lee Joon-hyuk' gave a heartfelt answer when asked what he would do if he actually won, saying, “Even if I hit the jackpot, I’d keep acting, which is what I love.”

At a press conference for the series held Aug. 8 at CGV I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, he said, “Actors may also dream of turning their lives around with a single project, but in reality, this is a profession that requires us to keep studying, build solidarity with our teammates and move forward.” He expressed deep empathy for the anguish of his character. Based on a popular web novel of the same name, the series closely follows 'Gong Eun-tae' (played by Lee Joon-hyuk), an office worker who has endured a dull routine before winning '1.3 billion won' in the lottery — yet goes to work with a new attitude instead of quitting.

Gong Eun-tae is the manager of Sales Team 5, struggling fiercely between his superiors and juniors despite his rapid promotion. Lee Joon-hyuk recalled, “I’ve lived a grueling working life myself, taking on more than 50 projects over nearly 20 years, so there were many points where I connected with the character.”

From married-couple chemistry to realistic plans for giving away the winnings, an ensemble cast

The drama brings together accomplished actors including 'Seo Hyun-woo' and 'Oh Dae-hwan' alongside Lee Joon-hyuk to vividly capture the joys and hardships of office life. Seo Hyun-woo plays 'Yang Jun-ho', a junior colleague one year behind his boss, Gong Eun-tae, who clashes with him at every turn and remains an assistant manager on Sales Team 5. Oh Dae-hwan plays 'Jung Sun-hyuk', the manager of Sales Team 4 and Gong Eun-tae’s former mentor, who struggles after being passed over for promotion. The two create a layered bromance that moves between rivalry and solidarity.

Lee Joon-hyuk said, “It was a set where teamwork was absolutely essential, and I drew tremendous energy from my colleagues.” Seo Hyun-woo responded, “We gave off chemistry like a married couple,” while Oh Dae-hwan expressed his steadfast trust, saying, “Lee Joon-hyuk is an impeccably diligent actor both in everyday life and on set.”

When asked what they would do if they actually won, the actors offered a range of answers. Seo Hyun-woo joked, “I’d keep it secret even from my family to prevent any seeds of conflict.” Oh Dae-hwan gave a practical answer: “After running nonstop for my four children, I’d give them all of it.” Lee Joon-hyuk showed his professional side, saying, “I’d like to invest in producing high-quality content.”

Good people in conflict, a warm tribute to ordinary life

Director 'Yoon Young-bin', who led the production, explained the project’s intent by saying, “Living an ordinary life is the most noble and difficult thing,” adding, “I was captivated by the original work’s philosophy of quietly holding on to everyday life even after a sudden windfall.” He emphasized the series’ distinction, saying, “While conventional dramas wrap reality in the language of fantasy, this work dismantles a fantastical premise using the most realistic language.”

Rather than relying on forced romance or an absolute villain, the series creates meaningful conflict through clashes between good people doing their best from their respective positions, the director said. Yoon added, “The people who quietly do their part are the ones who keep the world going,” and expressed hope that “this drama will serve as a weighty comfort and tribute to everyone fighting to make it through each day.”

Meanwhile, the office drama 'First-Prize Lottery Winner Goes to Work', aimed squarely at office workers’ cathartic release, will premiere Episodes 1 and 2 early on 'the 10th' via TVING before making its regular debut on tvN at 9 p.m. on 'the 14th'.