What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a romantic comedy Korean drama that blends office romance, personal growth, and hidden secrets into one addictive storyline. At the center is Lee Young Joon (played by Park Seo Joon), a narcissistic and incredibly successful vice-chairman of a major corporation. Confident, rich, and admired, he’s used to the world revolving around him—until his highly capable secretary of nine years, Kim Mi So (played by Park Min Young), suddenly announces her resignation. Young Joon is stunned by her decision and does everything in his power to convince her to stay, setting off a hilarious yet heartfelt journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and romantic pursuit. As the story unfolds, we begin to see beyond Young Joon's arrogant exterior and discover a man deeply affected by childhood trauma. At the same time, Mi So seeks closure for a past she can’t fully remember, tying their fates together in unexpected ways. Their chemistry is electric, and the drama offers a perfect balance of laugh-out-loud moments and deeply emotional scenes. Supporting characters like Park Yoo Shik (played by Kang Ki Young) and Go Gwi Nam (Hwang Chan Sung) add flavor to the corporate world with their quirky personalities, while Kim Mi So’s sisters bring in family warmth and tension. The slow-burn romance, witty banter, and touching flashbacks make this series a K-drama favorite. With charismatic performances by Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is more than just a workplace romance—it's a story about healing, trust, and letting go of the past. If you're searching for a feel-good Korean drama full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments, this one’s a must-watch.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 김비서가 왜 그럴까
🌎 Also Known As: Why Secretary Kim, Why Would Secretary Kim Do That?
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Mystery
🏷 Tags: Office Romance, Childhood Trauma, Boss-Secretary Relationship, Slow Burn, Strong Female Lead
Screenwriters: Jung Eun Young, Baek Sun Woo
🎬 Directors: Park Joon Hwa
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: June 6, 2018 – July 26, 2018
📅 Airing Days: Wednesdays & Thursdays
📺 Original Network: tvN
Duration: 1 hr. 5 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

  • Lee Young Joon’s confession scene under the fireworks is a fan-favorite, blending emotional vulnerability with romantic visuals.

  • The iconic necktie scene where Kim Mi So helps Young Joon loosen his tie becomes a symbol of growing intimacy and comfort.

  • Elevator kiss scene delivers unexpected passion, showcasing their evolving relationship and setting hearts racing.

  • Kim Mi So’s memory reveal about her childhood trauma and kidnapping is a deeply emotional turning point in the drama.

  • The proposal scene at the garden, filled with lights and emotions, perfectly wraps up the couple’s journey with heartfelt closure.

  • Doosan Tower in Dongdaemun, Seoul, served as the exterior of Yumyung Group’s corporate building.

  • Dae Jang Geum Park, the location for flashbacks and dream-like historical sequences, adds cinematic beauty.

  • Anyang Art Park was used for several romantic outdoor dates and photo-worthy moments between the leads.

  • Café Mamas (Seoul) is featured in lunch and coffee break scenes with stunning, modern interior aesthetics.

  • Private villas and luxury hotels in Incheon and Gyeonggi were used for Young Joon’s home, showcasing upscale interiors.

  • Kim Mi So’s sleek pencil skirts and blouse combos became fashion icons, setting trends among Korean working women.

  • Lee Young Joon’s tailored suits with silk ties and pocket squares reflected his perfectionism and high status.

  • Soft pastel office palettes and minimalistic sets made the environment elegant and clean, focusing on character dynamics.

  • Jewelry and accessories, especially Mi So’s earrings and heels, subtly emphasized her sophistication and femininity.

  • Lighting design was used to highlight romantic moments—especially during close-ups and slow-motion scenes.

  • Self-worth and healing is a major theme, as both leads overcome personal trauma to find peace in love and identity.

  • Workplace balance and respect, especially in boss-secretary dynamics, is explored in a refreshing, humorous way.

  • Letting go of the past is central to both Young Joon and Mi So’s growth, showcasing the power of forgiveness and acceptance.

  • Romantic vulnerability, where even the most confident characters open up emotionally, adds depth and relatability.

  • Strong women in the workplace is portrayed through Mi So’s character as someone capable, intelligent, and assertive.

  • Based on a popular web novel and webtoon, the drama had an established fanbase even before airing.

  • Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young’s chemistry led to strong dating rumors, although both denied real-life romance.

  • The drama was a commercial hit, achieving high viewership ratings and international popularity on platforms like Viki and Netflix.

  • Park Min Young’s fashion was highly praised, leading to numerous brand sponsorships and fashion analysis articles.

  • The necktie scene went viral, becoming one of the most iconic K-drama moments and spawning countless memes and edits.

🏆 2018 Korea Drama Awards

  • Excellence Award, Actor – Hwang Chan-sung (Won)

  • Hallyu Star Award – Hwang Chan-sung (Won)

  • Popular Character Award (Female) – Pyo Ye-jin (Won)

  • Excellence Award, Actor – Park Seo-joon (Nominated)

  • Best Original Soundtrack – “Because I Only See You” by Kim Na-young (Nominated)

🏆 2018 APAN Star Awards

  • Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries – Park Seo-joon (Won)

  • Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries – Park Min-young (Nominated)

  • K-Star Award, Actor – Park Seo-joon (Nominated)

  • K-Star Award, Actress – Park Min-young (Won)

🏆 2019 14th Annual Soompi Awards

  • Best Actress of the Year – Park Min-young (Won)

  • Best Supporting Actor – Kang Ki-young (Won)

  • Best Supporting Actress – Hwang Bo-ra (Won)

There are no confirmed reports or official statements indicating that a real-life romantic relationship developed between the lead actors of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young.

Despite their incredible on-screen chemistry and the show’s immense popularity, which sparked strong dating rumors, both actors publicly denied being in a relationship. In fact, following media speculation after the drama aired, Park Min Young stated in interviews that they were not dating and emphasized their professional rapport during filming.

Their convincing performance as a couple and natural closeness in behind-the-scenes footage led fans to hope for a real-life romance, but no romantic connection was confirmed. Therefore, while What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim gave viewers a beautifully portrayed love story, it remained strictly on screen.

Trailer

Music / OST

Gallery

Cast

Jung So Min
Jung So Min
Jung Yu Mi
Jung Yu Mi
Kang Ki Young
Kang Ki Young
Park Byung Eun
Park Byung Eun
Park Min Young
Park Min Young
Park Seo Joon
Park Seo Joon

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