A slice of Korean workplace culture
This drama is not so much about the story, but about the characters. It carefully depicts the everyday experiences of office workers in a trading corporation. The story centres on Jang Gu Rae, a former Baduk player who enters the cutthroat world of office work without a college degree or traditional qualifications.
The story explores the struggles of ordinary working life such as the pressures of working in a large corporation with long hours, hierarchical systems and job insecurity. Jang Gu Rae experiences the painful loss of his personal dream to be a professional Baduk player in the challenging face of reality. The show also depicts the tedium and anxiety of being a contract worker or intern. Themes of alienation and isolation are explored as the characters are forced to conform to the system rather than express their individuality. The hierarchical system, power and office politics play a very central role in this drama where seniority often outweighs merit - This is portrayed mostly by Mr. Oh who constantly struggles between survival and idealism.
Jang Gu Rae's story is one of incremental growth and perseverance; he earns his status as a respected team member not through brilliance but by genuine effort and humility.
The show's portrayal of teamwork and human connection is one of its strongest points. The growth of the relationship between the four interns is heart-warming.
Ultimately Misaeng suggests that life is not about fulfilling a single big dream, but about finding dignity and meaning in the unfinished, the imperfect, the incomplete life.
I enjoyed this drama very much at the beginning up to the point where the interns are chosen, then it slowed down considerably and seemed to lose direction, it picks up here and there with moments of profound meaning interspersed within the story. The lead actor's (Jang Gu Rae) acting is not the best. The character interactions are the best thing about this drama, it is rewatchable but I'm not likely to rewatch it.
Music was evocative, I love the opening theme music.
7.5 out of 10
The story explores the struggles of ordinary working life such as the pressures of working in a large corporation with long hours, hierarchical systems and job insecurity. Jang Gu Rae experiences the painful loss of his personal dream to be a professional Baduk player in the challenging face of reality. The show also depicts the tedium and anxiety of being a contract worker or intern. Themes of alienation and isolation are explored as the characters are forced to conform to the system rather than express their individuality. The hierarchical system, power and office politics play a very central role in this drama where seniority often outweighs merit - This is portrayed mostly by Mr. Oh who constantly struggles between survival and idealism.
Jang Gu Rae's story is one of incremental growth and perseverance; he earns his status as a respected team member not through brilliance but by genuine effort and humility.
The show's portrayal of teamwork and human connection is one of its strongest points. The growth of the relationship between the four interns is heart-warming.
Ultimately Misaeng suggests that life is not about fulfilling a single big dream, but about finding dignity and meaning in the unfinished, the imperfect, the incomplete life.
I enjoyed this drama very much at the beginning up to the point where the interns are chosen, then it slowed down considerably and seemed to lose direction, it picks up here and there with moments of profound meaning interspersed within the story. The lead actor's (Jang Gu Rae) acting is not the best. The character interactions are the best thing about this drama, it is rewatchable but I'm not likely to rewatch it.
Music was evocative, I love the opening theme music.
7.5 out of 10
Was this review helpful to you?
