One of the best Korean dramas in years, but with one big problem.

The show tries to address issues facing the new generation in the workplace. Sometimes it is critical of Korean office culture, but at the same time, the writing is very supportive of the idea that employees should dedicate their lives to the company.

The directing, acting, and cinematography in this show are probably the best I've seen in a Korean drama. The acting was realistic, and the writers also avoided silly cliches. All of the main characters had some depth. I think the writers did an excellent job with handling character development so that we see the senior employees from the perspective of the new hires. As the new hires' opinions of their seniors change, so do the viewer's.

That said, there were moments where the show was hard to watch. The main concept of the show supports the idea of an entire life based around work being a positive thing, and that employees should put the company they work for before themselves or their families.

There are two women characters whose storylines attempt to deal with sexism in the office, but it is hypocritical at times. There are several women who are visible members of the main characters' teams, but never have any speaking lines in the entire show. They are only extras who are shown sitting at their cubicle, and never talk with the other team members.

There is also a glorification of management, and there a few moments where the show portrays workers as helpless people who can do nothing without taking orders from the office.

On the whole, this is a great show. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a more realistic Korean drama. I think everyone will be able to relate to being a clueless and nervous new hire, eventually learning and building relationships with coworkers.

Leia Mais

The promise of the first 5 or so episodes has kept me going, but I've dropped the show twice already. The beginning of the show focused on the differences between the middle class and super rich, and the struggles common people face as they try to advance in a hierarchical society. It was a very interesting idea, well executed, and I would give the first few episodes a 9.

As the show goes on, all the interesting plotlines disappear, and the show's sole focus becomes petty family arguments. The reason I have dropped the show twice is because the way this show portrays women has made me uncomfortable and angry. All of the "good" characters are totally spineless women who will subject themselves to all manner of abuse at the hands of men and in-laws without any resistance at all. All of the show's villains are cunning, mischievous women. Even when men do horrible things in the show, it is revealed that their evil women pushed them to behave that way.

The second half is about to start, so I am hoping that it resumes focus on something other than poorly-written cat fighting. However, you should know that the first half, and especially episodes 10-24 can be really hard to stomach.

Leia Mais