Looking for something light that still has a solid story and great characters? Then 2019’s The Secret Life of My Secretary just might be the drama you need. Read on to learn more!
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The Plot
From MyDramaList: Do Min Ik is an intelligent, perfectionist man with a heart of stone and the Chief of Team 1 at T&T Mobile Media who always relies on his secretary, the hot-tempered Jung Gal Hee. Although she diligently carries out the tasks her mean boss instructs her to do, she does not hold back in saying what she wishes to say. Will an office romance blossom?
Karie the Maknae: This description cracks me up. All of this is covered in the first half of the first episode, and then the REAL story is revealed. There’s jostling for the CEO position, secretaries and contract workers fighting for fair treatment by very unexpected means, and role-swapping that cracked me up and broke my heart.
MiataMama: I actually started watching this when it first aired. However, I was following too many dramas at the time and it went on the hold list. It was the BEST decision, as I loved seeing this story unfold during my binge-watch later on – I was much more invested in the drama as a whole.
The Characters
Do Min Ik – Min Ik is our intrepid CEO, adorably played by Kim Young Kwang. Yes, I know in the description it says he has a heart of stone. As Maury Povich would say, “The results have determined that is a lie.” There are sparks of humanity in him by the end of the first episode, and by the end of the drama, I adored his adorable personality.
Jeong Gal Hee – When’s she’s introduced, Gal Hee (Jin Ki Joo) seems like a doormat who will do anything to keep her job and keep her boss happy. Yeah, no. She’s got a temper and doesn’t hold back when needed. She’s more than capable of holding together her boss’ life and her home life.
Veronica Park – When Veronica Park was introduced, I thought she was meant to be one of those characters the audience would love to hate. NOT IN THE LEAST. She’s definitely memorable, and I ended up loving her story.
Gi Dae Ju – Out of all our characters, Gi Dae Ju has the least depth and spark to him. But Veronica Park wants him, and that is ALL that matters.
Karie the Maknae: Kim Young Kwang and Jin Ki Joo have off the charts chemistry from the very beginning. Because of that, I was completely drawn into the story and rooting for them through the whole rollercoaster of obstacles they had to overcome. And without spoiling anything, I will say that by the end, Veronica Park was one of my favorite drama characters of all time.
MiataMama: I’m a BIG fan of Kim Young Kwang and I absolutely adored his character in this drama! And I was happy to see Jin Ki Joo get to have a role in a romantic comedy – she is a talented and fun actress. But like the Maknae, I was so very enamored with Veronica Park. She was definitely the highlight of the show for me!
Would We Recommend?
Karie the Maknae: A big fat YES from me. There are a few plot holes, and a few episodes at the end felt like filler, and I didn’t care. The story was well-told, and I absolutely loved all the characters. It’s a very binge-able drama; in fact, I think it did better for me BECAUSE I binged it. I was able to stay tied into the stories and the characters. And the ending was PERFECT. I loved it.
MiataMama: Most definitely!! It was a strong story, the characters were well-layered and as the ending credits rolled, I heaved a happy sigh. What more can you ask for as a drama fan?! I don’t often repeat dramas, but this hidden gem has earned a place on my re-watch short list!
You can find The Secret Life of My Secretary on Kocowa.
Until the next blind date, we remain–
Karie the Maknae & MiataMama
Dramas with a Side of Kimchi
