The popular tvN drama "Misaeng" wrapped up this weekend, delivering a satisfying ending and stellar ratings. The unlikely hit about struggling office workers struck a chord with Korea's workforce, boosting ratings into the double digits, a feat that is unusual for a cable program. The finale's ratings were six times the percentage earned by the opening episode.
What makes the drama such an unlikely hit is that it concerns the heartbreaking realistic struggles of a young office worker. That worker Jang Geu Rae is at a disadvantage because he only has a GED as he was focused on becoming a professional baduk player. He is hired as a temporary contract worker and despite his dedication and obvious intelligence has little chance of becoming a full time employee.
The drama brought acclaim for its stars, notably Im Si Wan, who played Jang Geu Rae, and Lee Sung Min, who played his boss Oh Sang Sik. But Im Si Wan almost did not take the role. At a recent press conference the drama's director Kim Won Suk said that they were having a hard time finding any of the actors they wanted to take the role. Several actors rejected it. And before Im Si Wan knew about the role, his agency rejected it.
"Im Si Wan later said he wanted to take the role and that's how everything worked out," said Kim. "He received the blessings he was meant to take."
The director found it meaningful that the actor took the risk and that he received many casting offers as a result.
Spoiler alert: And Jang Geu Rae's work career also ended on a positive and potentially realistic note.
Misaeng" is based on Yoon Tae Ho's popular webtoon.
When the cartoonist was asked a few weeks ago about drama's finale, he said, "At this point, I can only say Jang will not be promoted to chief executive officer or chairman of the company."
Not only did Jang Geu Rae not rise to the top of One International; he could not even continue to work there. And yet the drama ended on a very positive note.
The drama's finale would have been satisfying enough when Jang Geu Rae's fellow employees petitioned for him to stay. But company policy being what it was, he could not.
By dismissing him, the drama pointed out potentially flawed policy in place at many huge corporations, the policy of disqualifying employees with exceptional ability but no college degree. Jang Geu Rae had talent and a unique way of looking at things. But all turned out well. It turned out better than Jang Geu Rae could imagine. Because of his determination and the bond he forged with Mr. Oh, Jang Geu Rae got a new work opportunity and a chance to shine in his own right. His life moved from the narrow confines of an office cubicle and took him around the world.
It was satisfying to see him get what he deserved, and reports in the Korean media say that Korean office workers already miss following Jang Geu Rae's daily struggles and hard-won victories.
