Park Seo joon and Park Min young bring chemistry, charm, and comfort to this classic K drama that remains a fan favorite binge even years after its release. Light, lovable, and full of summer vibes.
There are dramas that grip you with edge of the seat thrill. Then there are those that simply wrap you in warmth. ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim’ falls squarely in the second category, a show that does not rely on genre bending innovation but instead reminds us how effective a feel good story can be when it is done with heart, humor, and two actors who carry effortless chemistry from the first scene to the last.
Released in 2018, but still watched and adored like it aired last week, this 16 episode romantic comedy has cemented itself as a comfort drama for K drama lovers across the globe. It is sweet without being cloying, funny without feeling forced, and formulaic in a way that makes you lean in, not roll your eyes. At the center of it all is the ever watchable Park Seo joon as the narcissistic yet strangely endearing Lee Young joon, a corporate boss whose world is turned upside down when his long time secretary Kim Mi so decides to resign.
Park Min young as Kim Mi so is all grace, wit, and quiet strength. She has served her boss for nine years, managing his every eccentricity with patience. But when she announces her decision to leave and finally pursue her own happiness, it triggers a series of emotional unravellings and hilariously misguided attempts by Young joon to win her back not just as an employee, but as the woman he never realized he was in love with.
The story unfolds with a mix of classic rom com tropes and deeply emotional moments. Childhood trauma connects the two leads in unexpected ways, with a long buried memory slowly surfacing over time. There is a jealous older brother, a few flashbacks, and just the right amount of second lead tension to keep the narrative moving. But what keeps viewers hooked is the emotional consistency and the genuine sweetness of the romance that blossoms gradually, honestly, and beautifully.
The writing may not push any boundaries, but it knows how to land a punchline and deliver a heart flutter. The comedic timing is sharp, especially in scenes involving Young joon's unshakable confidence and dramatic declarations of love. His slow realization that the world does not revolve around him is delivered through hilarious monologues and awkward confrontations, giving the show its trademark light hearted tone. And yet, when the tone shifts into softer territory, the show holds you there with equal skill.
From the iconic “Kim Mi so!” cries to the deeply emotional proposal and fairytale wedding that wraps things up, ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim’ gives you everything you hope for in a feel good drama. The production is bright and breezy, the wardrobe flawless, and the set pieces from office encounters to beachside confessions are designed to be as visually soothing as they are emotionally rewarding.
The beach episode, in particular, remains one of the most shared and rewatched scenes in K drama history. Park Seo joon's shirtless smile, the sand between them, and the lingering gaze as he finally admits his feelings it is not just fan service, it is a moment of release for all the quiet tension that the show has been building up till then.
Yes, it is formulaic. Yes, you know where it is going from the first episode. But none of that matters because the ride is so emotionally satisfying. You smile when they bicker, root for them through misunderstandings, and sigh contentedly when they finally come together. This is a story that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they came for romance, reassurance, and moments that feel like a warm hug on a breezy summer evening.
In a world where storytelling often tries to outdo itself with shock value or intense plot twists, ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim’ reminds us that simplicity can still be deeply powerful. Sometimes, all you need is two people falling in love slowly, with a bit of laughter and a whole lot of charm.
For more dreamy dramas and feel good binges, follow Binge Moves on Instagram and Facebook.
