Do K-Dramas Get Korean Work Culture Right? The Truth About Offices in Korea!

Many K-Dramas take place in offices, depicting the workplace culture in South Korea. These shows feature characters working in big companies, small businesses, or even start-ups. Also, they focus on Koreans' office life, with employees facing challenges, chasing promotions, and building relationships with their coworkers. Some stories are serious, while others feature a fun or romantic workplace setting.

But what are the exact aspects of South Korea's workplace culture do Korean dramas really show? Are office rules and daily routines the same in real life? Let’s take a closer look and find out!

Examples of K-Dramas That Depict Korean Workplace Culture

Before exploring the aspects of workplace culture in South Korea that K-Dramas depict, let's take a look at a few popular series with an office setting. These dramas give different perspectives on office life, from serious struggles to lighthearted romance.

"Misaeng: Incomplete Life" (2014)

This drama follows Jang GeuRae (played by Im SiWan), a former baduk (Go) player who starts as an intern at a trading company. He struggles to adapt to office life while learning about teamwork and survival in the corporate world. Besides SiWan, the show features Lee SungMin, Kang SoRa, and Kang HaNeul.

"What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" (2018)

This TV series focuses on a perfectionist CEO, Lee YoungJoon (played by Park SeoJoon), whose world turns upside down when his loyal secretary, Kim MiSo (played by Park MinYoung), decides to resign. As he tries to make her stay, they develop unexpected feelings for each other.

"Start-Up" (2020)

This is one of the best examples of K-Dramas depicting the workplace culture in South Korea. It follows young entrepreneurs, including Seo DalMi (played by Bae Suzy) and Nam DoSan (played by Nam JooHyuk), as they compete in the fast-paced start-up industry. They chase their dreams while facing tough business decisions and personal challenges. Other main cast members include Kim SeonHo and Kang HanNa.

"Business Proposal" (2022)

This series is about Shin HaRi (played by Kim SeJeong), an office worker who goes on a blind date in place of her friend, only to realize the man is her company’s CEO, Kang TaeMoo (played by Ahn HyoSeop). She tries to keep her identity secret, but romance soon complicates everything. The drama also stars Kim MinKyu and Seol InAh.

"Forecasting Love and Weather" (2022)

This drama focuses on Jin HaKyung (played by Park MinYoung), a smart and organized weather forecaster, as she navigates love and work at Korea’s national weather service. She ends up in a complicated relationship with her free-spirited junior colleague. The series also features Song Kang, Yoon Park, and Yura.

"Agency" (2023)

This is also one of the top examples of K-Dramas illustrating South Korea's workplace culture. It is about Go AhIn (played by Lee BoYoung), a talented but lonely woman who rises to the top in a competitive advertising company. She faces workplace politics and personal struggles while proving herself in a male-dominated industry. The series also features Jo SungHa, Son NaEun, and Han JoonWoo.

"The Auditors" (2024)

This TV show follows an audit team led by Shin ChaIl (played by Shin HaKyun), a sharp and ruthless leader, as they investigate corruption within a major corporation. A young employee joins the team, and together they face powerful enemies while uncovering hidden truths. The drama also stars Lee JungHa, Jin Goo, and Jo ARam.

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Key Aspects of South Korean Workplace Culture in K-Dramas

Now, let's examine the characteristics of Korea's work environments that K-Dramas portray.

1. Strict Hierarchy and Seniority System

In South Korean workplaces, employees must show respect to senior colleagues and bosses. People in high positions often make the decisions, and junior employees are expected to follow orders without question.

Many K-Dramas depict workplaces with strong hierarchical structures, where respect for seniority is crucial. A few examples are “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” and “The Auditors.”

At present, while hierarchy still exists, younger employees today are pushing for more open and flexible work cultures.

2. Long Working Hours and High Expectations

Long working hours are common, and employees often stay late, even if their tasks are done, to avoid looking uncommitted. Many workers experience burnout due to excessive workloads.

One example is “On the Verge of Insanity” (2021), where the main character Choi BanSeok (played by Jung JaeYoung) experiences burnout after being transferred to the HR department due to corporate restructuring.

Another example is "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" (2025), which showcases the tough and stressful life of trauma surgeons, showing how overwork is common in high-pressure jobs.

While government regulations now limit workweeks to 52 hours, many employees still experience pressure to stay late.

3. Workplace Bullying and Office Politics

Getting promoted and succeeding at work isn’t just about hard work—it also depends on networking and office politics. Employees may deal with favoritism, competition, or even sabotage. Though awareness is increasing, workplace mistreatment remains a social issue in Korea.

Some Korean dramas highlight power struggles and bullying (Gapjil), where higher-ups mistreat subordinates. Dramas “The Queen of Office” (2013) and “The Secret Life of My Secretary” (2019) both show the unfair treatment of contract workers.

Another example is "Gaus Electronics" (2022), a satirical take on corporate life. It focuses on workplace dynamics, hierarchy, and everyday struggles of marketing employees in a major electronics company.

"Queen of Tears" (2024) is also one of the K-Dramas depicting South Korea's workplace culture. It delves into the complexities of corporate life, showcasing the challenges of office politics and personal dynamics within a company.

4. K-Dramas Exposing Gender Inequality in Korean Workplace Culture

Several dramas explore the challenges women face in corporate Korea, from career stagnation to discrimination. The 2019 drama “Search: WWW” is one example. It features female executives navigating gender biases in the tech industry.

This aspect can also be seen in “A Virtuous Business" (2024). Set in 1992, this dramedy explores women's roles and the struggle for equality in a patriarchal society. It highlights challenges related to gender inequality.

Korea still has one of the highest gender pay gaps among OECD countries. As of 2024, women earn (on average) 30% less than men, according to Statista. Although attitudes are slowly changing.

5. Drinking Culture as a Social Work Obligation

Another key aspect of South Korea's workplace culture that K-Dramas show is the drinking culture. Many shows include scenes where employees go to a restaurant or bar following office hours. This after-work gathering (hoesik) is seen as important for bonding with colleagues and impressing superiors. Employees are often expected to attend, even if they are tired or have personal plans.

The 2018 drama "My Mister” portrays the significance of after-work socializing in South Korea, where colleagues bond over drinks.

Similarly, “Work Later, Drink Now" (2021–2022) features three close friends who work in different fields, meet after work to drink and share their struggles. They find comfort in their friendship and nightly drinks.

"The Auditors" (2024) is also a good example. Corporate audit team members occasionally drink together after stressful investigations, revealing the balance between work and social life.

While drinking culture is evolving, attending social gatherings is still seen as an important part of fitting in at work.

6. The Rise of Startups and New Work Environments

Traditional corporate jobs are still dominant in the Korean business industry, but more young professionals are turning to startups and tech companies. Such agencies often have a more flexible and creative work culture, reflecting the country's evolving business culture.

Also, these workplaces value innovation, casual office environments, and less rigid hierarchies. Young professionals are increasingly drawn to these companies for their dynamic work culture and opportunities for personal growth.

This shift reflects a growing desire for independence, work-life balance, and career fulfillment among younger generations in South Korea. But even though employees in startups have more freedom, they also face instability, long hours, and pressure to perform in a competitive market.

“Start-Up” (2020) is one of the best K-Dramas depicting this aspect of Korean workplace culture. It focuses on young entrepreneurs trying to build a tech company, showcasing both the excitement and struggles of establishing a start-up company in the country.

"A Virtuous Business" (2024) is another example. This series depicts the entrepreneurial journey of a woman starting a new business in a conservative town. It reflects the challenges and dynamics of new work environments.

7. K-Dramas Showing Work-Life Balance Struggles in Korean Workplace Culture

Due to demanding bosses and tight deadlines, many Korean workers find it difficult to separate their jobs from their personal lives. This aspect is often illustrated in K-Dramas.

In the 2022 series “Forecasting Love and Weather,” employees of the Korea Meteorological Administration struggle to separate personal and professional lives due to the unpredictable nature of their work.

"Queen of Tears" (2024) also portrayed this side of Korea's workplace culture. While primarily a romance drama, it also shows how professional and personal challenges intersect, especially in high-stakes corporate environments.

Similarly, "Doctor Slump" (2024) follows two doctors navigating personal and professional challenges. The series highlights the struggle to maintain a work-life balance in demanding careers.

8. High-Pressure Work Environments

Finally, jobs in fields like medicine, law, and finance come with extreme stress, life-or-death responsibilities, and strict expectations from superiors.

Take "Race" (2023) for example. This office drama follows employees at a PR company facing intense competition, office politics, and pressure to succeed.

"The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call" (2025) also illustrates high-pressure working environments. It is about medical professionals navigating life-or-death situations while dealing with hospital bureaucracy, workplace hierarchy, and burnout.

Do K-Dramas Accurately Reflect Korean Work Culture?

The answer is yes and no. While K-Dramas often dramatize certain elements for entertainment, many aspects—such as strict hierarchy, long hours, and office politics—are based on the real workplace culture in Korea.

For instance, Korean TV shows sometimes make workplaces look more exciting or fun than they are. In some series, the boss is kind, cares about employees, and even falls in love with a worker. However, most bosses are not like that in real life. Many expect their employees to work hard and follow strict rules.

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Some dramas also show quick success stories. A character might start as a low-level worker and become a company leader in a short time. In reality, promotions take years, and hard work doesn’t always lead to success right away.

Of course, not all K-Dramas make work look perfect. Several help people understand the real workplace issues employees face every day. They show real struggles, like unfair treatment, stress, and burnout. For example, some characters work long hours and rarely go home early. Others deal with mean bosses or unfair rules.

However, with ongoing labor reforms and shifting attitudes among younger workers, corporate culture is gradually evolving. In fact, many dramas also show how younger workers want change, like having more freedom and a better work-life balance.

What K-Dramas Teach Us About Korean Workplace Culture

K-Dramas show us a lot about South Korea’s workplace culture. They highlight strict office rules, long hours, and workplace challenges, but they also show teamwork, friendships, and the changing work culture.

While some dramas make office life seem fun or romantic, they aren't the same in real life. On the contrary, many shows still reflect real struggles like stress, unfair treatment, and high expectations.

In the end, K-Dramas teach us that work can be tough, both physically and mentally. However, it’s also a place where people grow, face challenges, and chase their dreams.