Career-themed K-dramas You Can Surely Relate To (Regardless of career level)
K-dramas are indeed taking the global entertainment scene by storm. According to a survey done by Statista, 33% of their respondents stated that Korean dramas are widely known and popular in their country.
Although romantic comedies are pretty standard, Korean drama themes are not just about romance. Netflix series ‘The Kingdom’ takes the number 4 spot in the top 10 Best Non-English Shows according to IMDb, and this reflects that the world is genuinely becoming open to diversity.
One rare but truly relatable theme of k-dramas are office- and career-related storylines. And we´ve narrowed down a list of the best career-themed Korean series you can relate to regardless of career level.
Familiar Wife
Although this series talks mainly about the protagonist’s married life, regrets, and aspirations, it is principally shot inside a Bank branch. It showcased the day-to-day adventures bankers have to deal with, the types of customers they serve, and even the risks they could encounter.
It also shows how bonds between co-workers have developed over time and why we should continuously look out for one another. The workplace is our second home anyway.
Key takeaway/s:
Accountability requires a lot of honesty, courage, and sacrifice.
Kkondae Intern
This office comedy depicts the life of a former rookie who eventually climbed the ranks and found himself one day having an opportunity to get back at a former boss who made his life miserable as a rank and file employee. Kkondae Intern is a refreshing look at office life with a balanced spotlight on different characters.
This series will surely be relatable to interns, yuppies, and senior employees alike. Be warned, though, as this series will trigger ramen cravings as it is set up in a ramen manufacturing company.
Key takeaway/s:
Brilliant ideas can come from everyone – we have to be open and always be ready to innovate.
Romance is a Bonus Book
Ever felt like your career is on a slump? Or are you finding it hard to land a job after a hiatus for personal reasons? This Korean series tells a story of a former Advertising Executive whose life turned 180 after marriage, a kid, and a divorce. She starts over as a contract employee – timid but full of vibrant ideas. It is poetic, romantic, light yet full of hope.
Key takeaway/s:
It is never too late to start over as long as you are willing to learn the ropes.
Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Misaeng is probably the best career-oriented drama ever produced. Based on a webtoon, a plethora of brilliant actors gave life to the characters and brought the series the right amount of conflict and truth. It brings the spotlight to the protagonist, who, despite being an undergraduate, braved the corporate world. He became a hot topic being a company director referral, which made him a controversial hire.
Gu-rae used to be an aspiring Go Game professional player who turned his back on his dreams with the need to earn a living for himself and his mother. He took odd jobs and met a lot of people along the way. His wisdom and Go Game strategies, combined with hard work and determination, made him an admired employee in the company.
Key takeaway/s:
Misaeng taught many lessons I can relate to as a UnionBanker. Lessons and stories about the core values Integrity, Magis, and Ubuntu.
Integrity is shown in the series when Gu-rae and his team uncovered the corruption in several projects some employees engage with. It is also evident in how their team works – doing the right thing despite how rough and hard the route may be.
Magis is reflected in Gu-rae´s attitude towards work. He is thorough, always well-prepared, and gives every project his best shot.
‘I am not alone’ is one of the most frequently repeated statements in the series and one of the last lines. Ubuntu was demonstrated by the way Gu-rae’s team looks for one another – as if they are family. They worked hard on their projects, they kept one another updated, and they celebrated their wins – big or small.
Do you have other career-oriented Korean series to recommend? Share it in the comments, and we might just review those next.
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