“What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” premiered with an undeniable charm and captivating leads, but its first episode suffered from a reliance on exaggerated character tropes, predictable plot devices, and an uneven pacing that slightly undermined its potential. While showcasing the charisma of Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young, the pilot episode prioritized establishing the central conflict over nuanced character development, leaving some viewers wanting a more substantial foundation.
The Initial Missteps: Why Episode One Stumbled
The primary issue with the first episode lies in its rushed attempt to establish the central conflict – Secretary Kim’s abrupt resignation and Vice President Lee Young-joon’s desperate attempts to retain her. The narrative leans heavily on comedic exaggeration, particularly regarding Young-joon’s narcissistic personality and Secretary Kim’s seemingly unwavering dedication, creating caricatures rather than believable characters.
The episode also suffers from a lack of subtlety. The flashbacks hinting at a shared traumatic past are awkwardly integrated and lack the emotional weight necessary to resonate with the audience. The reliance on stereotypical office dynamics, such as the gossiping colleagues and the demanding boss, feels cliché and detracts from the uniqueness the drama strives to achieve. Furthermore, the over-the-top reactions and melodramatic situations, while intending to be humorous, often come across as forced and unnatural. The first episode essentially laid the groundwork, but it prioritized spectacle over substance, sacrificing depth for immediate entertainment.
Diving Deeper: The Unsatisfying Elements
Several elements contributed to the underwhelming first impression:
Over-Reliance on Clichés
The episode leans heavily on established tropes of the romantic comedy genre. The handsome, arrogant CEO, the dedicated but underappreciated secretary, the sudden departure triggering a frantic response – these are all familiar elements. While familiarity isn’t inherently negative, the execution lacked originality, making the episode feel predictable and lacking in surprise. The use of exaggerated expressions and physical comedy, while characteristic of the genre, felt excessive and detracted from the characters’ credibility.
Pacing Problems
The pacing feels uneven, with the initial setup feeling rushed and underdeveloped. Secretary Kim’s decision to resign appears sudden and lacks sufficient motivation beyond a vague desire for personal fulfillment. Young-joon’s reaction, while comical, feels disproportionate and lacks a genuine sense of desperation. The episode attempts to cram too much information into a short timeframe, resulting in a superficial exploration of the characters and their relationships.
Lack of Nuance
Both Young-joon and Secretary Kim are presented as somewhat one-dimensional characters in the first episode. Young-joon’s narcissism is played for laughs, but it lacks depth or explanation. Secretary Kim’s dedication and unwavering professionalism are admirable, but her motivations remain unclear. The absence of nuance prevents the audience from truly connecting with the characters and understanding their motivations.
Redemption Arc: The Promise of Future Episodes
Despite its flaws, the first episode isn’t entirely without merit. The chemistry between Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young is undeniable, and their performances, even with the exaggerated material, are engaging and charismatic. The visuals are polished and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the overall appeal of the drama. Most importantly, the episode hints at a deeper, more complex narrative lurking beneath the surface, suggesting that the characters and their relationships will evolve and develop over time. The shared childhood trauma, though awkwardly presented, offers a compelling mystery that could provide a richer and more emotionally resonant story in subsequent episodes. The potential for character growth and the tantalizing hints of a hidden past offer hope for a more satisfying narrative arc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions that arise after watching the first episode of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim”:
FAQ 1: What is the main conflict established in the first episode?
The central conflict is Secretary Kim Mi-so’s sudden decision to resign after working for Vice President Lee Young-joon for nine years, and Young-joon’s subsequent attempts to prevent her from leaving. The first episode focuses on showcasing Young-joon’s narcissistic behavior and Kim Mi-so’s desire for personal fulfillment beyond her career.
FAQ 2: Why does Secretary Kim want to quit her job?
While the episode doesn’t explicitly state a single reason, it implies that Secretary Kim feels unfulfilled and desires to experience a life outside of her demanding job. She mentions wanting to find her own happiness, date, and have personal time, suggesting that her career has consumed her life. The unspoken burden of a traumatic childhood also seems to contribute to her decision.
FAQ 3: Is Lee Young-joon genuinely concerned about Secretary Kim, or is he just worried about his convenience?
The first episode portrays Lee Young-joon as primarily concerned with his own convenience and the disruption Secretary Kim’s departure would cause to his meticulously organized life. However, subtle hints suggest a deeper connection and a potential for genuine affection, making his true feelings a central mystery of the drama. His actions could stem from a mix of selfishness and subconscious attachment.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of the childhood flashbacks in the episode?
The flashbacks hint at a shared traumatic experience in their childhood, suggesting a hidden connection between Young-joon and Mi-so. The nature of this experience remains vague, but it is likely to play a significant role in their relationship and the overall narrative of the drama. The specific events are meant to be a major plot point.
FAQ 5: How accurate is the portrayal of office life in the drama?
The first episode utilizes stereotypical office dynamics for comedic effect. While some aspects, like the long hours and demanding boss, may resonate with viewers, the overall portrayal is exaggerated and not necessarily reflective of real-world office environments. The gossip and over-the-top reactions are primarily for entertainment purposes.
FAQ 6: Is the drama primarily a comedy or a romance?
“What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” blends elements of both romantic comedy and melodrama. The first episode leans heavily on comedic elements, but the underlying plot suggests a more complex and emotionally driven narrative will unfold as the series progresses. It aims to balance humor and emotional depth.
FAQ 7: What are the main criticisms of Park Seo-joon’s portrayal of Lee Young-joon in the first episode?
Some viewers found Park Seo-joon’s portrayal of Lee Young-joon overly exaggerated and narcissistic. While his performance is undeniably charismatic, the character’s self-centeredness and lack of empathy in the first episode made it difficult for some to connect with him. The challenge lies in portraying narcissism without making the character unlikeable.
FAQ 8: What are the strengths of Park Min-young’s performance as Secretary Kim Mi-so?
Park Min-young effectively portrays Secretary Kim’s professionalism, dedication, and hidden vulnerabilities. Her performance balances the character’s outward composure with her inner struggles, making her a relatable and sympathetic figure despite the demanding nature of her job. Her ability to convey subtle emotions is a key strength.
FAQ 9: How does the drama compare to other K-dramas in the romantic comedy genre?
While sharing common tropes with other K-dramas in the genre, “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” aims to differentiate itself through its focus on character development and the exploration of a shared traumatic past. Whether it succeeds in this differentiation remains to be seen as the series progresses. Success hinges on moving beyond formulaic tropes.
FAQ 10: Are there any changes from the original web novel/webtoon that the drama is based on?
Adaptations often involve changes to the source material. Some viewers familiar with the original web novel or webtoon may notice alterations in the plot, character portrayals, or pacing. These changes are often made to accommodate the visual medium and cater to a wider audience. Checking online forums and reviews can highlight these adaptation choices.
FAQ 11: Should viewers continue watching the series after the first episode?
Despite its flaws, the first episode of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” offers enough promise to warrant continued viewing. The chemistry between the leads, the potential for character growth, and the intriguing hints of a hidden past suggest that the drama will evolve and become more engaging as the series progresses. Patience may be rewarded with a more developed and nuanced story.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim”?
“What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” is available on various streaming platforms depending on your region, including Viki, Netflix (in some regions), and Kocowa. Check your local streaming services for availability. Consider using a VPN to access content unavailable in your region.