What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

A Delightful Romantic Comedy That Captured Hearts Worldwide

Image source: TMDB

Overview

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, known in Korean as "김비서가 왜 그럴까," premiered on June 6, 2018, and became an instant sensation across Asia and beyond. This charming romantic comedy drama consists of 16 episodes in its first season, offering the perfect balance of humor, romance, and workplace drama. With an impressive TMDB rating of 8.316 out of 10, the series has earned its place as one of the most beloved Korean dramas of the 2018 television season. The drama falls squarely within the Comedy and Drama genres, expertly blending witty humor with genuine emotional depth. The success of this series can be attributed to its compelling narrative, stellar cast performances, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Whether you're a seasoned K-drama enthusiast or new to Korean television, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim offers an engaging and thoroughly entertaining viewing experience that will keep you invested from the first episode to the final credits roll.

Plot Summary

At the heart of What's Wrong with Secretary Kim lies a classic romantic comedy premise that manages to feel fresh and engaging. Lee Young-joon is the vice-president of a large, successful company—a position that comes with considerable power, wealth, and status. He possesses the trifecta of desirable qualities: he's intelligent, financially successful, and undeniably handsome. However, his greatest flaw is his arrogance, a character trait that often puts him at odds with those around him and masks his more vulnerable side. Enter Kim Mi-so, his exceptionally competent secretary who has served him loyally for many years. Mi-so is the perfect professional match for Young-joon, anticipating his needs before he even expresses them and managing his chaotic schedule with impressive efficiency. She's become irreplaceable in his work life, handling every aspect of his professional responsibilities with grace and expertise. Their relationship has settled into a comfortable, predictable pattern—until Mi-so makes a shocking decision that disrupts everything: she announces her resignation. This pivotal moment sets the entire narrative in motion, forcing Young-joon to confront not only the prospect of losing his invaluable assistant but also his feelings for her that have been hidden beneath layers of arrogance and pride. What follows is a delightful journey of self-discovery, romantic tension, and personal growth as both characters navigate their evolving relationship against the backdrop of corporate intrigue and personal secrets.

Cast and Characters

• Park Seo-jun as Lee Young-joon: Park Seo-jun delivers a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist, bringing both charm and vulnerability to the character of Lee Young-joon. Young-joon is initially presented as an arrogant, self-centered vice-president who seems to care only about power and prestige. However, as the series progresses, Seo-jun masterfully reveals the layers beneath this facade—a lonely, emotionally wounded man who uses arrogance as a defense mechanism. The actor's ability to transition from comedic moments to genuinely touching scenes makes Young-joon an incredibly compelling character. His transformation throughout the series, driven primarily by his relationship with Mi-so, becomes the emotional core of the drama.
• Park Min-young as Kim Mi-so: Park Min-young is absolutely radiant as the capable and intelligent Kim Mi-so. She brings both strength and warmth to the character, portraying Mi-so as a woman who is far more than just a secretary—she's intelligent, witty, and possesses her own dreams and insecurities. Min-young's chemistry with Seo-jun is undeniable, and she excels at the comedic moments while also delivering poignant emotional scenes. Her decision to quit becomes the catalyst for the entire drama, yet she remains a driving force throughout the narrative, refusing to be passive or dependent. Min-young's performance earned her significant praise and helped establish her as one of the leading actresses of her generation.
• Lee Tae-hwan as Lee Sung-yeon: Lee Tae-hwan plays Lee Sung-yeon, Young-joon's younger brother, who serves as both comic relief and a source of emotional support. Sung-yeon's character provides contrast to his older brother's serious demeanor, offering moments of levity and genuine brotherly affection that humanize Young-joon further. Tae-hwan's performance brings warmth to the family dynamic and adds depth to the exploration of the brothers' relationship as they navigate their roles within both the family and the company.
• Pyo Ye-jin as Kim Ji-a: Pyo Ye-jin portrays Kim Ji-a, Mi-so's close friend who provides crucial support and perspective throughout the series. Ji-a serves as Mi-so's confidante and offers both comedic moments and genuine emotional support. Ye-jin's performance adds another dimension to the female perspective within the drama, exploring friendship, loyalty, and the various ways women navigate professional and personal relationships in a competitive corporate environment.
• Kim Hye-ok as Madame Choi: Kim Hye-ok plays Madame Choi, a character who brings authority and wisdom to the narrative. Her presence adds gravitas to certain scenes and her interactions with other characters reveal important information about Young-joon's character and background. Hye-ok's seasoned performance provides stability and credibility to the supporting cast.
• Kim Byeong-ok as CEO Lee: Kim Byeong-ok takes on the role of CEO Lee, the father figure in the company hierarchy whose relationship with Young-joon and the company's operations drive several important plot points. Byeong-ok's portrayal brings complexity to the patriarchal corporate structure depicted in the drama, and his character interactions help develop the larger context of the story beyond just the romantic relationship between the leads.

Why You Should Watch

Exceptional Chemistry Between the Leads

The primary reason to watch What's Wrong with Secretary Kim is the absolutely magnetic chemistry between Park Seo-jun and Park Min-young. From their first scene together, there's an undeniable spark that makes their evolution from boss-and-secretary to potential romantic partners feel organic and earned. Their comedic timing is impeccable, with many scenes alternating between laugh-out-loud funny moments and genuinely touching exchanges. The romance doesn't feel forced or rushed; instead, it develops naturally as both characters reveal their true selves to one another. This chemistry elevates the entire viewing experience, making even mundane office scenes feel engaging and entertaining. Their banter is witty and intelligent, the kind of dialogue that makes you wish you could deliver such clever comebacks in real life. Whether they're engaged in playful argument or sharing a quiet moment of understanding, the authenticity of their connection shines through, making you genuinely invested in whether they'll find happiness together.

Perfect Balance of Comedy and Genuine Emotion

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim excels at maintaining a delicate balance between comedy and emotional depth. The series never feels overly sentimental or melodramatic, yet it also delivers genuinely moving moments that resonate emotionally. The humor is intelligently written, incorporating workplace comedy, physical comedy, and witty wordplay that appeals to a broad audience. Scenes like Young-joon's various attempts to change his behavior to impress Mi-so, or the comedic misunderstandings that arise from their evolving relationship, are hilarious without feeling juvenile. Simultaneously, the drama explores themes of vulnerability, self-discovery, past trauma, and the courage required to open one's heart to another person. Episodes build upon each other, creating character development and emotional payoffs that feel earned. The series manages to make you laugh one moment and feel a lump in your throat the next, a testament to the quality of the writing and performances. This equilibrium is something many dramas struggle to achieve, but What's Wrong with Secretary Kim handles it with remarkable finesse.

Compelling Exploration of Character Development and Personal Growth

Beyond the central romance, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim offers a thoughtful examination of personal growth and self-awareness. Lee Young-joon's journey from an arrogant, emotionally closed-off executive to a man capable of vulnerability and genuine connection is compelling and multifaceted. His transformation isn't sudden or unrealistic; instead, it's gradual and driven by his interactions with Mi-so, who consistently challenges him and refuses to accept his façade. Similarly, Kim Mi-so's character arc involves learning to prioritize her own happiness and dreams rather than existing solely to serve others. The series explores the psychological roots of why Young-joon developed his particular personality traits, adding depth to his character. We discover that his arrogance is a defense mechanism born from genuine pain and loneliness. Mi-so, too, has her own insecurities and fears that she must overcome. Supporting characters also experience meaningful development, adding layers to the overall narrative. This focus on character growth makes the drama resonate beyond the typical "boy-meets-girl" romance framework, offering insights into human nature, emotional intelligence, and the transformative power of love and acceptance.

Recommendation

I wholeheartedly recommend What's Wrong with Secretary Kim to anyone seeking an engaging, entertaining, and emotionally satisfying drama. Whether you're a devoted K-drama fan or exploring the genre for the first time, this series offers something for everyone. The 16-episode length is ideal—substantial enough to develop a fully realized story and characters, yet concise enough to maintain momentum and prevent the narrative from feeling padded or overwrought. The high TMDB rating of 8.316 is well-deserved and reflects genuine viewer appreciation rather than hype or inflated scores. The series has genuine replay value; even after knowing how the story concludes, the charm of the characters, the wit of the dialogue, and the warmth of the relationships make it enjoyable to revisit. It's the kind of drama you'll find yourself recommending to friends and revisiting during moments when you need comfort viewing. The production quality is excellent, from the cinematography of the corporate settings to the stylish wardrobe choices that reflect the characters' personalities and development. If you appreciate romance, comedy, workplace drama, personal growth narratives, and performances that showcase genuine acting talent, this series absolutely deserves a place in your viewing queue.

Trailer

For those interested in getting a preview of what What's Wrong with Secretary Kim has to offer, you can watch the official trailer on YouTube: Official What's Wrong with Secretary Kim Trailer. The trailer provides excellent snippets of the chemistry between the leads, glimpses of the humor and tension that define the series, and an introduction to the central premise. Watching the trailer is a great way to determine if the series appeals to your personal preferences before committing to the full 16 episodes.

Final Thoughts

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim stands as a shining example of what Korean drama can achieve when talented writers, directors, and performers collaborate on a project that respects its audience's intelligence and emotions. It's a series that understands the appeal of romance without leaning too heavily on melodrama, that finds humor in character and situation rather than relying on cheap jokes, and that believes in the transformative power of genuine human connection. The drama premiered in 2018, yet its themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and the courage required to pursue happiness remain timeless and universally resonant. The supporting cast provides excellent depth and development, the production values are consistently high, and the pacing ensures that you're always eager to watch the next episode. In a landscape saturated with romantic dramas, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim distinguishes itself through the authenticity of its characters, the quality of its writing, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. If you haven't yet experienced this charming, funny, and heartwarming series, I encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience. Prepare yourself for laughter, occasional tears, and a genuine sense of satisfaction as you watch these characters grow, change, and ultimately find happiness. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim is simply brilliant, and it absolutely deserves your time and attention.

Information sourced from TMDB (The Movie Database).