What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018) – K-Drama Review

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a 2018 South Korean romantic comedy drama series starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young. It combines office romance with humor and heart, following the antics and growth of a narcissistic boss and his highly efficient secretary.

The drama explores themes of workplace dynamics, personal growth, and the balance between professional and personal life in a lighthearted way. This spoiler-free review will cover the drama’s storyline, characters, production, and cultural context, giving you a clear idea of what to expect. By the end, you’ll know whether this feel-good series is worth adding to your watchlist.

Set in a modern corporate environment, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim centers on Lee Young-joon, a wealthy vice-chairman who is ultra-confident and self-absorbed, and his trusted secretary Kim Mi-so, who has diligently served him for nine years.

The story kicks off when Mi-so suddenly announces her resignation, rattling her egotistical boss’s perfect world. Young-joon can’t fathom why his “perfect” secretary would quit, and he becomes determined to stop her from leaving at all costs.

In a spoiler-free nutshell, the drama follows Young-joon’s over-the-top efforts to make Mi-so stay – from outrageous proposals to heartfelt gestures – resulting in a series of humorous misadventures and sweet moments.

As they navigate this boss-secretary tug-of-war, both characters begin to understand each other on a deeper level, and hints of a past connection and personal dreams emerge. The synopsis sets up a fun premise: an arrogant executive trying to win over an employee who’s ready to reclaim her life, leading to plenty of comedy and romantic tension.

Director & Writer

The drama was directed by Park Joon-hwa, known for helming popular rom-coms like Bring It On, Ghost and Because This Is My First Life. The screenplay was written by Jung Eun-young, adapting the story from a hit 2013 novel of the same name by Jung Kyung-yoon (which was also made into a webtoon).

Cast

Secretary Kim features two of K-drama’s favorite stars in the lead roles. Park Seo-joon portrays the cocky yet lovable vice-chairman Lee Young-joon, and Park Min-young plays his capable secretary Kim Mi-so.

Park Seo-joon was already famous for romantic comedies like She Was Pretty and Fight for My Way, and later gained international fame with Itaewon Class. Park Min-young was well-known from dramas such as Healer and went on to star in Her Private Life.

Their on-screen chemistry in Secretary Kim was a huge talking point – it was so convincing that it even sparked dating rumors off-screen (which both actors denied). The supporting cast includes Lee Tae-hwan, Kang Ki-young, Hwang Chan-sung, and Pyo Ye-jin, all of whom add humor and depth to the story.

Network & Episodes

This drama aired on tvN, a Korean cable network, from June to July 2018, with a total of 16 episodes. Each episode runs about an hour, giving plenty of time for both laugh-out-loud scenes and character development.

Plot Development

The plot of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is straightforward and breezy, which suits its romantic-comedy genre. The storyline progresses at a lively pace, especially in the early episodes, where Young-joon’s wild schemes to prevent Mi-so’s departure set up comedic scenarios one after another.

Despite using some familiar K-drama tropes, the drama keeps things engaging through its execution and charm. There’s a bit of mystery regarding the characters’ pasts, revealed in small pieces as the show goes on.

This adds an intriguing layer beneath the fluffy romance. The plot isn’t groundbreaking, but it is comfortably cohesive – a classic rom-com setup elevated by witty writing and a clear focus on the leads’ relationship.

Characterization

The characters are the heart of this drama. Lee Young-joon could have easily been a one-note caricature, but Park Seo-joon’s performance makes him both hilarious and endearing. Kim Mi-so, played by Park Min-young, is intelligent, capable, and grounded.

She isn’t a damsel in distress – her independence and drive are part of what makes the story so enjoyable. The chemistry between the two leads is exceptional, making their dynamic a joy to watch. Side characters like Kang Ki-young, Hwang Chan-sung, and Pyo Ye-jin contribute plenty of charm and comic relief.

Themes and Messages

The drama explores self-worth, identity, and personal growth. Mi-so’s decision to leave isn’t about drama – it’s about self-discovery and reclaiming her time. Young-joon, in contrast, must learn humility and emotional depth.

Themes like communication in relationships, work-life balance, and healing from past trauma are woven into the narrative with a light touch. The story is both fun and surprisingly thoughtful, all while staying within the genre’s lighthearted style.

Cinematography and Soundtrack

Visually, Secretary Kim is clean, modern, and chic. The cinematography is polished, the wardrobe is stylish, and the set design adds to the characters’ contrast. Humorous zoom-ins, warm lighting in romantic scenes, and sharp direction enhance the storytelling.

The OST features memorable tracks like "Love Virus" and "Because I Only See You", which elevate emotional moments and keep the tone lively. It’s a well-produced drama that knows exactly what kind of visual experience it wants to deliver.

The series gives viewers a glimpse into Korean office culture, especially within large conglomerates. You’ll see elements like strict hierarchical respect, company dinners, and pressure around marriage – all shown in humorous, digestible ways.

Mi-so’s desire to leave and pursue personal dreams reflects broader conversations in South Korea about workplace burnout and individual fulfillment.

If Secretary Kim resonates with you, check out She Was Pretty and Her Private Life for more Park Seo-joon or Park Min-young goodness. For similar vibes, Business Proposal and Touch Your Heart offer that same balance of sweet romance and laugh-out-loud fun.

Even dramas like Protect the Boss or My Secret Romance explore the same dynamic of workplace power shifts turning into heartfelt relationships.

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim truly shines through its charming leads and delightful comedy. Park Seo-joon’s narcissistic antics paired with Park Min-young’s grace and wit make every interaction sparkle. It’s the kind of show that puts a smile on your face and makes you root for their love story.

Of course, the drama doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It uses familiar tropes and a somewhat predictable storyline, and some supporting characters remain caricatures. But that’s part of its appeal – the comfort and joy of a well-executed romantic comedy done right.

There are plenty of standout scenes you’ll find yourself thinking about long after, from over-the-top proposals to unexpectedly emotional conversations. Whether you’re laughing at Young-joon’s egotistical meltdowns or swooning over a beautifully shot library scene, the moments stick.

Secretary Kim was a massive success, with strong ratings both in Korea and abroad. The chemistry between the leads sparked online buzz and award nominations. It’s often recommended as a gateway K-drama for newcomers and is still referenced in discussions about the best modern rom-coms.

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a feel-good ride from start to finish. With charismatic leads, heartfelt growth, and playful storytelling, it’s a must-watch for romantic comedy lovers. If you’re looking for a show to lift your mood or a fun introduction to K-dramas, this one fits the bill perfectly.