Episode 9 of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (with English subtitles) is frequently criticized for straying from the series’ initial charm and solidifying certain problematic tropes within the romantic comedy genre, particularly regarding the sudden shift in dynamics and the rushed reconciliation. Many fans felt it prioritized manufactured drama over character development, ultimately diminishing the episode’s overall impact.
The Core Criticism: Narrative Missteps and Lost Potential
While What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim generally delighted audiences with its witty dialogue, endearing characters, and lighthearted romance, Episode 9 suffered from a noticeable dip in quality. Several contributing factors account for the prevalent disappointment:
- Unnecessary Conflict Generation: The episode introduced conflict seemingly for the sake of conflict. The misunderstanding between Mi-so and Young-joon felt contrived, especially considering their established level of communication and mutual understanding in previous episodes. This artificial tension detracted from the story’s organic progression.
- Rushed Resolution: Despite the forced conflict, the resolution felt equally hasty. The emotional impact of the disagreement wasn’t allowed to resonate, leading to an unsatisfying reconciliation. The emotional depth felt superficial, leaving viewers feeling shortchanged.
- Repetitive Plot Devices: The episode relied on tired K-drama tropes, such as misunderstandings based on eavesdropping and exaggerated reactions. These clichés detracted from the series’ initial freshness and originality.
- Weakened Character Consistency: Mi-so, known for her intelligence and resilience, seemed uncharacteristically insecure and easily swayed by rumors. This departure from her established personality was jarring for many viewers.
Examining the Episode’s Subplots
The issues weren’t isolated to the main couple’s storyline. The secondary characters’ subplots also suffered from a lack of depth and engagement:
- Diminished Supporting Roles: The vibrant personalities of the supporting characters, usually a source of comedic relief and relatable moments, were sidelined. Their interactions felt forced and lacked the genuine camaraderie evident in earlier episodes.
- Unresolved Side Storylines: Certain subplots, which initially held promise, were either abandoned or rushed to a conclusion. This left viewers feeling that these narratives were merely placeholders rather than integral parts of the overarching story.
The Impact of Subtitles: A Minor Factor
While subtitles themselves rarely significantly alter the narrative’s inherent flaws, the quality of the English subtitles can occasionally impact the viewing experience:
- Translation Accuracy: Inaccurate or awkward translations can hinder comprehension and diminish the nuance of the dialogue. However, in the case of Episode 9, the core problems stem from the writing and plot progression, not the translation quality in widely available subtitles.
- Emotional Conveyance: Subtitles must accurately convey the emotional tone of the original Korean dialogue. While generally competent, certain subtitling choices might have slightly softened or exaggerated specific emotions, subtly influencing viewer perception. However, this impact is minimal compared to the overarching narrative issues.
Addressing the Criticisms: A Look at Alternate Perspectives
While the criticism is significant, it’s important to acknowledge counterarguments:
- Necessary Conflict for Growth: Some argue that the conflict, though seemingly forced, served as a necessary catalyst for Mi-so and Young-joon’s relationship to mature and deepen their understanding of each other.
- Cultural Nuances: Certain behaviors and reactions that seem illogical to Western audiences might stem from cultural norms and values that are integral to Korean society.
- Subjective Preferences: Ultimately, entertainment is subjective. Some viewers might have found the episode enjoyable, despite its flaws, due to its inherent charm and the undeniable chemistry between the lead actors.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Controversy
H2 Frequently Asked Questions
H3 1. What specific scenes in Episode 9 were most criticized?
The scenes most often cited include: the eavesdropping scene that triggered Mi-so’s insecurity; the rushed reconciliation in the park; and the lack of meaningful interaction between Mi-so and her sisters.
H3 2. How did the episode’s pacing contribute to the negative reception?
The episode felt unevenly paced. The conflict was introduced abruptly and resolved too quickly, leaving little room for emotional development or believable relationship building. The pacing felt jarring and rushed.
H3 3. Was the shift in Mi-so’s character consistent with her portrayal in previous episodes?
Many viewers felt that Mi-so’s sudden insecurity and willingness to believe rumors contradicted her strong and independent character established in earlier episodes. The character inconsistency was a major point of contention.
H3 4. Did the English subtitles play a role in the negative reaction to the episode?
While subtitle quality can always be a factor, the core issues in Episode 9 stemmed from the writing and plot, rather than problems with the English subtitles themselves. The translation was generally adequate.
H3 5. How did Episode 9 compare to other episodes in terms of viewer ratings and online discussions?
Episode 9 did not experience a significant drop in viewer ratings, suggesting that general audiences weren’t as negatively impacted as dedicated fans who engaged in online discussions. However, online forums were noticeably more critical of Episode 9.
H3 6. What are some common K-drama tropes that Episode 9 utilized?
The episode relied on familiar tropes such as: eavesdropping-induced misunderstandings, dramatic declarations of love in public spaces, and the “noble idiot” syndrome (where characters make sacrifices for the sake of others, often without logical justification).
H3 7. How did the episode handle the trauma of Young-joon’s past?
While the series addresses Young-joon’s childhood trauma, Episode 9 arguably glossed over its complexity. The focus shifted towards romantic reconciliation, potentially trivializing the serious issue of trauma.
H3 8. What could the writers have done differently to improve Episode 9?
The writers could have: built the conflict more organically, allowed more time for emotional development, maintained character consistency, and avoided relying on tired K-drama tropes.
H3 9. Did the criticisms of Episode 9 affect the overall perception of the series?
While Episode 9 received criticism, it didn’t significantly diminish the overall positive reception of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. The series remained popular, but the criticisms served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on predictable plot devices.
H3 10. Were there any positive aspects of Episode 9?
Despite the criticisms, the episode still featured strong performances from the lead actors and visually appealing cinematography. The inherent charm of the series was still somewhat present.
H3 11. How does the reception of Episode 9 compare to the reception of other K-dramas with similar plotlines?
Many K-dramas with similar narratives also face criticism for relying on clichés and contrived conflicts. Episode 9’s reception highlights the recurring issues within the romantic comedy genre.
H3 12. Are the criticisms of Episode 9 unique to international viewers, or do Korean audiences share similar sentiments?
While the English-speaking online community was vocal in its criticisms, Korean viewers also expressed similar concerns regarding the plot and character inconsistencies. The criticism wasn’t solely limited to international audiences.
Conclusion: Learning from the Disappointment
Episode 9 of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim serves as a reminder that even successful series can stumble. While the episode didn’t derail the series entirely, it highlighted the importance of maintaining narrative consistency, avoiding tired tropes, and prioritizing character development over manufactured drama. Ultimately, understanding the criticisms surrounding Episode 9 provides valuable insight into the dynamics of K-drama viewership and the importance of delivering a compelling and authentic storytelling experience.