What’s wrong with What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim episode 4 is, fundamentally, a delicate imbalance: While it excels at heightening the romantic tension between Lee Young-joon and Kim Mi-so, it simultaneously introduces a potentially frustrating element of miscommunication and unresolved trauma, leaving the audience craving more clarity and less comedic avoidance. The episode hints at deeper issues but doesn’t fully address them, risking a slowdown of the overall narrative momentum.
The Tightrope Walk: Romance vs. Avoidance
Episode 4 undeniably advances the central romance. The increasingly brazen attempts by Lee Young-joon, the narcissistic vice-chairman, to win over Kim Mi-so are both hilarious and endearing. Park Seo-joon’s comedic timing remains impeccable, and Park Min-young perfectly portrays Mi-so’s mixture of amusement, confusion, and growing affection. The episode culminates in a pivotal moment where Young-joon openly expresses his desire for a “relationship,” signaling a significant shift in their dynamic.
However, this romantic progress is juxtaposed with a lingering sense of unease surrounding the unresolved trauma related to the kidnapping incident in their childhoods. While the episode provides tantalizing glimpses into this shared past, it avoids directly confronting the issue. The ambiguity surrounding the identity of the actual kidnapper and the specific details of the event continues to fuel speculation and frustration amongst viewers.
The Danger of Stalling the Narrative
The comedic relief provided by Young-joon’s self-absorbed personality often overshadows the underlying seriousness of Mi-so’s childhood trauma. While humor is integral to the show’s charm, the repeated avoidance of direct confrontation with the past risks undermining the emotional depth of the characters and potentially trivializing the impact of their shared experience. The longer the mystery remains unsolved, the greater the chance of viewers feeling manipulated or unsatisfied.
Imbalance in Character Development
While Young-joon undergoes a visible transformation, becoming more vulnerable and self-aware, Mi-so’s character development feels somewhat stagnant in this episode. She remains primarily reactive, responding to Young-joon’s advances and grappling with her resurfacing memories. While understandable, this limits her agency and prevents her from taking a more proactive role in uncovering the truth about their past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Young-joon continue to be so narcissistic despite seemingly changing?
His narcissism is deeply ingrained, a defense mechanism developed over years. While he displays genuine affection for Mi-so, his default setting remains self-centered. This inherent conflict provides much of the comedic tension and reflects the difficulty in changing deeply ingrained personality traits. It also serves as a reminder that true change is a process, not an instantaneous event.
2. Is Mi-so genuinely developing feelings for Young-joon, or is she influenced by his persistence?
It’s a complex mix. His persistence certainly plays a role, softening her initial resistance. However, the shared trauma and the glimpses of vulnerability he shows allow her to see beyond the narcissistic facade. Her growing feelings are likely genuine, fueled by a combination of attraction, empathy, and the shared mystery of their past.
3. What are the main clues about the kidnapping that are revealed in episode 4?
The episode hints at Young-joon’s repressed memories of the event, particularly through his nightmares and subtle reactions to specific stimuli. The recurring motif of the spider and the “brother” figure becomes more prominent, suggesting a possible connection to the kidnapper. We also see Mi-so beginning to piece together fragments of her own memories, triggered by Young-joon’s presence.
4. Why doesn’t Mi-so directly ask Young-joon about the kidnapping, given her suspicions?
Several factors contribute to her hesitation. She is wary of disrupting their professional relationship and potentially upsetting him. She also likely fears confronting the painful truth about her past. Moreover, the ambiguity surrounding the details makes it difficult for her to formulate clear and direct questions.
5. How does the supporting cast contribute to the main plot in episode 4?
The supporting cast, particularly the gossipy office staff and Young-joon’s best friend, Park Yoo-sik, provide comedic relief and offer external perspectives on the central relationship. Yoo-sik’s advice, though often unconventional, often unintentionally guides Young-joon’s actions and highlights the absurdity of his behavior.
6. What are the symbolic elements used in episode 4?
The spider, as mentioned, is a recurring symbol associated with fear, entrapment, and the unknown kidnapper. The office setting represents the constraints of their professional relationship and the challenges of pursuing a romance in such an environment. The red shoes, previously a significant item, resurface as a potential trigger for Mi-so’s memories.
7. Is the brother of Young-joon actually the kidnapper or a victim as well?
This remains one of the central mysteries of the show. While the show heavily implies a connection, it deliberately avoids providing definitive answers. There are hints suggesting he might have been a victim manipulated by the true perpetrator.
8. How does episode 4 compare to the previous episodes in terms of pacing?
Episode 4 is slightly slower in terms of plot progression compared to the earlier episodes. While it deepens the romantic tension, it arguably stalls the investigation into the kidnapping. This slower pace might frustrate viewers eager for more concrete answers.
9. What could the writers have done differently to improve episode 4?
They could have introduced a more significant turning point in the kidnapping mystery or allowed Mi-so to take a more active role in uncovering the truth. Perhaps a confrontation with the brother or a more detailed flashback sequence could have heightened the suspense.
10. How does the music score enhance the emotional impact of episode 4?
The music score is crucial in amplifying the emotional impact. Upbeat, comedic tracks accompany the lighthearted moments, while more melancholic melodies underscore the underlying tension and the characters’ vulnerability. The score effectively guides the audience through the shifting tones of the episode.
11. What are the potential repercussions of Young-joon and Mi-so entering a romantic relationship while the past remains unresolved?
Their relationship could be severely strained if the truth about the kidnapping emerges and reveals a conflict of interest or betrayal. The unresolved trauma could also lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns, hindering their ability to build a stable and healthy relationship. The burden of the past could ultimately prove too heavy to bear.
12. What is the biggest question that remains unanswered after watching episode 4?
The biggest unanswered question remains the true identity and motive of the kidnapper. This unresolved mystery is the driving force behind the narrative and the primary source of audience intrigue. Until this question is answered, the show will continue to navigate the delicate balance between romance and unresolved trauma. The shadow of the past looms large, threatening to disrupt the blossoming romance between Young-joon and Mi-so.