Hi everyone,
I’ve been binge-watching some dramas lately, and a theme I keep noticing is how often characters deal with financial stress — job uncertainty, low pay, debt, or figuring out how to support family. Those parts always grab my attention more than romance or action.
For example, in one K-drama a character had to calculate exactly how much severance or compensation they’d get after leaving a job — that's surprisingly realistic. As someone who works in the UAE, I use a small tool/gadget that estimates “gratuity” (end-of-service benefit) so I can plan ahead. Seeing it play out in drama narratives makes me think about how often real life is even tougher.
So I’m curious — in which dramas have you seen money, employment, or social welfare realistically depicted?
Which scenes felt too real or emotional because the stakes were financial?
When did a show surprise you by going beyond just love or revenge and touching on budget struggles?
Do you think more dramas should include “day job / expense / benefit” realism?
Looking forward to hearing your examples — I’ll probably add more to my watchlist based on your
suggestions. 💬
