There’s something about the way the series blends personal growth, romance, and intense Kdramas with workplace settings that leaves us completely hooked. Whether you’re binge-watching to escape reality or looking for a relatable storyline that mirrors your own work-life struggles, these workplace Kdramas hit all the right notes. The combination of professional and personal dilemmas, relatable challenges, and character development within an office setting creates a rich storytelling environment that feels authentic and engaging.
Let’s dive into some of the best Kdramas with workplace settings that not only give us a sneak peek into different industries but also take us on an emotional journey of self-discovery, ambition, and, of course, a bit of romance.
Best Kdramas with Workplace Settings
Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Misaeng holds a special place in the hearts of Kdrama fans, especially for its brutally honest portrayal of office life. Starring Im Si-wan as Jang Geu-rae, this series follows his journey from being a professional baduk (Go) player to navigating the complex corporate world. Without the traditional qualifications, Jang Geu-rae faces intense challenges trying to find his place in a rigid, hierarchical office.
The beauty of Misaeng lies in its portrayal of the small victories and crushing defeats that come with being an office worker. The series also stars Lee Sung-min as his strict but compassionate boss, Kang Ha-neul as a fellow employee, and Kang So-ra as the driven and sharp co-worker who shows the grit required to survive in this demanding work environment. If you’ve ever felt lost in your career or overwhelmed by office politics, this one will hit home hard.
Good Partner
Taking us into the high-stakes world of divorce law, Good Partner is a legal drama that pits two contrasting lawyers against each other. Jang Na-ra plays Cha Eun-gyeong, a 17-year veteran in divorce law who prioritizes her clients and the firm’s interests over all else. Her practical and calculated approach often clashes with the idealistic rookie lawyer, Han Yu-ri, played by Nam Ji-hyun, who fights for justice no matter the cost. Their constant butting of heads over values and methods makes this drama engaging and full of tension.
Cha Eun-gyeong’s professional success is soon threatened by her own personal crisis as she faces a possible divorce, adding emotional depth to the character. As the two women work through their differences, they develop as both professionals and individuals. Kim Joon-han and P.O round out the ensemble cast, playing fellow lawyers Jung U-jin and Jeon Eun-ho, bringing even more dynamics to the high-pressure law firm. If you enjoy a mix of legal battles and personal drama, Good Partner will have you hooked.
The Auditors
Who knew internal audits could be this intense? The Auditors introduce us to Shin Ha-kyun as Shin Cha-Il, a man hardened by years of seeing corruption. Leading an audit team at JU Construction, his cool and calculating demeanour is perfect for rooting out the company’s darkest secrets. But things get shaken up when rookie employee Gu Han-soo, played by Lee Jung-ha, joins the team with dreams of transferring to the company’s Florida branch.
His easy-going, warm-hearted nature initially clashes with Shin Cha-Il’s more jaded outlook, but working under such a harsh boss forces Gu Han-soo to grow into a sharp auditor himself. The drama gets even juicier with Jin Goo as Hwang Dae-woong, the ambitious vice president of JU Construction, fighting to secure his place as the company’s next president, and Jo Aram as Yoon Seo-jin, another rookie with a past connection to Hwang. If you’re into corporate thrillers with power plays, this one’s full of twists, ambition, and moral conflict.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
On a lighter note, but no less impactful, Extraordinary Attorney Woo offers a refreshing take on the legal workplace genre. Starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, an exceptionally talented lawyer with autism, the drama delves into both the professional and personal challenges she faces while working at a top law firm. Her unique way of seeing the world allows her to approach cases with fresh perspectives that others miss, making her an invaluable asset to the firm.
The show also stars Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, a fellow employee who supports and eventually falls for Woo Young-woo. The dynamic between Young-woo and her colleagues, particularly in how they come to accept and appreciate her brilliance, makes this drama a standout. It’s heartwarming, insightful, and leaves you rooting for Woo Young-woo both in and out of the courtroom.
Business Proposal
Sometimes, you need a break from heavy dramas, and Business Proposal offers just the right mix of humor and romance in a workplace setting. Starring Kim Se-jeong as Shin Ha-ri and Ahn Hyo-seop as Kang Tae-moo, the drama kicks off with Ha-ri going on a blind date pretending to be someone else—only to realize that her date is none other than her company’s CEO, Tae-moo. What follows is a fun, chaotic office romance filled with misunderstandings, swoon-worthy moments, and laugh-out-loud scenarios. The chemistry between Kim Se-jeong and Ahn Hyo-seop is electric, making their evolving relationship the perfect guilty pleasure for anyone looking for a lighter, more playful workplace Kdrama.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
Another workplace romance that has taken the Kdrama world by storm is What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?. Park Seo-joon plays Lee Young-joon, a handsome but narcissistic vice president who cannot imagine life without his highly competent secretary Kim Mi-so, played by Park Min-young. When Kim Mi-so suddenly announces her resignation, Lee Young-joon’s world starts to fall apart, and he begins to realize how much he depends on her—not just professionally, but emotionally. As their relationship evolves from professional to romantic, the show expertly balances comedy with heartfelt moments, making it one of the most beloved office romances in Kdrama history.
Start-Up
Set in the fast-paced and competitive world of tech startups, Start-Up shines a spotlight on ambition and innovation. Bae Suzy plays Seo Dal-mi, a young woman with big dreams of making it in the tech world, and Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, a genius coder with a failing startup who gets a second chance at success. The drama is set within the fictional incubator Sandbox, where these characters work together to build their company from the ground up.
Kim Seon-ho also steals hearts as Han Ji-pyeong, the seasoned mentor with a sharp mind but a soft spot for Dal-mi. Start-Up perfectly captures the highs and lows of entrepreneurial life, from pitching ideas to facing setbacks, while also exploring the personal relationships that form in such a high-stakes environment.
From the gritty realism to the high-stakes legal drama, workplace Kdramas bring a variety of tones and themes to the table. These dramas not only offer a glimpse into different industries but also show us that no matter the setting, it’s the relationships we build and the challenges we face that truly make the story.
Whether you’re looking for something heartwarming, thrilling, or just plain fun, there’s a workplace Kdrama for everyone.
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