Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, which explores what happens when a narcissistic executive’s perfect world gets turned upside down by his secretary’s resignation. This beloved K-drama starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young aired on tvN from June 6 to July 26, 2018, featuring 16 episodes with approximately 65 minutes each. The series later became available on Netflix, Hulu, Viki, and other streaming platforms, introducing international audiences to one of the most iconic workplace romances in K-drama history.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is based on Jung Kyung-yoon’s 2013 novel and later webtoon adaptation, following the story of Lee Young-joon, a vice-chairman so self-absorbed he barely acknowledges those around him, and his incredibly capable secretary Kim Mi-so who has worked by his side for nine years. The series perfectly balances romantic comedy with workplace dynamics while exploring themes of trauma, healing, and learning to see beyond yourself.
The show succeeds by taking what could have been a simple boss-employee romance and layering it with deeper emotional complexity. Both characters carry childhood traumas that have shaped their adult personalities, making their journey toward each other feel both inevitable and earned. With exceptional chemistry between its leads and a supporting cast that brings heart to every scene, this drama delivers both laughs and genuine emotional impact.
The Narcissistic Vice-Chairman: Lee Young-joon’s Perfect Facade
Lee Young-joon is the epitome of corporate perfection on the surface, but beneath his flawless exterior lies a man whose narcissism serves as armor against painful memories. Park Seo-joon delivers a masterful performance, making Young-joon simultaneously infuriating and endearing. His character’s journey from someone who can’t imagine life without his secretary to someone willing to be vulnerable for love forms the emotional backbone of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.
The brilliance of Park Seo-joon’s portrayal lies in gradually revealing the insecure child beneath the arrogant executive. Young-joon’s extreme self-regard isn’t just comedic quirk; it’s a defense mechanism developed to cope with childhood trauma. His evolution throughout the series shows how genuine love requires letting go of protective masks and learning to value someone else’s happiness as much as your own.
The Irreplaceable Secretary: Kim Mi-so’s Quiet Strength
Kim Mi-so represents competence and dedication personified, handling everything from business meetings to personal crises with unflappable grace. Park Min-young brings subtle complexity to what could have been a thankless role, showing how Mi-so’s perfectionism masks her own emotional needs. After nine years of anticipating Young-joon’s every requirement, her decision to resign becomes an act of self-preservation and personal growth.
The character development that Park Min-young brings to Mi-so is remarkable in its restraint. Rather than dramatic outbursts, she shows Mi-so’s awakening through small moments of assertion and self-advocacy. Her journey from devoted secretary to someone demanding to be seen as a complete person mirrors many viewers’ own struggles with work-life balance and personal fulfillment. The chemistry between Park Min-young and Park Seo-joon makes their eventual romance feel both surprising and inevitable.
Supporting Cast: The Office Family and Romantic Complications
Lee Tae-hwan brings charm and complexity to Lee Sung-yeon, Young-joon’s brother whose arrival complicates both the workplace dynamics and romantic tensions. His character serves as both catalyst and mirror, forcing Young-joon to confront suppressed memories while providing Mi-so with an alternative romantic option. The supporting cast, including Kang Ki-young as Yang Cheol and Hwang Chan-sung as Park Yu-sik, creates a believable office environment where personal relationships intertwine with professional responsibilities.
The series excels at showing how workplace relationships extend beyond formal hierarchies. Each supporting character brings their own romantic subplot while contributing to the main couple’s journey. The friendships and rivalries feel authentic, creating a workplace community that viewers can recognize from their own experiences.
When Perfect Control Meets Emotional Chaos
The turning point in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim occurs when Young-joon realizes that losing Mi-so would mean losing the only person who truly sees him. The series builds to this moment through careful character development, showing how both protagonists have been using their professional relationship to avoid confronting their personal needs. The resolution requires both characters to risk everything they’ve built for the possibility of genuine connection.
The most powerful scenes come when Young-joon drops his narcissistic facade and Mi-so stops being the perfect secretary, allowing them to meet as equals. Their relationship succeeds because it’s built on genuine understanding of each other’s fears and strengths rather than just attraction or convenience. The series handles their childhood connection revelation with sensitivity, making it feel meaningful rather than contrived.
Success on Netflix and Global Streaming
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim became one of the most beloved K-dramas on Netflix and other international platforms, introducing global audiences to the perfect blend of workplace comedy and romantic drama. The series benefits from Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young’s incredible chemistry, which made it a standout hit of 2018. The 65-minute episode format allows for thorough character development while maintaining the comedic pacing that keeps viewers engaged throughout all 16 episodes. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim succeeds globally by exploring universal themes of workplace relationships, personal growth, and finding love when you least expect it.
A Romance That Works Perfectly
If you love workplace romances, character-driven comedy, and couples with undeniable chemistry, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show succeeds by treating both its comedic elements and emotional depth with equal care, creating a narrative that entertains while exploring genuine human connection.
Why This Secretary Saga Should Be Your Next Obsession
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim delivers one of K-drama’s most satisfying workplace romances with perfect balance of comedy and heart. Here’s why it deserves your immediate attention:
What Works:
- Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young’s chemistry creates one of the most believable romantic relationships in K-drama
- Excellent character development that transforms potentially unlikable characters into complex, sympathetic people
- Perfect balance of comedy and emotional depth without sacrificing either element
- Childhood connection subplot adds meaningful backstory without feeling forced or manipulative
- Strong supporting cast creates authentic workplace relationships that enhance the main romance
What Might Challenge You:
- Young-joon’s narcissistic behavior in early episodes may be off-putting to some viewers
- Predictable romantic developments for those seeking surprising plot twists
- Workplace power dynamics might feel problematic to viewers sensitive to boss-employee relationships
- Some comedy relies on cultural references that may not translate for international audiences
- Final episodes focus heavily on childhood backstory that some find less engaging than present-day romance
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim proves that the best romantic comedies come from characters who challenge each other to become better versions of themselves.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 16 episodes (completed)
- Platform: Netflix, Hulu, Viki, Prime Video, Apple TV
- Release Year: 2018
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Workplace Drama
- Production Type: K-Drama (South Korean)
- Status: Completed series
- Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young, Lee Tae-hwan, Kang Ki-young
- Antagonist: Personal trauma and emotional barriers rather than traditional villain