Korean dramas are bringing their attention back to the office. From awkward smiles at after-work dinners, to sighs over Excel spreadsheets and the constant pressure of pursuing performance goals, the daily grind of white-collar life is vividly depicted on screen. There are two extraordinary examples Typhoon family AND Mr. Kim’s dream life.
These two series approach the “working human being” from different generational lenses. Typhoon family transforms the desperation of the IMF crisis into a story of hope and reconstruction, while Mr. Kim’s dream life offers a slice of realism that captures modern corporate culture with biting precision.
Typhoon family tells the story of individuals trying to revive a failing company in the chaos of the 1997 financial crisis. Its protagonist, Kang Tae-poong (played by Lee Junho), once lived a flashy life as part of the “orange tribe” of Apgujeong, but is thrust into adulthood after his father’s death forces him to take over a struggling trading company. Together with accountant Oh Mi-seon (Kim Min-ha), he works to save the company, creating a narrative of collective survival rather than simple personal growth.
The show’s meticulous attention to period details, pagers, town phones, telexes and cassette tapes brings the ’90s to life. From hair and makeup to clothing styles, it’s more than just a nostalgic touch; it’s a look at a generation that found a way to laugh even during economic hardship.
On the contrary, Mr. Kim’s dream life offers a portrait of the modern employee. Kim Nak-su (Ryu Seung-ryong) seems like the embodiment of success: a veteran at a large company, owns a house in Seoul, drives a luxury car and has a son in a prestigious university. But beneath this refined exterior lies a man grappling with the slow erosion of his relevance at work and disconnection at home.
The show peels back the layers of this “perfect” life, revealing an out-of-touch boss, a father cast aside by his own family, and a man whose self-worth is tied to corporate rank. A scene in which he agonizes over the price of a bag “cheaper than the boss’s but more expensive than a junior’s”, in a humorous yet insightful way he exposes the insecurity of an entire generation.
The success of these dramas lies in their reflection on reality. Both series may span different timelines, but they share a central theme: the survival stories of ordinary people who see their workplace as the main stage of life. Their authenticity builds bridges across generations, allowing viewers to see themselves in the characters’ struggles.
Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun explains: “Audiences have long resonated with content that reflects real life. In times when success seems increasingly unattainable, people seek solace in stories that speak to their joys and frustrations. These dramas hit the mark by offering exactly that.”
Sources: Daum
