Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, which became the ultimate workplace rom-com that perfectly balances hilarious narcissistic behavior with genuine character growth and swoon-worthy romance.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim aired from June 6 to July 26, 2018, with 16 episodes running approximately 60 minutes each, broadcasting on tvN every Wednesday and Thursday. Available on Netflix, this romantic comedy is based on Jung Kyung-yoon’s novel of the same name, first published in 2013 and later adapted into a webtoon. The series follows Lee Young-joon, the narcissistic vice-chairman of a major corporation, whose world is completely shaken when his highly capable secretary Kim Mi-so announces her resignation after nine years of dedicated service.
What makes this drama irresistible is its perfect blend of comedy and romance, wrapped around themes of self-discovery and healing from past trauma. Rather than just being another office romance, it explores how two people can help each other grow while navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics and personal relationships. The series proves that the best romantic comedies are built on character development rather than just comedic situations.
Lee Young-joon: The Narcissistic Boss Who Meets His Match
Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) is the epitome of a narcissistic chaebol heir who genuinely believes the world revolves around him. His character arc transforms from someone who takes everything for granted to a man willing to examine his flaws and change for love. Young-joon’s journey throughout What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim reveals how his arrogance masks deep insecurities and childhood trauma.
Park Seo-joon’s performance is masterful, making Young-joon simultaneously insufferable and endearing. His comedic timing during the character’s most ridiculous moments balances perfectly with the vulnerability he shows when confronting his past and his feelings for Mi-so.
Kim Mi-so: The Perfect Secretary Finding Her Own Voice
Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young) is the epitome of professional competence who has dedicated nine years of her life to managing Young-joon’s every need. Her decision to resign marks the beginning of her journey toward self-discovery and pursuing her own dreams. Mi-so’s character development shows how someone can be incredibly capable yet still need to learn to prioritize their own happiness.
Park Min-young brings both strength and sweetness to Mi-so, creating a character who never feels weak despite being patient with Young-joon’s narcissistic behavior. Her chemistry with Park Seo-joon creates some of K-drama’s most memorable romantic moments.
That Steals Hearts
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim excels with its supporting characters, particularly the office ensemble that includes Park Yoo-sik (Kang Ki-young), Young-joon’s loyal friend and secretary, and the various employees who provide both comic relief and emotional depth. Each character has their own romantic subplot and personal growth arc that adds richness to the overall narrative.
The way these supporting characters react to Young-joon’s ridiculous behavior and Mi-so’s resignation creates some of the series’ funniest moments while also highlighting the main couple’s unique dynamic.
When Past Trauma Shapes Present Love
The series reaches its emotional peak when Young-joon’s childhood kidnapping trauma and Mi-so’s connection to that event come to light. These revelations transform what could have been a simple office romance into something deeper, exploring how shared trauma can both connect and complicate relationships. The way What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim handles these serious moments while maintaining its comedic tone demonstrates the series’ sophisticated writing.
The climactic episodes prove that healing from the past requires not just remembering what happened but choosing to move forward with the people who matter most.
Success on Netflix
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim achieved solid ratings during its original broadcast, averaging around 7.5% viewership, and became a massive international hit on Netflix. The series sparked global conversations about workplace dynamics, toxic boss behavior, and the importance of work-life balance. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim established Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young as one of K-drama’s most beloved on-screen couples, with their chemistry creating a devoted fanbase worldwide. The show’s success demonstrated that audiences craved romantic comedies that combined humor with meaningful character development.
The Perfect Workplace Romance
If you love stories about character growth, workplace comedy, and swoon-worthy romance, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. It’s a drama that proves even the most narcissistic person can change when they find someone worth changing for.
Why This Series Remains the Ultimate Rom-Com
Throughout its 16 episodes, viewers witness how true love requires not just attraction but genuine effort to become a better person. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim proves that the most satisfying romantic comedies are those where both characters grow and change, creating a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding rather than just initial chemistry.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16 (Completed)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2018
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Office Romance
Status: Completed series
Main Characters: Park Seo-joon (Lee Young-joon), Park Min-young (Kim Mi-so), Lee Tae-hwan (Lee Sung-yeon)
Antagonist: Past trauma, narcissistic behavior, and fear of vulnerability