Episode 13 of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim Season 1 isn’t inherently “wrong,” but rather exists as a carefully constructed plateau, meticulously designed to heighten anticipation for the impending climax. While beautifully shot and emotionally resonant, its primary function is not groundbreaking storytelling, but strategic pacing that, for some viewers, can feel slightly predictable and reliant on established tropes. This episode serves as a crucial bridge, testing the strength of the central relationship and setting the stage for the revelations and resolutions to come.
The Calm Before the Storm: A Deliberate Slowdown
The perceived “wrong” with episode 13 stems from its purposeful deceleration after the high-octane emotional revelations of the preceding episodes. We’ve finally seen Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) and Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young) acknowledge and explore their intertwined pasts and budding romance. Episode 13, however, pulls back, focusing on smaller conflicts and anxieties, creating a sense of unease that’s more manipulative than organic.
While the performances remain stellar and the comedic timing impeccable, the overarching narrative takes a backseat. The primary conflict, the lingering trauma of their shared kidnapping experience, is touched upon but not significantly advanced. Instead, we’re presented with situational anxieties – Mi-so’s fear of losing Young-joon after learning the full extent of his sacrifices, Young-joon’s possessiveness masking his own insecurity – which, while relatable, feel like manufactured obstacles designed to delay the inevitable.
This isn’t to say the episode is devoid of merit. The character development is subtle yet significant, particularly in Mi-so’s journey towards accepting Young-joon’s vulnerabilities. The supporting characters continue to provide comedic relief and offer glimpses into their own evolving relationships. However, the lack of substantial plot progression can leave viewers feeling slightly underwhelmed, especially considering the momentum built up in previous episodes. The episode risks becoming a filler episode, relying on pre-existing charm rather than forging new narrative ground.
Deconstructing the Discomfort: Key Problematic Areas
While What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim maintains a consistent level of quality, episode 13 highlights a few key areas that contribute to the sense of stagnation:
- Predictable Relationship Angst: The “will they/won’t they survive this minor conflict” trope feels tired. Mi-so’s sudden doubt, fueled by insecurity, seems out of character given her previous strength and resilience. While understandable, it feels like a narrative shortcut to introduce tension where it wasn’t organically present.
- Underutilization of Supporting Characters: While the supporting cast offers comedic relief, their individual storylines are sidelined in favor of focusing solely on the central romance. This diminishes their impact and makes their presence feel more perfunctory.
- Delayed Trauma Resolution: The core mystery and trauma surrounding the kidnapping are teased, but never fully addressed. This creates a sense of narrative frustration, as viewers are eager for closure but are instead met with further delays.
The Trap of Romantic Tropes
The series occasionally falls prey to predictable romantic tropes, and episode 13 exemplifies this. The contrived misunderstandings and manufactured jealousy, while intended to be endearing, can feel forced and undermine the authenticity of the relationship.
The Importance of Pacing
Pacing is crucial in any narrative, and episode 13’s deliberate slowdown disrupts the established rhythm of the series. While brief moments of calm are necessary, an entire episode dedicated to minor conflicts can feel like a waste of valuable screen time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Episode 13
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing specific concerns and offering further insight into the episode:
FAQ 1: Why does Mi-so suddenly doubt Young-joon’s love?
Mi-so’s doubt stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, learning the extent of Young-joon’s sacrifices during the kidnapping incident overwhelms her. She feels unworthy and questions whether she can reciprocate his unwavering devotion. Secondly, the pressure of their newfound relationship, coupled with societal expectations, fuels her insecurities. Finally, she fears that she might not be good enough for him given his perceived perfection.
FAQ 2: What is the significance of the scene where Young-joon gets jealous?
The jealousy scene serves to humanize Young-joon. It reveals his vulnerability and insecurities, showcasing that even the seemingly perfect vice-president is susceptible to human emotions. It also demonstrates his deep affection for Mi-so and his fear of losing her.
FAQ 3: Does episode 13 advance the overall plot?
While the episode doesn’t offer major plot advancements, it subtly sets the stage for the final act. It reinforces the core conflict surrounding the kidnapping and highlights the characters’ emotional vulnerabilities, which will be crucial in the upcoming resolutions.
FAQ 4: Is there any comedic relief in episode 13?
Yes, the episode maintains the series’ signature comedic style. The supporting characters, particularly Park Yoo-shik (Kang Ki-young), provide ample comedic relief through their witty banter and awkward situations.
FAQ 5: How does episode 13 contribute to character development?
Episode 13 primarily focuses on Mi-so’s character development. She learns to confront her insecurities and accept Young-joon’s imperfections. We also see a more vulnerable side of Young-joon, challenging his stoic facade.
FAQ 6: Why doesn’t the episode delve deeper into the kidnapping trauma?
The delayed exploration of the kidnapping trauma is a deliberate narrative strategy. By slowly revealing details and gradually confronting the past, the series builds suspense and amplifies the emotional impact of the final revelation. This allows for a more impactful and satisfying resolution.
FAQ 7: Are there any significant plot holes in episode 13?
No, there are no significant plot holes. However, some viewers may find the sudden introduction of conflict between Mi-so and Young-joon to be slightly contrived.
FAQ 8: How does episode 13 compare to other episodes in the series?
Episode 13 is considered a slower-paced episode compared to the more action-packed and revelation-heavy episodes that precede it. Its primary function is to build tension and set the stage for the finale, rather than deliver groundbreaking plot advancements.
FAQ 9: What are the most memorable scenes in episode 13?
The most memorable scenes include the jealousy scene where Young-joon awkwardly tries to assert his dominance, and the emotionally charged conversation between Mi-so and her sisters, where she expresses her fears and insecurities.
FAQ 10: Does episode 13 leave viewers on a cliffhanger?
Yes, the episode ends on a subtle cliffhanger, with Mi-so still grappling with her insecurities and Young-joon’s possessiveness escalating. This leaves viewers eager to see how their relationship will evolve in the final episodes.
FAQ 11: How important is episode 13 to the overall narrative?
While it may not be the most exciting episode, episode 13 is crucial for character development and relationship building. It provides a necessary breather before the final act, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level and appreciate the complexities of their relationship.
FAQ 12: What could have improved episode 13?
The episode could have been improved by further exploring the supporting characters’ storylines, providing more substantial plot advancements related to the kidnapping, and reducing the reliance on predictable romantic tropes. Integrating a subplot with real consequences rather than just relationship insecurities would have elevated the pacing.
In conclusion, while episode 13 of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim Season 1 might not be the series’ strongest offering, its strategic purpose within the larger narrative cannot be denied. Its perceived flaws are often a consequence of its role as a carefully constructed bridge, designed to heighten anticipation and deepen emotional investment before the final resolutions arrive. The delicate dance of conflict and reassurance, while occasionally predictable, ultimately serves to make the eventual happily ever after even more satisfying.