Episode 17 of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” doesn’t strictly exist. The series concluded after 16 episodes, making the notion of a “wrong” happening in a non-existent episode moot. However, if we reframe the question as “What could have been improved in the final episode to offer a more satisfying conclusion for lingering plot threads and character arcs?”, the answer becomes clearer: a tighter focus on the secondary characters and a more nuanced exploration of Young-joon’s lingering trauma would have elevated the ending significantly.
The Absent Episode: Lost Potential and Unresolved Arcs
While the finale delivered a heartwarming and visually appealing wedding celebration, it skimmed over several important details. The episode primarily focused on the central romance, which, while enjoyable, left supporting characters and their stories feeling somewhat incomplete. This imbalance created a sense of missed opportunity, particularly considering the strong foundation built throughout the series. We were invested in more than just the central couple, and the lack of dedicated screen time for others felt like a disservice.
Addressing the Lingering Questions: A Deeper Dive
A hypothetical Episode 17, or even an extended version of Episode 16, could have addressed the following key areas:
Secondary Character Development
While we saw glimpses of growth in characters like Bong Se-ra and Go Gwi-nam, their journeys felt rushed. A dedicated segment exploring their relationship post-Gwi-nam’s promotion, showcasing their challenges and successes as a couple balancing ambition and love, would have provided a more rounded conclusion. Similarly, the dynamics between the other secretaries and their respective partners, especially considering the humorous and engaging interactions throughout the series, deserved more closure.
Trauma and Healing
Young-joon’s childhood trauma, the kidnapping incident that initially connected him and Mi-so, was a central plot point. While the series addressed it, a deeper exploration of his ongoing healing process, particularly in the context of his marriage, could have added layers of depth and realism. Exploring how he actively works to manage his anxieties and support Mi-so in understanding his past would have been a powerful addition.
Workplace Dynamics Post-Wedding
The workplace environment at Yumyeong Group was a crucial element of the show’s charm. A glimpse into how the dynamics shifted after the wedding, showing how Mi-so and Young-joon navigated their professional and personal lives in tandem, would have been a welcome addition. How did their marriage affect the office atmosphere? Were there any new challenges or opportunities that arose? These questions remained largely unanswered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the aspects of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” that could have benefited from further exploration, addressing potential issues that might have been perceived as “wrong” with the ending or things fans wished had been included:
FAQ 1: Why wasn’t there more focus on Lee Sung-yeon’s reconciliation with Young-joon?
Lee Sung-yeon’s journey toward forgiveness and self-acceptance was a significant arc. While he appeared at the wedding, a scene showcasing a more intimate conversation and demonstrable progress in their relationship beyond superficial pleasantries would have been more impactful. Many viewers felt his redemption arc felt rushed and needed more screen time.
FAQ 2: How did Mi-so adapt to being the wife of a CEO, and did it change her?
The series largely skipped over the adjustment period. Exploring how Mi-so balanced her individual identity with her new role as a CEO’s wife, showcasing her challenges in adapting to social expectations and maintaining her own ambitions, would have been a compelling narrative addition. It would have avoided portraying her solely as Young-joon’s partner, reinforcing her independent spirit.
FAQ 3: What were the specific long-term effects of the kidnapping on Young-joon’s mental health?
While the series showed the initial impact, it didn’t delve into the ongoing effects. Exploring how his anxieties manifested in everyday life, and how he and Mi-so worked together to manage them, would have added a layer of realism and destigmatized discussions about mental health. Normalization of therapy and coping mechanisms would have been a valuable takeaway.
FAQ 4: Did Bong Se-ra and Go Gwi-nam ever reconcile their differing approaches to work?
Their contrasting personalities and career ambitions were a source of conflict and humor. A scene illustrating how they navigated those differences post-Gwi-nam’s promotion, showcasing their ability to compromise and support each other’s goals, would have provided a more satisfying conclusion to their relationship arc. Did they successfully blend their work and personal lives?
FAQ 5: How did the other secretaries’ romantic relationships progress?
The other secretaries provided valuable comic relief and support. Showing their relationships progressing beyond initial stages, highlighting their individual struggles and triumphs in love, would have made them feel more integral to the overall narrative. It would have strengthened the sense of community within the office.
FAQ 6: What specific initiatives did Young-joon implement as CEO to improve the company culture?
Beyond his romantic gestures, the series didn’t showcase concrete improvements to Yumyeong Group’s workplace environment. Demonstrating his commitment to creating a more positive and supportive company culture, perhaps through employee programs or policy changes, would have strengthened his character arc and showcased his leadership potential beyond romance.
FAQ 7: How did Mi-so’s family react to her marriage to Young-joon?
While her sisters were present at the wedding, there was little exploration of their feelings about her marrying someone so wealthy and powerful. A scene depicting their honest reactions and acceptance, showcasing their concerns and support, would have added emotional depth and realism. Addressing potential class differences would have been a sensitive touch.
FAQ 8: Did Young-joon ever apologize more explicitly for the trauma he indirectly caused Mi-so during the kidnapping?
While he expressed remorse, a more direct and heartfelt apology, acknowledging the lasting impact of the event on her life, would have resonated deeply with viewers. It would have demonstrated a greater understanding of her perspective and validated her experiences, showcasing true emotional maturity.
FAQ 9: What were Mi-so’s career aspirations after becoming Mrs. Lee?
The series focused primarily on her role as Young-joon’s partner. Exploring her future career goals, whether she continued as a secretary, pursued other opportunities, or focused on philanthropic endeavors, would have reinforced her agency and ambition. It would have shown that she was more than just a wife.
FAQ 10: How did the wedding actually impact the employees’ work performance and morale?
While the wedding was a visually stunning spectacle, there was little exploration of its effect on the company. Did it boost morale? Did it create any unforeseen challenges? Exploring these aspects would have provided a more nuanced understanding of the impact of the CEO’s personal life on the workplace.
FAQ 11: Could the ending have benefited from a time jump to show the characters a few years into the future?
A brief time jump could have provided closure and insight into the long-term outcomes of the characters’ choices. Showing them a few years down the line, highlighting their successes and challenges as a couple and as individuals, would have offered a more satisfying sense of resolution. It would have allowed viewers to see the lasting impact of their journey.
FAQ 12: Was there any consideration of addressing potential power dynamics in the relationship between CEO and former Secretary?
While the show glossed over any power imbalances, a brief mention of how they addressed potential concerns related to their professional and personal relationship would have added a layer of thoughtfulness. Acknowledging and navigating these dynamics is crucial for a healthy and equitable relationship in such circumstances.
Conclusion: A Good Show with Untapped Potential
“What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” remains a beloved romantic comedy, but by leaving certain storylines underdeveloped, the finale missed an opportunity to truly elevate the show to a higher level of emotional depth and narrative complexity. While the central romance was satisfying, dedicating more time to secondary characters and exploring the nuances of trauma and personal growth would have resulted in a more resonant and complete conclusion. The absence of an “Episode 17” isn’t necessarily a failure, but rather a reminder of the untapped potential that existed within this charming and engaging series.