What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama that captured the hearts of viewers around the world. Premiering in 2018, the show quickly gained popularity for its charming characters, humorous storytelling, and emotionally resonant themes. Adapted from a novel and webtoon of the same name, the series follows the life of a narcissistic vice-chairman and his highly competent secretary. The unique chemistry between the two leads, paired with an intriguing backstory and lighthearted romantic moments, helped the drama stand out in the crowded world of K-dramas.
Plot Overview
A Secretary’s Resignation Sparks a Journey
The story begins with Kim Mi-so, an efficient and skilled secretary, who suddenly announces her decision to resign after working for nine years under Lee Young-joon, the arrogant but successful vice-chairman of a major company. Her unexpected resignation leaves Young-joon confused and curious, as he has always assumed everything was perfect in their professional relationship. This sparks a series of comedic and heartfelt events as he tries to convince her to stay.
Uncovering the Past
As the story progresses, viewers learn that the connection between Mi-so and Young-joon goes deeper than just work. They share a traumatic incident from their childhood that neither fully understood until now. The emotional journey of uncovering their past becomes a central theme, exploring how unresolved trauma affects present relationships.
Main Characters and Performances
Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon)
Lee Young-joon is portrayed as a narcissistic, intelligent, and extremely capable vice-chairman. Despite his aloof exterior, he slowly reveals his vulnerability and sincere affection for Mi-so. Park Seo-joon’s performance brings both humor and depth to the role, making Young-joon one of the most memorable K-drama characters of the time.
Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young)
Kim Mi-so is graceful, hardworking, and always composed. Her decision to resign is driven by a desire to find herself beyond her career. Park Min-young delivers a nuanced performance, balancing Mi-so’s strength with her emotional struggles, and portraying her growth throughout the series beautifully.
Themes and Messages
Love and Personal Growth
One of the strongest themes in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is personal growth through love. Both Young-joon and Mi-so evolve as individuals once they allow themselves to be honest and emotionally open. The story shows how love can be transformative and healing, especially when it’s built on mutual respect and understanding.
Healing from Trauma
The series also deals with childhood trauma, memory, and healing. It highlights how past experiences, even those long buried, can shape adult behavior. By facing these traumas together, the characters not only find closure but also strengthen their bond.
Workplace Dynamics
The show provides a humorous yet insightful look at office life, hierarchy, and gender roles. Mi-so’s professional demeanor and Young-joon’s reliance on her demonstrate the often-overlooked emotional labor involved in administrative roles. It also challenges the typical boss-secretary relationship by portraying mutual respect and personal growth.
Visual and Stylistic Appeal
Elegant Set Design and Fashion
From the sleek office settings to the characters’ fashion choices, every detail in the series is polished. Mi-so’s sophisticated style and Young-joon’s sharp suits contribute to the visual appeal, making it not just a love story but also a feast for the eyes.
Cinematography and Tone
The use of soft lighting, warm color palettes, and romantic music supports the show’s dreamy atmosphere. At the same time, well-placed comedic moments balance the emotional intensity, making it enjoyable for viewers who appreciate both drama and light-hearted storytelling.
Why Fans Love It
Relatable Characters
One reason for the show’s popularity is its relatable characters. Many viewers see parts of themselves in Mi-so’s quiet determination or Young-joon’s insecurities masked by confidence. The realistic emotional journey resonates with audiences of various backgrounds.
Memorable Dialogues and Humor
The witty dialogues, romantic banter, and awkward moments between the leads offer many laugh-out-loud scenes. The blend of comedy and sincerity makes it easy for fans to become emotionally invested.
Slow Burn Romance
Unlike many shows that rush romantic development, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim builds its love story slowly. This slow burn allows viewers to experience the characters’ changing emotions organically, creating a deeper emotional connection to their journey.
Impact and Cultural Influence
K-Drama Global Recognition
The drama contributed to the rising global popularity of Korean television series. Its success on international streaming platforms introduced many non-Korean viewers to K-dramas, setting a standard for quality storytelling and production.
Fashion and Style Inspiration
Kim Mi-so’s fashion became a talking point across social media and fashion blogs. Her minimalist yet elegant wardrobe influenced real-life fashion trends, particularly among young professional women.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is more than just a romantic comedy. It is a heartfelt exploration of emotional healing, personal transformation, and love built on genuine connection. With strong performances by Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young, engaging writing, and high production values, the series remains a standout in the world of Korean dramas. Its global impact, relatable characters, and memorable storytelling ensure that it will continue to attract new viewers and retain loyal fans for years to come.