Episode 4 of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” masterfully utilizes narrative tension and near-misses to amplify the burgeoning romantic connection between Lee Young-joon and Kim Mi-so, but its reliance on tired tropes and avoidance of genuine vulnerability in Young-joon’s character, particularly concerning his past trauma, create a frustrating disconnect that undermines the episode’s emotional core. The show walks a fine line between comedic misunderstanding and genuine character development, and in Episode 4, it leans a little too heavily into the former, sacrificing depth for superficial amusement.
The Flaws Beneath the Facade: A Closer Look
Episode 4 excels at creating moments of breathless anticipation, the kind that keep viewers hooked. However, scratching beneath the surface reveals some significant issues. While the comedic timing remains sharp, the underlying conflict feels manufactured and predictable.
The Overreliance on Misunderstandings
The episode hinges on a series of misunderstandings and assumptions, primarily driven by Mi-so’s naive interpretation of Young-joon’s actions. This plot device, while common in romantic comedies, becomes tiresome when it consistently prevents genuine communication and character growth. The assumption that Young-joon’s interest stems solely from his narcissistic ego, while plausible given his initial characterization, is repeatedly reinforced, delaying the exploration of his potential for genuine affection. The comedic effect diminishes with each iteration, leaving viewers craving more substantial interactions.
The Perpetuation of Toxic Masculinity
While the show attempts to portray Young-joon as evolving, Episode 4 reveals concerning remnants of toxic masculinity. His possessiveness and controlling behavior, disguised as attentiveness, are frequently presented as endearing quirks rather than genuine flaws. The scene where he dictates Mi-so’s wardrobe, while played for laughs, highlights a concerning power imbalance. This portrayal, while intended to be comedic, reinforces harmful stereotypes about male dominance in relationships. He dictates her diet (“nothing spicy”) and her activities, all framed as being for her own good but essentially stemming from his need to control the narrative.
The Avoidance of Authentic Vulnerability
Perhaps the most significant issue lies in the continued avoidance of Young-joon’s past trauma. Brief flashbacks hint at a deeply scarring childhood experience, but the episode refrains from delving into the emotional impact. Instead, it employs comedic situations as a shield, preventing any genuine vulnerability from surfacing. This reluctance to confront his past not only hinders character development but also diminishes the audience’s ability to empathize with him. The trauma is treated as a plot point rather than a defining aspect of his personality, cheapening its potential impact.
The Predictable Narrative Arc
The episode follows a predictable narrative arc: rising tension, comedic misunderstandings, near-misses, and a hint of resolution at the end. While familiarity can be comforting, the predictability stifles any sense of surprise or genuine emotional investment. The viewer is constantly aware of the formula, which detracts from the immersive experience. The lack of narrative innovation undermines the overall impact of the episode.
Addressing the Lingering Questions: FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Episode 4 of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” answered with insights gleaned from critical analysis:
FAQ 1: Why does Mi-so keep misunderstanding Young-joon’s intentions?
Mi-so’s consistent misunderstandings stem from her pre-conceived notions about Young-joon’s personality. She initially perceives him as a self-absorbed narcissist, making it difficult for her to accept the possibility of genuine affection. This perception is further reinforced by his awkward and often clumsy attempts at expressing his feelings, contributing to a cycle of misinterpretations. Her past experiences likely also play a role; she’s spent years catering to his needs professionally, which may have blurred the lines between professional and personal relationships in her mind.
FAQ 2: Is Young-joon’s behavior towards Mi-so considered controlling?
Elements of Young-joon’s behavior, such as dictating her wardrobe and diet, can be interpreted as controlling. While presented as acts of care and concern, they reflect a desire to exert influence over her choices and actions. This raises concerns about power dynamics in their relationship and highlights the importance of establishing clear boundaries. It’s also important to consider the cultural context, but even within that framework, his actions tread a fine line.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of the bracelet scene?
The bracelet scene symbolizes Young-joon’s attempt to express his affection for Mi-so, albeit in a clumsy and materialistic way. The bracelet itself is less important than the underlying intention: to show her that he cares. However, his inability to articulate his feelings verbally underscores his emotional immaturity and his reliance on superficial gestures. It’s a step forward, but a shaky one.
FAQ 4: Why is the show so hesitant to address Young-joon’s trauma directly?
The show’s reluctance to fully address Young-joon’s trauma likely stems from a desire to maintain its lighthearted and comedic tone. Delving into the darker aspects of his past could potentially shift the genre and alienate viewers. However, this avoidance ultimately hinders character development and prevents a deeper exploration of his motivations and insecurities. The writers seem to fear the narrative will become too heavy if they confront this trauma directly.
FAQ 5: How does the supporting cast contribute to the episode’s overall impact?
The supporting cast provides comedic relief and adds depth to the narrative. Their interactions with Mi-so and Young-joon offer different perspectives on their relationship and highlight their individual strengths and weaknesses. Characters like Bong Se-ra and Go Gwi-nam provide a contrasting view of workplace dynamics and romantic pursuits. They also serve to point out the absurdity of Young-joon’s behavior at times.
FAQ 6: Is there any character growth for Young-joon in Episode 4?
While subtle, there are hints of character growth for Young-joon. He displays a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and engage in activities that he wouldn’t normally consider, such as attending the amusement park. He also demonstrates a growing awareness of Mi-so’s feelings, even if he struggles to express his own in a healthy way.
FAQ 7: What are the recurring themes in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”?
Recurring themes include the exploration of power dynamics in the workplace, the challenges of overcoming past trauma, and the pursuit of genuine connection in a superficial world. The show also examines the complexities of navigating societal expectations and personal desires. It’s a classic Cinderella story, but with a twist.
FAQ 8: Does Mi-so’s character possess any significant flaws?
While generally portrayed as kind and capable, Mi-so’s naivety and tendency to suppress her own needs can be seen as flaws. Her eagerness to please others, particularly Young-joon, sometimes leads her to overlook red flags and prioritize his desires over her own. This selflessness, while admirable, can also be detrimental to her personal growth.
FAQ 9: How does the cinematography and music enhance the episode’s atmosphere?
The vibrant cinematography and upbeat music contribute to the show’s lighthearted and romantic atmosphere. The use of bright colors and whimsical melodies creates a sense of fun and optimism, even during moments of conflict. However, the reliance on predictable musical cues can also feel repetitive and undermine the emotional impact of certain scenes.
FAQ 10: What role does humor play in masking deeper issues within the episode?
Humor serves as a coping mechanism and a distraction from the more serious issues at play. It allows the show to address sensitive topics without becoming overly heavy or depressing. However, the overreliance on comedic relief can also prevent the characters from confronting their vulnerabilities and resolving their conflicts in a meaningful way. The humor sometimes feels like a band-aid on a deeper wound.
FAQ 11: Is “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” a feminist drama?
While “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” features a strong female lead, it falls short of being a fully feminist drama. The show often reinforces traditional gender roles and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about male dominance. While Mi-so is independent and career-driven, her ultimate goal often revolves around finding romantic fulfillment, which can be interpreted as a limiting representation of female ambition.
FAQ 12: What could have made Episode 4 stronger?
Episode 4 could have been strengthened by incorporating more authentic vulnerability from Young-joon, reducing the reliance on predictable misunderstandings, and addressing the concerning elements of his controlling behavior. A deeper exploration of his past trauma and a more nuanced portrayal of his emotional landscape would have added depth and complexity to his character. Showing Mi-so asserting her boundaries more clearly would have also enhanced the episode.