What do you get when a self-absorbed executive faces a crisis? A workplace romance that flips the script! Today, I’m diving into the delightful chaos of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. Starring the charming duo of Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young, this K-drama aired on tvN from June 6 to July 26, 2018, spanning 16 episodes of pure entertainment, each about 65 minutes long. It later graced platforms like Netflix and Hulu, making it a global sensation and a must-watch for rom-com lovers.
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What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is adapted from Jung Kyung-yoon’s 2013 novel and its webtoon counterpart. It follows the story of Lee Young-joon, a vice-chairman with a head so far up his own ego he almost forgets to notice his incredible secretary Kim Mi-so, who’s been his right-hand woman for nine years. This series artfully blends romantic comedy with workplace drama, exploring trauma, healing, and the often-overlooked importance of seeing past your own reflection.
What makes this show shine is its ability to take a straightforward boss-secretary romance and infuse it with rich emotional depth. Both main characters carry the baggage of their childhood traumas, making their journey toward each other feel both urgent and well-deserved. The sizzling chemistry between the leads and the heartwarming supporting cast deliver a rollercoaster of laughs and genuine feels.
Meet Lee Young-joon: The Flawed Executive
On the surface, Lee Young-joon is corporate perfection personified. However, peel back that pristine layer, and you’ll find a man whose narcissism acts as armor against his painful past. Park Seo-joon nails this role, crafting a character that is both lovable and infuriating. His transition from a man who can’t fathom life without Mi-so to someone willing to embrace vulnerability for love is the heartbeat of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.
Seo-joon’s brilliance lies in his ability to slowly unveil Young-joon’s insecure child hidden under layers of arrogance. His self-absorption is not merely a comedic quirk; it’s a survival strategy formed in the crucible of childhood trauma. As the series progresses, he learns that real love means dropping those protective walls and prioritizing someone else’s happiness alongside your own.
Kim Mi-so: The Unsung Heroine
Kim Mi-so embodies competence and loyalty, tackling everything from high-stakes meetings to emotional crises with composure. Park Min-young’s portrayal adds layers to what could easily have been a one-dimensional character, revealing how Mi-so’s perfectionism cloaks her own emotional struggles. After nine years of anticipating Young-joon’s every whim, her decision to resign speaks volumes about self-preservation and personal evolution.
Min-young’s subtle performance allows Mi-so’s awakening to unfold in quiet yet powerful ways. Rather than explosive confrontations, her journey to assert herself is marked by small acts of courage and self-advocacy. The slow-burn chemistry between her and Seo-joon makes their romance feel both unexpected and inevitable.
The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Bystanders
Lee Tae-hwan adds flair to Lee Sung-yeon, Young-joon’s brother, whose entrance stirs up both workplace dynamics and romantic tensions. He acts as both a catalyst for change and a mirror reflecting Young-joon’s buried emotions while providing an alternative romantic interest for Mi-so. The supporting ensemble, including Kang Ki-young as Yang Cheol and Hwang Chan-sung as Park Yu-sik, creates a vibrant and relatable office atmosphere filled with personal and professional entanglements.
The series excels at portraying workplace relationships that extend beyond mere hierarchies. Each supporting character weaves their own romantic subplot into the larger narrative, enriching the main couple’s journey. The friendships and rivalries resonate with authenticity, crafting a relatable office community that many viewers will recognize.
Navigating the Emotional Turbulence
The pivotal moment in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim arrives when Young-joon realizes that losing Mi-so means losing his only true confidante. The series skillfully builds up to this revelation, showing how both leads have relied on their professional relationship to sidestep their personal issues. Their resolution demands risking everything they’ve built for the sake of authentic connection.
The most moving scenes unfold when Young-joon sheds his narcissistic mask and Mi-so steps out of her perfect secretary role, allowing them to engage as equals. Their relationship flourishes because it’s rooted in mutual understanding of each other’s fears and strengths, rather than mere attraction. The reveal of their childhood connection is handled with care, adding depth without feeling forced.
A Global Hit on Streaming Platforms
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim became a fan favorite on Netflix and other global platforms, charming audiences everywhere with its delightful mix of workplace comedy and romantic drama. The electric chemistry between Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young propelled it to become one of the standout hits of 2018. With each 65-minute episode, the series delivers thorough character development while maintaining a comedic pace that keeps viewers glued to their screens. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim resonates worldwide by delving into universal themes of workplace relationships, personal growth, and unexpected love.
The Perfect Match of Romance and Humor
If workplace romances and character-driven humor are your jam, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is your next binge-worthy obsession. The show artfully balances its comedic flair with emotional depth, crafting a narrative that entertains while exploring the intricacies of genuine human connection.
Why You Can’t Miss This K-drama
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim delivers a highly satisfying workplace romance that masterfully balances humor and heart. Here’s why you should add it to your watchlist without delay:
Highlights:
- The chemistry between Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young crafts one of K-drama’s most believable romances.
- Exceptional character arcs turn potentially unlikable characters into relatable, sympathetic figures.
- A flawless mix of humor and emotional resonance without sacrificing either.
- The childhood connection subplot adds meaningful context without feeling forced.
- A dynamic supporting cast enhances the authenticity of workplace relationships.
Potential Pitfalls:
- Young-joon’s narcissism might be a turn-off for some viewers at first.
- Predictable romantic turns may disappoint those craving unexpected twists.
- Workplace dynamics could raise eyebrows for viewers sensitive to boss-employee relationships.
- Some humor relies on cultural nuances that might not resonate universally.
- The latter episodes delve deeply into childhood narratives, which may divert from present-day romance.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim proves that the finest romantic comedies stem from characters who push each other to become the best versions of themselves.
Series Overview
- Episodes: 16 episodes (completed)
- Available On: Netflix, Hulu, Viki, Prime Video, Apple TV
- Year of Release: 2018
- IMDb Score: 8.0/10
- Genres: Romantic Comedy, Workplace Drama
- Production Type: K-Drama (South Korean)
- Status: Completed Series
- Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young, Lee Tae-hwan, Kang Ki-young
- Antagonist: Emotional barriers and personal trauma rather than a conventional villain