The fervent fan base of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim often overlooks glaring issues within the series’ romantic depictions, particularly the infamous kissing episodes; these scenes, while seemingly harmless, perpetuate problematic power dynamics and unrealistic expectations about relationships. By romanticizing power imbalances and sexual coercion under the guise of charming persistence, the show unintentionally contributes to a concerning narrative.
Romanticizing Unequal Power Dynamics
One of the most significant issues lies in the inherently unbalanced power dynamic between Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon), the narcissistic vice chairman, and Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young), his highly competent secretary. This power disparity is not a neutral backdrop but actively shapes their interactions, influencing Mi-so’s choices and limiting her agency. The kissing episodes, instead of portraying mutual desire and consent, often depict Young-joon’s dominant pursuit of Mi-so, who initially displays reluctance or discomfort.
While Mi-so eventually reciprocates, the groundwork for these romantic encounters is laid upon a foundation of professional obligation and the fear of jeopardizing her position. Young-joon’s wealth and authority create an environment where Mi-so may feel pressured to conform to his advances, regardless of her true feelings. This subtle coercion, often overlooked due to the show’s comedic tone, is a significant flaw.
The Problem with Persistence as Romance
The narrative frequently portrays Young-joon’s persistence as a testament to his genuine feelings for Mi-so. He relentlessly pursues her, showering her with gifts and unwavering attention, even when she expresses hesitation. This portrayal normalizes the idea that relentless pursuit equates to love, ignoring the importance of respecting boundaries and acknowledging the other person’s autonomy.
This persistent pursuit, bordering on harassment in a real-world context, is romanticized as endearing and evidence of his unwavering devotion. This sends a dangerous message, especially to younger viewers, that persistence overrides consent and that “no” simply means “try harder.” The show fails to adequately address the ethical implications of a boss aggressively pursuing an employee, particularly when that employee relies on their employer for their livelihood.
Unrealistic Expectations and Misrepresentations
Beyond the power dynamics, the kissing episodes contribute to unrealistic expectations about relationships. The perfectly styled sets, the flawless makeup, and the dramatic lighting all create an idealized version of romance that is far removed from reality. These scenes often lack genuine emotional depth, relying instead on visual spectacle and manufactured tension.
Furthermore, the show’s portrayal of intimacy often glosses over the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in real relationships. The characters rarely discuss their fears, insecurities, or past traumas, opting instead for superficial declarations of love. This lack of authenticity makes it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level and ultimately reinforces the unrealistic notion that romance is always effortless and devoid of conflict.
The Absence of Authentic Communication
One of the most glaring omissions in the kissing episodes is the lack of authentic communication. While the characters engage in physical intimacy, they rarely discuss their feelings or expectations in a meaningful way. This absence of open and honest dialogue contributes to the superficiality of the relationship and perpetuates the idea that romance is based solely on physical attraction and grand gestures.
The show often relies on misunderstandings and misinterpretations to create conflict, which could easily be resolved through clear and direct communication. This reliance on miscommunication not only hinders the development of the characters but also undermines the credibility of the relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the problematic aspects of the What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim kissing episodes, addressing common misconceptions and providing further insights:
FAQ 1: Isn’t it just a light-hearted romantic comedy? Why analyze it so seriously?
While the show is undeniably a romantic comedy, its immense popularity and cultural influence warrant critical analysis. Media, even when intended for entertainment, shapes perceptions and expectations, particularly regarding relationships. Ignoring problematic elements under the guise of “lightheartedness” is irresponsible. The show has a large audience, and perpetuating harmful relationship dynamics, even unintentionally, can have real-world consequences.
FAQ 2: But Mi-so eventually falls in love with Young-joon. Doesn’t that validate his persistence?
No. Just because Mi-so eventually reciprocates his feelings doesn’t erase the initial power imbalance and the problematic nature of Young-joon’s relentless pursuit. The fact that she later develops feelings doesn’t justify his actions or negate the potential for coercion inherent in their professional relationship. Consent cannot be assumed retroactively.
FAQ 3: Isn’t Young-joon just a flawed character who grows and learns throughout the series?
While Young-joon does exhibit some character development, his initial behavior towards Mi-so is still problematic. Acknowledging character growth doesn’t excuse past actions. The show should have explicitly addressed the ethical implications of his behavior and demonstrated a more conscious effort to respect Mi-so’s boundaries from the outset.
FAQ 4: Are you suggesting all office romances are inherently problematic?
Not necessarily. The issue isn’t the office romance itself but the specific power dynamics and behaviors depicted in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim. Relationships between colleagues can be healthy and consensual, provided both individuals are on equal footing and respect each other’s boundaries. The key lies in clear communication, mutual respect, and the absence of any form of coercion or pressure.
FAQ 5: Why focus on the kissing scenes specifically?
The kissing scenes are a visible manifestation of the underlying power dynamics and the romanticization of problematic behaviors. They represent a culmination of Young-joon’s pursuit and Mi-so’s evolving (and arguably influenced) feelings. Analyzing these scenes allows us to deconstruct the harmful messages they convey.
FAQ 6: Are you implying that Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young are responsible for the show’s shortcomings?
Absolutely not. The actors are simply portraying the characters as written. The responsibility lies with the writers, directors, and producers who crafted the narrative and made the choices that perpetuate these problematic tropes. The actors’ performances are separate from the underlying issues with the script.
FAQ 7: Isn’t it unfair to judge a fictional show based on real-world standards?
While fiction allows for creative liberties, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential impact of media on societal perceptions and behaviors. Romantic comedies often shape expectations about relationships, and it’s important to critically examine the messages they convey, particularly when they normalize harmful behaviors.
FAQ 8: What are some specific examples of Young-joon’s coercive behavior?
Examples include his constant attempts to spend time with Mi-so outside of work, his showering her with expensive gifts despite her initial reluctance, and his using his position of authority to influence her decisions. His relentless pursuit, even when she expresses discomfort, can be interpreted as a form of subtle coercion.
FAQ 9: How does the show’s comedic tone contribute to the problem?
The show’s comedic tone often downplays the seriousness of the underlying issues. By framing Young-joon’s problematic behavior as charming or funny, the show normalizes it and discourages viewers from critically examining it. The comedy acts as a smokescreen, obscuring the potential for harm.
FAQ 10: What are some alternative ways the show could have portrayed the relationship more ethically?
The show could have emphasized Mi-so’s agency and autonomy, allowing her to set clear boundaries and refuse Young-joon’s advances without fear of professional repercussions. It could have also shown Young-joon actively working to overcome his narcissistic tendencies and demonstrating a genuine respect for Mi-so’s feelings. Clear and open communication between the characters would also have been crucial.
FAQ 11: What can viewers do to enjoy the show responsibly?
Viewers can enjoy the show while remaining critical of its problematic elements. They can engage in discussions about the power dynamics, challenge the romanticization of coercive behavior, and consciously separate fiction from reality. It’s important to be aware of the messages the show is conveying and to actively challenge those that are harmful.
FAQ 12: What is the overall takeaway from this analysis?
The overall takeaway is that What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, despite its popularity and entertainment value, perpetuates problematic power dynamics and unrealistic expectations about relationships. By romanticizing relentless pursuit and glossing over the complexities of consent, the show inadvertently contributes to a concerning narrative that needs to be critically examined. Viewers should be aware of these issues and engage with the show in a responsible and discerning manner. The normalization of unequal power dynamics in media is a persistent problem that requires continuous attention.