What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? Poster: tvN
“What's Wrong with Secretary Kim,” starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young, is celebrating its sixth anniversary today since the first episode was released on June 6, 2018. This drama is still etched in our memories and is worthy of a binge watch.
But what makes this show so iconic? Let's take another look at six reasons why it's the perfect blend of romance and comedy genres.
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? Synopsis
Before we go any further, here's a quick synopsis: The drama revolves around a chaebol man named Lee Young-jun (played by Park Seo-jun), who is the vice-chairman of a conglomerate.
He is a very self-centered and demanding boss, yet his longtime secretary, Kim Mi-so (played by Park Min-young), is the only person who knows how to match his moods.
From work commitments to family matters, she has managed it all with tact and hard work.So what happened to Secretary Kim?For nine years, she has devoted herself to her boss, but now that love is gone, it seems like all is lost.
The only way for her to regain her old dream is to resign. But Lee Young-jun cannot let go of his secretary. Without a shrewd person like her, his life would change forever. As he tries to keep her at all costs, romance slowly knocks on their door.
6 Reasons Why “What's Wrong with Secretary Kim” Remains an Iconic Romantic Comedy
So let's take a look at why this romantic comedy remains as iconic today as it was when it first came out, and give you six reasons to prove it.
1. A mirror reflecting the real lives of office workers
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim is an unashamed portrayal of the realities of working for a big corporation. Like Kim Mi-so, many real-life assistants and secretaries dedicate half their lives to organizing their boss's daily tasks.
In this rigorous process, their days are numbered and one day, they can no longer endure it, decide to pursue their dreams and leave their resignation letter on the desk.
2. Perfect office atmosphere
From bosses accompanying colleagues to dinner parties, office chatter to bathroom chatter and traitors, this drama gives you a taste of what a real company is like, and it makes you think that the creators of “What's Wrong with Secretary Kim” must have worked in a company like this for years.
3. Humorous office romance
Office romance is now a well-worn trope in Korean dramas. One of the pioneers of the genre, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, masterfully defined the genre. There are some hilarious and ridiculous moments as Kim Mi-soo and Lee Young-jun try to be lovey-dovey and sneaky at work.
The situation becomes more and more awkward, especially when two people from completely different positions in the company suddenly fall in love, but the two try to make it easy, resulting in many funny moments that still live on in our hell for free.
4. When romance blossoms between people from very different backgrounds
In “What's Wrong with Secretary Kim,” there is a scene where Kim Mi-soo, when asked by Lee Young-jun who she would take on a date, suggests a cheap restaurant. Young-jun is shocked, but gradually comes to realize that it is the little things that bring the most fun to people who are too strapped for cash to attend apartment parties.
Drinking hot pot and talking with loved ones, ramen Or drinking soju after work, the drama clearly shows the difference in definition of “fun” between the rich and the poor.
5. Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young
Need I say more? Park Min Young is known as the queen of office romance and this drama remains one of her best. She not only brings the character of Secretary Kim to life, but she makes it her own, so viewers can't imagine anyone else playing the role.
Starring opposite her in the romantic comedy is Park Seo-joon, a skilled and versatile actor known for his ability to perfectly sync up with any character.
The two actors play their roles with equal brilliance, balancing each other out perfectly, and what comes out of this talented partnership are iconic romantic comedies like What's Wrong with Secretary Kim that are worth sacrificing a night's sleep for.
6. A talented cast of supporting actors with solid backstories
We all know that supporting characters are the linchpin of any on-screen project, and without them, a drama is doomed to fail, even if it has a great lead actor.
This romantic comedy series boasts a story with a talented supporting cast including Lee Tae-hwan, Pyo Ye-jin, Kim Hye-ok, Kang Ki-young, Hwang Chan-sung, and Kim Byung-ok.
Additionally, unlike many dramas, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim weaves its story through a strong backstory that, while not part of the main plot, adds extra value to the show, without which the whole show would seem disjointed and unstable.
The backstory plot also reveals many important details about Kim Mi-so's life.
Overall, even after six years, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim remains an iconic office romantic comedy. Starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young, the drama has a fast-paced and gripping storyline that will stimulate your emotions in every way.