What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim: The Korean Rom-Com That Redefined Office Romance
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim: The Korean Rom-Com That Redefined Office Romance
Introduction
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim: The Korean Rom-Com That Redefined Office Romance
What happens when a narcissistic boss faces life without his ultra-competent secretary?
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
is a K-drama that answers this question with wit, warmth, and an irresistible dose of romance. Blending office antics with hidden trauma and heartfelt chemistry, this show became a global favorite for good reason. It’s not just a love story — it’s a journey of healing, self-discovery, and hilarious misunderstandings.
Overview
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Title:
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
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Korean Title:
김비서가 왜 그럴까
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Year Released:
2018
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Genre:
Romantic Comedy, Office Drama
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Main Cast:
Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young, Lee Tae-hwan, Kang Ki-young
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Episodes:
16
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Episode Duration:
60–70 minutes
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Available On:
Netflix (Global)
Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)
Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) is the vice-chairman of a large corporation — handsome, wealthy, and brilliant… and fully aware of it. His narcissism is unmatched, but he operates flawlessly thanks to one key person: his secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young). For nine years, Mi-so has managed every detail of his life, from boardroom schedules to his perfectly knotted ties. So when she suddenly announces her resignation to "focus on herself," Young-joon’s world begins to unravel — not because of the logistics, but because of the emotional void he never expected to feel.
At first, Young-joon believes he can win her back with perks and persuasion. But as he fumbles through increasingly ridiculous and endearing attempts, he starts to realize there’s more at stake than just professional loyalty — he’s in love. What follows is a delightfully awkward and tender romantic pursuit filled with office antics, misread signals, and genuine moments of vulnerability.
But beneath the charm and comedy lies a deeper narrative. Both Young-joon and Mi-so carry scars from a shared trauma in their childhoods — a truth that neither fully remembers, yet which shaped their emotional lives. As fragments of the past resurface, the series gently unpacks themes of memory, forgiveness, and emotional healing. Their romance becomes not just a story of attraction, but a mutual journey of self-discovery and closure.
Rather than rush into romance, the show takes time to build trust, allowing viewers to witness the emotional growth of both leads. Young-joon evolves from a self-centered executive into a man who learns empathy and humility, while Mi-so, long defined by her role as "Secretary Kim," begins to reclaim her identity as a woman with dreams and needs of her own.
Through it all, the series strikes a rare balance — offering laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and sincere emotional resonance. It’s a rom-com that doesn’t just make you giggle and swoon, but also nudges you to reflect on love, self-worth, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable with someone who sees all of you.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
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Episode 1:
Mi-so’s resignation announcement sends shockwaves through Young-joon’s perfectly ordered life.
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Episode 4:
The infamous "tie scene" — flirtatious tension at its finest.
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Episode 7:
A shared childhood memory begins to unravel the mystery between the leads.
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Episode 10:
A long-awaited romantic confession — worth every slow build-up.
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Episode 14:
A confrontation with the past finally opens the door to true healing.
Memorable Lines
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Ep. 2
– "You can’t just quit. I haven’t given you permission."
A hilariously pompous line that kickstarts the romantic pursuit.
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Ep. 5
– "Love isn’t logical. It just is."
A rare moment of vulnerability from Young-joon.
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Ep. 9
– "For once, I want to be someone’s reason, not just their responsibility."
Mi-so expresses the heart of her character arc — longing for identity beyond duty.
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Ep. 13
– "Let’s stop hiding. From each other, and from ourselves."
A powerful line as secrets begin to dissolve between them.
Why It’s Special
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Magnetic Chemistry:
Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young have sizzling on-screen energy — romantic comedy gold.
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Witty Dialogue:
The show’s banter is smart, sharp, and genuinely funny without being forced.
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Visual Aesthetic:
From stylish offices to dreamy date spots, every scene is polished and visually pleasing.
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Balance of Tones:
Romantic tension, humor, and emotional revelations are perfectly balanced.
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Strong Female Lead:
Kim Mi-so is capable, smart, and driven — she’s not waiting to be rescued.
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Rewatchable Moments:
Iconic kisses, funny gags, and emotional reveals make it endlessly enjoyable.
Popularity & Reception
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
was a major hit domestically and internationally. It consistently topped viewership ratings and trended across social media platforms with memes, fan art, and discussions about the leads’ chemistry. The series also boosted Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young’s global popularity, cementing them as top-tier Hallyu stars.
It’s often cited as a "gateway" K-drama — the perfect show to introduce new fans to the genre thanks to its blend of humor, charm, and satisfying romance. Critics praised its light-hearted tone, but also noted the emotional honesty woven into the characters’ backstories.
Cast & Fun Facts
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Park Seo-joon (Lee Young-joon):
Already a well-loved figure in K-dramas thanks to hits like
Fight for My Way
and
She Was Pretty
, Park Seo-joon elevated his reputation with this role. His comedic precision and ability to show emotional transformation made Young-joon a lovable, layered character.
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Park Min-young (Kim Mi-so):
Known for her strong presence in
Healer
and
City Hunter
, Park Min-young brought intelligence, grace, and comedic timing to the role. Her portrayal of Mi-so — a woman seeking to rediscover herself after years of professional service — resonated deeply with many viewers.
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Lee Tae-hwan (Lee Sung-yeon):
As Young-joon’s older brother, his role added complexity to the plot’s central mystery and deepened the emotional tension surrounding their family history.
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Kang Ki-young (Park Yoo-sik):
A standout supporting role, Kang Ki-young delivers comic relief as Young-joon’s best friend and confidante. His exaggerated reactions and lovable cluelessness became a fan-favorite element of the show.
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Behind the Scenes:
The drama is adapted from Jung Kyung-yoon’s web novel and webtoon, both of which already had a dedicated fanbase before the TV adaptation. The show’s success reignited interest in both source materials.
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Off-screen Buzz:
Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young’s on-screen chemistry was so electric that dating rumors emerged in real life. While both actors denied the relationship, their believable connection fueled fan theories long after the series ended.
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Fashion Impact:
Kim Mi-so’s elegant workwear, including sleek pencil skirts and silk blouses, sparked a fashion trend among Korean office workers. Park Min-young’s polished style was frequently featured in magazines and blogs.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
isn’t just about a boss and his secretary — it’s about breaking down walls, confronting the past, and choosing love on your own terms. If you're looking for a K-drama that makes you smile, swoon, and maybe shed a tear or two, this one checks all the boxes. Add it to your Netflix watchlist — your heart will thank you.
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