The rise of cable drama-tvN's Misaeng (미생)

tvN's Misaeng 미생 (Incomplete Life) drama - for some have called this best worker drama from its successor after KBS screened its 1987-1993  'The Art of War'. Cartoonist Yoon Tae Ho is the original author for Misaeng on its webtoon drama. 


Reply 1997 drama was a hit drama for tVN network after it portrays the lives of teens during the 90s time adoring H.O.T group featuring new rookie idols and long-time standing singer Eun Ji Won from Sech Kies. And now once again with Misaeng, it has given a great response from the public. Its first episode viewer ratingship of 1.6%, it has rised up to 7.03% and in one word Misaeng has proven to be successful. 

Misaeng shows a wide range of office workers characters emphasizing on their own personalities and charm. Somehow it became interesting when the protagonist Jang Geu Rae (played by ZE:A Im Siwan) getting turned on. He is only a high school graduate who lived each day with his GED and managed to score himself a job in One International Company as a 2 year contract employee. 
And as what the audience are waiting for- what lies in the future for Jang Geu Rae? 

In the first episode it depicts Geu Rae is a professional Baduk player (Korean chess) since he was a kid. According to Geu Rae's mother he is a genius in baduk but failed to go ahead with life and landed himself with various part time jobs. When Geu Rae landed with a job at One International, he meets his superiors for the first time- Asst Manager Kim Dong Shik (played by Kim Tae Myeong) and Chief Oh Sang Shik (played by Lee Sung Min), things start to take a twist. He gets pressure around his peers such as the smarty pants Baek Ki (played by Kang Ha Neul), Ahn Young Yi (played by Kang So Ra) and Suk Yool (played by Byun Yo Han) 

Baduk is everything for Geu Rae. It's like a special weapon and strategy for him to sustain himself in the company. Although Geu Rae has tasted the bitterness in Baduk, it was time he revisited the game to keep up his career. As what we remembered from the drama:

"그냥 정규직 시켜주지." 

"우리 '그래' 너무 안쓰럽다."

We do not know what the ending will be... but in real life Misaeng is an acclaimed white collar fantasy drama. And here we see how Chief Oh and Asst. Manager Kim makes the drama further delight. The drama shows a rather reality of hardships of employees in a company and at times the gloomy atmosphere one has to encounter. Trust from colleagues and barriers from the directors and upper management are often seen in this drama. 

Maybe the writers will send us a happy gift for the ending-will Jang Geu Rae earn himself a permanent job with One International and his Sales Team 3 be moved away from the bathroom? 

Episode 19-20 brought many tears to the audience and fans of this drama. Executive Director Choi left the company and Chief Oh was forced to resign because of the China connections thingy. Sales Team 3 is left without a head. Poor Dong Shik and Geu Rae cried their eyes out when Chief Oh resigned. Soon it was Geu Rae's turn whereby his contract ended. Suk Yool, Young Yi and Baek Ki visited Geu Rae after he left the company expressing how much they missed him. Luck was running on his side when Chief Oh and Mr. Kim formed a new small trading company and recruited Geu Rae. When one door is closed...another opens...how true...that's life! 

And how I cringe when I see Suk Yool tells Geu Rae his heart is only for him and he can't change to another company. Bromance! LOL!

All much and love from the audience and fans of Misaeng. xoxox...