Diversity of Professions in KDramas
Since today is a Sunday, I thought for today I will delve into a slightly less serious write up. The topic of unusual or interesting professions in Kdramas has always been a talking point. But Kdrama connoisseurs will also note that the professions are not for mere window dressing, but rather form an important part of the characters’ identity. Often, career ambitions take centre stage or can be the main fissure point between the romantic lead. For instance, in the 2021 drama She Would Never Know, the female lead on realising the toll the long distance relationship was taking on her and her partner, she decides to break up. In the show the female lead is a Marketing Manager of a cosmetics brand, and moves to Europe for a few years owing to the brands’ expansion plans. I was also partly fascinated by how the show depicted the world of cosmetics, the constant sample testing and different elements that go into launching a product. Adding to it, the male lead was also working for the same cosmetic brand company and happily applying all the makeup testers on himself as well!! (just one of the reasons why Kdrama men are just different). Or when in the Coffee Prince, Yoon Eun-Hye’s character realises her desire to be a coffee barista and goes to Italy to study to become a barista.
So in no particular order, I hereby present a list of Kdramas with some unique professions-
Run On- this show does not get as much love, but it is one of the few dramas that I felt depicted a realistic progression of romance. In it, the female lead is a subtitle translator and the male lead is a sports agent. The show has long heartfelt conversations, clear communication on setting boundaries and the little tiffs as well. My favourite moment is when the female lead describes her work of a subtitle translator as a bridge connecting two worlds, while delicately munching on a fried chicken!!
Because This Is My First Life- The female lead is a scriptwriter in the show, and we watch her lose her confidence in her writing abilities, quitting the industry to again regaining her self-esteem. I found it quite relatable.
Jirisan- I absolutely loved this show and is not your regular romantic fare, with the story set amidst the lives of mountain rangers. I personally learnt not only about the historic and symbolic important of the Mountain Jirisan in Korea, but also about the kind of work Mountain Rangers have to do. Throughout the show I kept thinking the rangers really need to keep their fitness levels in check!!
Pinocchio- The show is centered around the world of journalism. So it is no surprise the romantic leads of the show are journalists. I honestly was only watching the show for Lee Jong-Suk and his cheeky smile, haha!
The Producers- This comedy drama show is unique, and you see Kim Soo-Hyun in a completely different light. The protagonists of the show are TV producers working in the variety show department of KBS. As viewers we get to witness the last minute filming changes, hectic editing schedules and fierce competition for TV ratings. I do recommend this underrated gem.
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay- How could I not include this one!! Kim Soo-Hyun works as a caretaker in a psychiatric ward, and Seo Yea-Ji is a famous children’s book author. The show was one of the first Kdramas I saw and was mind-blown by the cinematography and attention to details. This is a MUST watch.
Her Private Life- As an art lover, to see the female lead as an art curator had me whooping with joy! As much as I would have loved a bit more delving into the dynamics of the art world, it was refreshing to see the high art world of the art curator, and the popular culture of fangirling meshed together in a positive manner. You might also want to check out Dali and the Cocky Prince wherein the female lead is the director of an art gallery.
Do You Like Brahms- Ah, this show broke my heart, it was quite painful to watch our leads negotiate their love for music and their respective instruments. The female lead is a violinist who after graduating from business school decides to major in violin, and the male lead is a famous pianist. Music is constantly weaved into the narrative, especially the scene where Kim Min-Jae comforts Park Eun-Bin by playing her a piece of music. In the finale, one of the characters has a beautiful dialogue, explaining the female lead that when one becomes really small, that is when the momentum for a crescendo begins. The statement was a metaphor to explain that since crescendo consists of many small sounds, only when we drop to rock bottom and feel like we have become small, can we rise up again.
Start-Up-This was one of my first Kdramas as well, and the show is about a bunch of innovators and young dreamy eyed entrepreneurs who pitch for their business ideas to get funding and investors. Also if this was your first Nam Joo-Hyuk show or Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, you get a rude shock when you watch his earlier shows!
Search:WWW- I think I can wax eloquent about how much I love this drama. Female dominated, and majority of the plot is around social media platforms and female leads as managers navigating the principles of content moderation and free internet. The constant debates around manipulation of hashtags to letting the people run free with their hashtags is intriguing and relevant for our times.
I would love to hear from you what other Kdramas and professions caught your eye.