What's Wrong With Secretary Kim Vostfr Episode 9

Is What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, and specifically its ninth episode, a cinematic masterpiece worthy of Bergman or Fellini? Absolutely not. But does it function as a finely tuned, emotionally manipulative, and surprisingly self-aware Rom-Com engine, expertly designed to elicit maximum swooning and a healthy dose of existential dread about your own love life? Oh, mon Dieu, yes. And perhaps that's its true genius.

Contains list of:

• Original title: 김비서가 왜 그럴까
• Polish title: Co się stało z sekretarką Kim?
• Director: Park Joon-hwa
• Actor: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
• Year: 2018
• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Office Romance

Plot: The series centers on the narcissistic and incredibly capable Vice Chairman Lee Young-joon and his equally competent secretary, Kim Mi-so. After years of unwavering service, Mi-so abruptly decides to resign, throwing Young-joon into a state of utter bewilderment and forcing him to confront his feelings for her, as well as some deeply buried childhood traumas. Episode nine sees the blossoming romance face both external pressures from corporate rivals and internal anxieties rooted in the shared, harrowing past that binds them.

Review: The Spectacle of Manufactured Emotion

Let's be honest, What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, like many K-dramas, is built on a foundation of carefully constructed clichés. The handsome, impossibly wealthy CEO, the hardworking and beautiful but somehow oblivious secretary, the meddling family members, the jealous rivals – they're all present and accounted for. But what elevates this series, and particularly episode nine, above simple genre fare is its willingness to lean into these tropes with a wink and a nod, while simultaneously exploring the emotional core of its characters.

The style of the show is undeniably glossy and visually appealing. Everything is impeccably staged, from the opulent offices of Young-joon's corporation to the cozy, pastel-toned apartments of the protagonists. The cinematography is crisp and clean, favoring close-ups that highlight the actors' expressive faces. The soundtrack is a mix of saccharine ballads and upbeat pop tunes, perfectly calibrated to amplify the emotional impact of each scene. It's all incredibly polished, almost to a fault, but it works. This deliberate artificiality, the awareness that we are watching a carefully constructed performance, allows the show to explore deeper themes without sacrificing its comedic edge.

The acting is a crucial element of the series' success. Park Seo-joon delivers a masterful performance as Lee Young-joon, balancing arrogance and vulnerability with surprising dexterity. He manages to make a character who could easily be unlikeable into someone endearing and even sympathetic. Park Min-young is equally compelling as Kim Mi-so, portraying her as a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to challenge Young-joon, even as she succumbs to his charms. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are both funny and genuinely touching. The supporting cast also shines, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Each character, no matter how minor, feels fully realized and contributes to the overall sense of realism within this heightened reality.

Episode nine, in particular, delves into the subject matter of trauma and its impact on relationships. The shared past that Young-joon and Mi-so have been slowly uncovering throughout the series comes into sharper focus, revealing the profound psychological scars they both carry. The episode handles these sensitive themes with a surprising level of nuance, avoiding sensationalism and instead focusing on the characters' emotional journeys. We see them grappling with their memories, struggling to overcome their fears, and ultimately finding solace in each other's presence. The show acknowledges the lasting effects of trauma, but it also offers a message of hope, suggesting that healing and love are possible even in the face of profound pain.

The episode also subtly critiques the societal pressures placed on women in the workplace. Mi-so's decision to resign is not simply a romantic one; it's also a response to the relentless demands of her job and the lack of recognition she receives for her contributions. The show highlights the sacrifices that women often make to succeed in male-dominated environments and raises questions about the fairness of these expectations. While this critique is not always explicit, it adds another layer of depth to the narrative and makes it more relevant to contemporary audiences.

Furthermore, the episode plays with the concept of performance and identity. Both Young-joon and Mi-so are constantly performing roles – Young-joon as the perfect CEO, Mi-so as the unflappable secretary. But as their relationship deepens, they begin to shed these masks and reveal their true selves to each other. This process of unveiling is both liberating and terrifying, as they confront their vulnerabilities and risk being hurt. The show suggests that true intimacy requires authenticity and a willingness to be seen for who we truly are, flaws and all.

The Use of Visual Metaphors

Beyond the overt narrative, episode nine employs subtle visual metaphors to enhance its thematic resonance. The recurring motif of shadows, for instance, symbolizes the lingering trauma that haunts Young-joon and Mi-so. These shadows often appear during moments of emotional intensity, reminding us of the darkness that underlies their seemingly perfect lives. Similarly, the use of light and color is carefully calibrated to reflect the characters' emotional states. Bright, vibrant colors are associated with happiness and optimism, while muted, desaturated tones signify sadness and despair. These visual cues add another layer of meaning to the episode and invite viewers to engage with it on a deeper level.

The scene where Young-joon attempts to comfort Mi-so after a particularly distressing flashback is a perfect example of this visual storytelling. The room is dimly lit, casting long shadows across their faces, but a single ray of light shines on them as they embrace, symbolizing the hope that remains even in the darkest of times. The camera lingers on their faces, capturing their raw emotions and conveying the profound connection they share. It's a moment of genuine intimacy that transcends the usual Rom-Com clichés and speaks to the universal human need for comfort and connection.

Is It Worth Watching?

For the hardened cinephile, accustomed to the bleak landscapes of Tarkovsky or the fragmented narratives of Resnais, What's Wrong With Secretary Kim might seem like a frivolous distraction. But if you're willing to suspend your disbelief and embrace the artifice, you might be surprised by how deeply this series can resonate. It's a beautifully crafted, emotionally intelligent, and surprisingly self-aware Rom-Com that offers a refreshing take on familiar tropes. Episode nine, in particular, is a standout, delving into complex themes of trauma, identity, and the power of love with a sensitivity and nuance that is often lacking in the genre. It's a guilty pleasure, perhaps, but one that is well worth indulging in.

Where to Download? Where to Watch Online?

What's Wrong With Secretary Kim is widely available on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Viki, and Hulu (availability may vary depending on your region). Illegally downloading the series is discouraged, as it undermines the efforts of the creators and distributors. Support the arts by watching it legally on a reputable streaming service. You may find fan subs (Vostfr) on smaller streaming sites as well but accessing the series through official streaming partners like Netflix or Viki often provides the best viewing experience and also directly supports the creators of the show.