What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

I would recommend this to viewers who are looking for a drama that has chemistry and romance from the get-go; to be sure this isn't really an insta-romance as the main characters have known each other for close to a decade begore anything romantic happens, but there also isn't any time wasted placing the main leads in circumstances that allows them to grow in feelings for one another. I would say that my only two reservations about the drama was that one of the main plot devices that involves the two main leads came out of nowhere with a somber atmosphere attached to it. I wasn't expecting such a backstory given the synopsis of the drama and it wasn't what I was really looking for. The plot device added depth to the story, but it put a damper on the fluffiness of the drama. Another thing that bothered me was how the main male lead did a complete 360 character-wise, was opening up more, yet in spite of "certain events" the main female lead seemed reserved till the end (though she's still a warm and loving person). I wish we had gotten to see her relax more in the end. Overall, I would recommend this drama if 1.) you don't have anything on your list of recommended jumping out at you (as this is a "known" title in the drama world and should be watched at some point), 2.) if you're a fan of "Strong Girl Bong-soon".

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Even excess cheese can sometimes be good.

This is a romcom that wants to take itself seriously and there are moments when it succeeds in doing that and moments when it seriously doesn’t. I suppose I’m just a bit too old and a bit too relationship-wise to hack this type of cinderella-who-pretends-to-be-in-need-of-protection-meets-prince-charming-primed-to-give-it drama. And I must admit to being a tad confused about how our prince humble-charming could also be such a prince narcissus and switch between the two with such apparent ease. I was waiting for a good reason for it, but in vain… However, to the drama’s credit, I got through all sixteen episodes of it. Mostly I don’t.

So in its favour, it’s a good example of the genre. The performances are quality, the comedy isn’t too embarrassing, and the script (if you accept the premises in the first place) stands up to scrutiny. There’s a bucket-load of kissing and touchy-feely and enough chemistry between the leads to be convincing.

Things do get pretty unbearable in the cheesy nausea stakes, aided and abetted by an excruciating glut of long, lingering looking into eyes (bad choices in the editing suite). Then by Episodes 10 & 11 the product placement is off the wall and the false smiles and general niceness is at imminently-about-to-throw-up stage. The scripted sexual interactions are often painfully naive and delayed to the point of ridiculousness, but that’s par for the course in k-drama romances. In fact, at times the relationship dynamics (and I’m not talking about the sexual ones) were pretty off between the lead roles and there were a few occasions where I was just screaming at the screen, “Back off! Get off her case, mate. That’s way over the line you’re stepping!”

The core plot is pretty much over by Episode 12, so the last 4 episodes meander along fossicking around with emotional trajectories and sort of trying to tie up loose ends in a long-winded but amiable way. Unless you’re really into sugary fluff the last episode is a total bore.

However, despite the dodgy predilections of the writer for uncomfortable relationship dynamics, Park Seo Joon carried the role with aplomb and has to be congratulated for doing the best (most believable) totally wasted (Episode 15) that I’ve seen in any K-drama. That’s not something you learn by getting very pissed yourself, it’s something you know by hanging around sober whilst those around you descend into mumbling wrecks. He’s an actor, like Ji Chang Wook, who is capable of so much more than these romcom scripts demand. “Itaewon Class” was a step in the right direction as far as I’m concerned and I’m looking forward to “K Project”. I think Park Min Young also hides her light. She plays pretty much the same person in every drama, but occasionally, she can bring it with just a look. Which is more than can be said for Lee Tae Hwan, who was unconvincingly lightweight. However, the day was totally saved by Hwang Bo Ra (playing Bong Se Ra) whose luscious, mobile lips have a comedic life and excellence all of their own. She made me lol on numerous occasions and her time on screen was a total joy.

What my rating means: 7+ A watchable drama, but nothing exceptional. Good enough to qualify for the race, but finished with the pack. The sort of thing that promises more than it delivers.

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It's a cute funny light hearted romcom that mostly focuses on a vice chairman (Park Seo Joon) and his secretary (Park Min-Young). One day, his secretary choses to quit which makes Park Seo Joon wonder why she quit. Then that's when the adventure goes on. As they are on the adventure, they get to know each other and fall in love with each other. If you like a drama with comedy, heavy romance and a little of suspence / thriller, this drama may be perfect for you. The leads Kim Mi Soo and Lee Young Joon had an amazing chemistry and the drama is well made and the the acting and music is very good too.

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This drama is a very fun watch. The cast did an amazing job as I love the whole cast! I love all the silly sound effects in the drama.

Up until about episide 12 or 13 I was binging the show but the last 3 or 4 episodes were kind of meh. I couldnt wait for it to be over.

While this drama was fun I will most likely not watch it again. I think the kidnapping mystery is what held my attention the most.

Nice ending and enjoyable side stories. Wish the siblings had side stories!

Maybe spoilers:
Somethings I really loved was the rich parents supporting the romance and there barely being 3rd wheels at all.

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This is probably one of my favorite Korean dramas that has come out to date. A narcissist on the surface, the prince of our story is so much more than he appears to be, and it's just waiting for his princess to guide him out of the darkness into the light. True, the mixed storyline does get to be a tiny bit much at times, but everything else works together so well I don't even care. The visuals are stunning, the cast chemistry is on fire, the music is classy and elegant, and the climax after the build up does not let us down. I have watched this series multiple times, and I'm sure I'll watch it again at some point.

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Nostalgia

This review will be biased just because this was my first ever webtoon and it really introduced me into the world of manhwa and such. I read the manhwa first and watched this oh so many years after lol but it mostly kept to the og story which I loved! I haven't delved into a story yet that has gotten into a deep twist or dark story but that's okay! I feel for this story it was well written and interesting, I loved all the characters and they each had their quirks to them imo. This drama def gave me fangirl moments and had me geeking at my screen. Park Seo Joon is an amazing actor so I just thought he played the part so good and instantly was my fav character in the whole show. Also the 2 unexpected side romances was so funny and cute I loved it. I would rewatch this again since i'm so attached to this manhwa and Park Seo Joon lol. Please watch it I recommend it as an easy watch!

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Worth the investment of your time.

This was was such a beautiful love story. So pure, so enduring. His love for her was aged to perfection like wine. He watched and kept her close for 9 years. Their dating life was laid out realistically because they had an intimate scene that artistically showed the culmination of his years of longing and loving her. It’s more mature, more realistic than most kdrama love stories where they don’t show bed scenes (Romance is a Bonus Book). Why??!! This is the highest form of showing ones love especially after years of just waiting for the right time. They had a very tasteful bed scene on ep 13 and 14. “If you go in my house tonight, I can’t control my pace and I won’t stop”. And she proceeded to go inside his house. And just before he proceeded with what was inevitable, he says I love you. Such a beautiful, meaningful love scene. I am not specially fond of the one night stand scenes where they enter the door and they are stripping, almost injuring themselves as they trip on furniture — that’s so unrealistic! But this bed scene was so artistically and romantically created. And the story ended in a wedding. It’s full circle and you are left feeling happy and satisfied. Such a wonderful love story. No wonder it’s still 9.8/10 from 500k reviewers on Viki. That’s why I chose to watch it.

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Best rom com of the year for me! I feel like the storyline could have been better, especially the plot about the brothers, but the characters and their relationships totally made me forget about the cliche plot. I loved the development of the romance, the chemistry of the main couple was off the charts and the last few episodes reminded me a bit of Healer with all the sweetness overload. There were four couples in total in this drama and I loved every single one of them!

I also like how the main couple's personalities didn't change drastically at the end of the show. No matter how hopelessly romantic one might be, it's not that easy to change your personality within a few months of dating, especially when you are an adult. Since dramas were all just fiction, I didn't say anything much when the main lead suddenly changes from a narcissistic CEO to a "kind" or "nice" person by the end of 16 eps but honestly, its very unrealistic and I'm glad I can finally say this today.

If you are a lover of rom coms, give this one a try, you will most likely love it!

I would have given it a 9-9.5/10 because I didn't like what they did with Lee Sung Yeon's character but since I always rate dramas purely based on my enjoyment, this drama is 100000000000000/10 for me! :D

I think a rating of 8.7/10 for this drama on mydramalist is just right. It's not really the best drama considering the plot itself isn't that great but for a rom com, this is one of the best. It didn't change genres from rom com to melo then rom com at the last ep like a lot of rom coms I've watched. It was funny from start to the end and stayed true to the rom com genre.

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Bad storyline

First off, the actors did a great job and played their roles really well, especially Mr. Lee's friend: Yoo Shik. The story didn't develop as well as I thought it would. It was abrupt and I didn't get this whole thing revolving the brothers, and why the parent's kept them in the dark about the kidnapping. The reason was a bit silly and wasn't impactful. They should've just left the brother out, and made this about the main girl finding the guy that she got kidnapped with. And this could've just been a sweet romance drama without the extra nonsense.

They took all these difference genres and smacked them all together. I felt myself skipping parts of the drama especially towards the end as it seemed very rushed and forced. I just couldn't get into this drama as I wasn't emotionally immersed in it.

The music was nice, none of the songs really stood out to me.

I don't think I'll ever rewatch this drama. There wasn't anything that made me feel connected to it.

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THE SHOW IS GREAT, BUT SO PLAIN?!

The show revolves around the Vice Chairman and Kim Mi So, and how they've been lovers from the start and how they become husband and wife. But it's just so plain.
It's like a boss/employee relationship. Nothing special much to be honest. The show started strong with the couple and on how Kim Mi So thought The Vice Chairman's brother was her oppa and Lee Young Joon denying his feelings for Kim Mi So and more.
The last few episodes were pretty boring, as I feel it was fast paced. Episode 11 is when Kim Mi So finds out the Vice Chairman was her Oppa and not his brother. After that, theirs no plot. I mean if you wanna count his brother finding the truth about the kidnapping thing and the co-workers finding out about Kim Mi So and Vice Chairman then sure. But it was a bore episodes 14-15, maybe even Episode 13. It was just the Main Couple being lovely together. I mean if you love them THAT much then waste your time watching those Episodes but I feel like after Kim Mi So found out about her real Oppa, theirs no plot after that expect for the side couples which I somewhat barely care about. The way people say that this is the best kdrama romance, I might have to disagree with that. This show isn't really anything mind-blowing. As some characters, or most aren't even that relateable. I also feel like the whole kidnapping thing shouldn't have been their in the first place. After Episode 11, it wasn't even plot anymore. It was just a fill in, the drama is still light/soft though.
The re watch value, I would say low. As I said, it's plain so there's not really any moments you'll like to re watch besides the main couple.
The series isn't original but it is alright to watch. It was light to be honest and the music was good to! There's a lot of funny moments in the show that I loved. It's plain but if you're into a light, comedy, romance drama with a bit of a tragic past and a good ending. Watch this!

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This is a pallet cleanser drama, plain and simple. The main couple is adorable from the first episode, and the cute only increases. Even the way they approached the mystery was easy to watch. I never really wondered what happened, I just waited for the main characters to learn what happened and then explain to me why they made those choices. That was a nice change of pace from true mysteries that can become frustrating over time. And as far as the romance goes, this is some of the best I've seen. Unless something changes in the last 2 episodes, the main couple never breaks up, and that was beyond refreshing. As other reviewers have mentioned, there are some heavy duty kissing scenes in this drama, and they are very realistic. Normally you can tell the actor positions his body and hands in a certain way to keep even the bed scenes on the chaste side, but this actor just went for it. Lol Nothing was graphic, but I'd keep the younger teens and kids away from episode 14. Still, I appreciate how natural and affectionate the couple were with each other not only when they kissed, but when they held hands, hugged, or simply flirted. It all felt natural. There are also two very cute side romances that I thoroughly enjoyed. Either romance could have been the lead in their own drama, and they added to the overall feel-good theme of this drama. If you need to laugh, swoon, and smile like an idiot, watch this show right now, please.

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