Some dramas pull you in with their synopsis; others, with their cast. For me, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” had both. With Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young leading, I knew I was in for a great time, though I didn’t expect it to be this impactful.
Released in 2018, this Korean romantic comedy is based on a novel with the same name by Jung Kyung Yoon. It was directed by Park Joon Hwa and follows the story of a narcissistic vice president and the secretary who quits her job after nine years of steadfast loyalty. From confusing boardroom encounters to buried childhood traumas, it’s a drama that makes you laugh and heals you. Once you are done, it’s an unforgettable experience filled with unforgettable moments.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim Summary
Lee Young-joon is the epitome of perfection, at least in his own eyes. With power, wealth, looks, and an “aura” he never lets anyone forget, he’s the kind of boss who thinks the world revolves around him. But behind his seamless success is Kim Mi-so, his brilliant and composed secretary who has quietly held everything together for nearly a decade.
So when Mi-so suddenly announces her desire to resign, Young-joon goes into a downward spiral. What starts as an attempt to retain his secretary transforms into a much deeper and personal romance, and confronts a trauma that connects their pasts in a way they never anticipated.
At first glance, it appears to be a typical Korean romantic comedy, as it is light-hearted. However, as the episodes progress, deeper issues are tackled, including the fear of growing up, emotional resilience, and seeking forgiveness.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim Review: Characters & Performances
Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon)
There is something peculiar but interesting about witnessing a character in a film or television that is so fully self-absorbed that they become a source of comedy. Young-joon’s assurance and egocentricity, plus his focus on details (such as looks) and bombastic statements, would be hard as hell to forget.
Over time, his layers peel back. The confident exterior hides wounds he hasn’t addressed in years, and when those cracks begin to show, so does his humanity. One moment that struck me particularly hard was when he admitted:
“To me, ‘death’ wasn’t an abstract word anymore. Back then… I thought I had to do that so that everyone could live.”
That line came with tears, silence, and weight. It was no longer about the secretary he was trying to win back; it was about a boy who’d once believed he had to disappear to protect others. It changed the way I saw him entirely.
Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young)
Kim Mi-so is the epitome of composure. A proficient professional and a calm individual, she remains unbothered in the face of adversity, hence, is not defined by her love life. Instead, she is defined by her palpable character that is deeply rooted in her resilience. Like many, I admired her professionalism, despite family duties and a romance with her boss.
By far, the most enduring was her combination of softness and fury. Rather maturely, she viewed love not as a childish fantasy, but a long-term, healing, and honest commitment that requires tremendous effort.
Lee Seong-yeon (Lee Tae-hwan)
Seong-yeon was introduced as the sociable elder brother, but his character evolves. Along with the tension that exists between him and Young-joon, that’s beyond typical brotherly conflict. A key moment that stayed with me was when he finally broke down and said:
“I’m sorry. At that time, I couldn’t let it be me.”
That line hit hard. To me, it sounded a lot more like it is more than simply guilt. It is the confession of a person too afraid to act on opportunities, who is left to suffer the consequences of inaction, desperately waiting to be free. It also highlights something important in my opinion, which is that trauma is something that stretches beyond just the couple; it stretches through generations.
Park Yoo-sik (Kang Ki-young)
Park Yoo-sik is one of the characters who brings in a fresh new perspective. As Young-joon’s best friend, he portrays a different character who is also a source of great laughter to the viewers as well as to the characters in the show. I loved every scene he was in. This character, whom I thought could be horrible, ended up being a tasteful Yoo-sik who brought laughter to otherwise serious and troubling episodes.
What Made "What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim" Kdrama Shine
Themes: Healing, Guilt, and Growth
One of the reasons “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” Kdrama stayed with me was because it wasn’t just romantic comedy fluff. Yes, the humor is there. So is the flirting and awkward office proposals. But underneath it all is a narrative about recovery.
Both Young-joon and Mi-so are carrying pain from their childhood, a shared trauma they don’t fully remember until the past comes rushing back. Their story becomes one of mutual healing. They don’t just fall in love; they help each other process, forgive, and live freely.
Guilt also plays an important role. Be it Seong-yeon’s remorse or Young-joon’s suppressed dread, the show gives every character room to evolve, and that, in a much-criticized shallow genre, is the boldest choice.
Cinematography
The style is warm and polished, with emotionally intimate flashbacks and quiet moments blending beautifully with clean corporate aesthetics. The amusement park scene (yes, he rented one for her!) is grand, but also genuinely beautiful. Those whimsical touches are what made even the most over-the-top gestures feel earned and romantic.
OST – Music That Lingers
A good OST sticks with you long after the credits roll. “Love Virus” was my personal favorite; it’s cheerful, catchy, and perfectly captures the sweetness of Young-joon and Mi-so’s relationship. The emotional instrumentals were equally effective, especially in heavier scenes. The music never overwhelmed the moment; it supported it.
The Ending (Spoiler-Free)
Endings are always difficult, especially in a rom-com. But this one nailed it. There is closure as well as the work that has gone into this story, which seems to pay off as it does in satisfying catharsis. The romance does not dwindle out or feel rushed; it gradually progresses.
All loose plot threads are resolved in a non-dragging manner, and the closing moments feel heartfelt as a reward for everything the characters and the audience have gone through. It is uncommon to feel completely satisfied after finishing a K-Drama, but this is one of the rare ones for me.
Overall Thoughts + 4-Star Rating
“What’s wrong with the Secretary Kim” is, from the first episode, a romantic comedy with a dramatic core. It was sharp in the writing, character arcs, dialogue, and even the casting. It was a perfectly paced story that also gave a fair share of emotional moments.
I would personally rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Although it’s not perfect, it is very close. More importantly, it evoked my emotions. I laughed, and most importantly, I felt a deep sense of joy, which is what a great K-drama should accomplish.
Have you seen “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim”? Did you enjoy the ponderable moments like the grand romantic gestures, the hilarious misunderstandings, or the tear-jerking, confessional moments? And if you have not, are you all set for an unbelievably romantic and healing experience with loads of “aura”?
Drop your thoughts in the comments section, and we will be more than happy to read all of your recommendations!
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