While undeniably charming and visually appealing, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim Season 1, Episode 1, suffers from reliance on overused K-drama tropes and a surprisingly thin plot setup, making it more a collection of character introductions than a compelling narrative launch. This reliance on familiar devices ultimately undercuts the episode’s potential for originality and lasting impact.
Trope Trouble and Narrative Thinness
The episode primarily functions as an introduction to Lee Young-joon, the narcissistic vice-chairman played by Park Seo-joon, and Kim Mi-so, his endlessly capable secretary portrayed by Park Min-young. It meticulously showcases Young-joon’s arrogance and self-absorption, while simultaneously highlighting Mi-so’s unparalleled efficiency and long-suffering dedication. However, the episode leans heavily on established K-drama stereotypes: the wealthy, emotionally stunted chaebol and the sacrificing, indispensable female lead.
The primary conflict – Mi-so’s sudden resignation after nine years of service – is presented as a mystery. The episode tantalizingly hints at a deeper reason behind her departure, but primarily focuses on Young-joon’s comical (and somewhat irritating) reactions to this unexpected development. While intended to be humorous, Young-joon’s attempts to retain Mi-so feel forced and lack genuine emotional depth. The episode relies heavily on comedic misunderstandings and physical humor, which, while entertaining, distract from the potential for a more nuanced exploration of their relationship.
Furthermore, the narrative itself feels somewhat underdeveloped. The episode dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to establishing Young-joon’s self-proclaimed perfection, leaving little room for exploring Mi-so’s motivations beyond a vague desire for a “normal life.” This imbalance in character development makes it difficult to fully invest in Mi-so’s decision to leave, as her perspective remains largely unexplored. The lack of a compelling hook beyond the central will-they-won’t-they premise leaves the episode feeling somewhat underwhelming.
Visual Polish, but Substance Questionable
The visual aspects of the episode are undeniably strong. The production value is high, with aesthetically pleasing sets, fashionable costumes, and crisp cinematography. The cast delivers solid performances, with both Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young embodying their respective characters with conviction. However, these strengths cannot fully compensate for the underlying narrative weaknesses and reliance on predictable tropes.
The use of flashbacks, while common in K-dramas, feels particularly heavy-handed in this episode. They are primarily used to reinforce Young-joon’s self-importance and Mi-so’s dedication, rather than adding any substantial depth to their characters or the overarching plot. The over-reliance on these flashbacks contributes to the episode’s pacing problems and further distracts from the central conflict.
Character Archetypes Over Originality
While the actors portray their roles effectively, the characters themselves feel somewhat underdeveloped. Young-joon is presented as a caricature of the narcissistic chaebol, lacking the nuance and complexity that would make him a truly compelling protagonist. Mi-so, while portrayed as competent and independent, is still largely defined by her relationship with Young-joon. The episode fails to fully explore her individual desires and aspirations, beyond her stated desire for a romantic relationship and a more fulfilling life.
The supporting characters, such as Young-joon’s competitive older brother Lee Sung-yeon (Lee Tae-hwan), are introduced but remain largely underdeveloped. Their roles are primarily limited to furthering the plot or providing comedic relief, without contributing significantly to the overall narrative. This lack of depth in character development hinders the episode’s ability to create a truly engaging and memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 Why is Mi-so resigning after nine years?
The episode hints at multiple reasons, but the primary one presented is her desire to pursue a “normal life” and find a romantic partner. She feels she has dedicated her life to Young-joon and is now ready to prioritize her own happiness and personal fulfillment. However, the episode subtly implies that there may be deeper, unresolved issues from their shared past that contribute to her decision.
H3 What makes Young-joon such a narcissist?
The episode emphasizes Young-joon’s excessive self-confidence, constant need for validation, and lack of empathy. He genuinely believes himself to be superior to others and expects to be treated with deference and admiration. This is likely rooted in his upbringing and the privileged environment in which he was raised.
H3 Is Young-joon truly in love with Mi-so, or is he just dependent on her?
The episode leaves this ambiguous. While Young-joon expresses a desire to keep Mi-so around, it is unclear whether his motivations are romantic or simply practical. He may be so accustomed to her efficiency and support that he cannot imagine functioning without her. The ambiguity is a key driver of the plot.
H3 What’s the significance of the flashbacks?
The flashbacks are intended to provide context for Young-joon and Mi-so’s relationship and to hint at a shared history that may be more complex than it initially appears. They also reinforce the idea that Mi-so has been a constant presence in Young-joon’s life, offering him unwavering support and stability. However, their frequency can be disruptive to the pacing.
H3 Why is Young-joon so resistant to Mi-so leaving?
Young-joon’s resistance stems from a combination of factors: his narcissistic personality, his dependence on Mi-so’s competence, and a potential (albeit underdeveloped) romantic interest. He struggles to understand why she would want to leave his employment, as he genuinely believes he is providing her with a valuable opportunity.
H3 What are the main K-drama tropes used in this episode?
The episode relies heavily on the following tropes: the wealthy, arrogant chaebol; the sacrificing, indispensable female lead; the love triangle; the contract relationship (or the potential for one); amnesia (or the implied possibility of it); and comedic misunderstandings.
H3 How does the episode establish the power dynamic between Young-joon and Mi-so?
The power dynamic is established through Young-joon’s position of authority as vice-chairman and Mi-so’s role as his subordinate. He dictates her schedule, makes demands on her time, and expects her unwavering loyalty. However, Mi-so also possesses a certain degree of power, as she is essential to his smooth functioning.
H3 What is the purpose of the comedic elements in the episode?
The comedic elements are intended to lighten the tone and provide entertainment value. They often revolve around Young-joon’s reactions to Mi-so’s resignation and his clumsy attempts to win her back. However, the over-reliance on comedy can detract from the more serious aspects of the plot.
H3 What is the significance of Lee Sung-yeon’s introduction?
Lee Sung-yeon’s introduction hints at a sibling rivalry and a potential love triangle. He represents a potential obstacle to Young-joon’s pursuit of Mi-so and adds another layer of complexity to the plot. However, his character remains largely underdeveloped in this initial episode.
H3 Does the episode successfully establish the central mystery?
While the episode introduces the mystery surrounding Mi-so’s resignation, it does not fully explore its underlying causes. The hints are tantalizing, but the lack of concrete information leaves the audience wanting more. The mystery primarily serves as a hook to encourage viewers to watch subsequent episodes.
H3 What could the episode have done better?
The episode could have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of Mi-so’s motivations, a more compelling narrative hook, and less reliance on overused K-drama tropes. A greater focus on character development and a more balanced portrayal of Young-joon and Mi-so’s perspectives would have made for a stronger and more engaging premiere.
H3 Is it worth continuing to watch the series after this episode?
Despite its flaws, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim Season 1, Episode 1, presents a promising premise and features strong performances from the lead actors. The chemistry between Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young is undeniable, and the underlying mystery surrounding Mi-so’s resignation is intriguing enough to warrant further viewing. The potential for character development and a more nuanced exploration of their relationship makes it worthwhile to continue watching. However, expect a heavy dose of familiar tropes and comedic situations alongside the more serious elements. The series ultimately depends on whether these established elements resonate with the viewer.