Despite its popularity among young workers, the workplace drama 'Misaeng' will not get an extension. The drama will stick to its planned 20 episodes, ending on January 20, 2015. But tVN's producers have prepared something special to appease the drama's loyal fans. They will offer them two specials.
A tVN representative told Newsen, that the specials have been confirmed.
"However, the content and dates of these specials are still undecided," said the tVN representative.
The popular drama revolves around Jang Geu Rae, a 26-year-old former baduk player who tries to reinvent himself as an office worker. Jang Geu Rae, played by Im Si Wan, is only a temporary worker at an international trading company because he never went to college. But he's smart, hardworking and persistent. All he wants is to continue to work for a corporation and become a salary man. He endures abuse, humiliation and repeated failures in his efforts to reach that goal.
Despite his struggles, Jang Geu Rae may never be hired as a full-time employee.
"Misaeng" is one of the hottest dramas in Korea now, partly because it portrays the long hours and difficult conditions endured by office workers who wish to succeed. Many young professionals can relate to its realistic portrayal of trying office conditions, which at times can even be difficult to watch.
"Misaeng" is based on a popular webtoon, written and illustrated by Yoon Tae Ho.
When the cartoonist recently spoke at the Creative Korea fair, he was asked about the upcoming finale of the drama, but he would not give the ending away.
"At this point, I can only say Jang will not be promoted to chief executive officer or chairman of the company," said Yoon Tae Ho.
First published on Daum, Yoon Tae Ho's webtoon earned more than one billion readers. The popularity of the series has also helped the print version of the webtoon sell two million copies.
According to The Korea Times, the tVN weekend drama reached a record-high 7.4 percent early in December. That's the second highest rating for a cable network program in Korea.
Although it will not get additional episodes, the story may not end in January.
The drama's producer Lee Je Moon has been in talks with overseas production companies about re-broadcasting and re-making "Misaeng."
And Yoon Tae Ho continues to work on the webtoon. He recently confirmed that he will start serializing the second season in March 2015.
"Misaeng" also stars Lee Sung Min, Kang So Ra, Kang Ha Neul, and Byun Yo Han.
