5 K-Dramas That Depict Toxic Workplaces: ‘Summer Strike,’ ‘Little Women,’ More

Not all K-dramas are about romance and friendships. Some series bravely exhibit the toxic work culture in the society that even other international viewers can relate to. Listed below are the five Korean dramas that depict the unhealthy practices in most of the workplaces present today.

1. 'Summer Strike'

The newly released series starring Im Siwan and Seolhyun follows the story of Lee Yeo Reum, who decides to quit her job and goes on a break from her busy life in the city.

'Summer Strike' Still — 5 K-Dramas That Depict Toxic Workplaces: ‘Summer Strike,’ ‘Little Women,’ More ENA Channel Official

From darting out of meetings for coffee errands and rejections at work, Yeo Reum got exhausted at her job and immediately handed in her resignation letter to do nothing and start a new life in the countryside.

She then meets Ahn Da Beom, a quiet and reserved librarian who's also going through a period of change in his life.

2. 'Little Women'

Adapted from the 1868 American Novel of the same name penned by Louisa May Alcott. This drama introduces the story of three sisters namely, Oh In Ju (Kim Go Eun), Oh In Kyung (Nam Ji Hyun), and Oh In Hye (Park Ji Hu), who grew up in a poor family and face the richest and powerful families in Korea.

'Little Women' Still — 5 K-Dramas That Depict Toxic Workplaces: ‘Summer Strike,’ ‘Little Women,’ More tvN Drama Official

Oh In Ju has a hard time at work as most of her colleagues judge her status in life. She also experienced mistreatment with her team.

3. 'Misaeng'

It tells the story of office life in one of the biggest trading companies in Korea. The drama revolves around the lives of four interns Jang Geu Rae (Im Siwan), Ahn Young Yi (Kang So Ra), Jang Baek Gi (Kang Ha Neul), and Han Seok Yool (Byun Yo Han), who later on absorbed as regular employees of the company.

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"Misaeng: Incomplete Life" shows the struggles of the four interns as they learn to navigate through office drama, connections, and politics.

4. 'Start-Up'

Depicts the story of Seo Dal Mi (Bae Suzy), a dropout college student who has dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, and her love triangle between Han Ji Pyeong (Kim Seon Ho) and Nam Do San (Nam Joo Hyuk).

In particular, Dal Mi's father was a victim of manipulation at work which destroyed his marriage and tore apart his relationship with his family.

5. 'Something in the Rain'

About Yoon Jin Ah (Son Ye Jin), a woman in her thirties and a coffee-chain supervisor with an easy-going personality. However, she lives a hollow life and faces misogynistic behavior from some of her senior members of staff.