Drama ‘Misaeng’
Drama ‘Misaeng’ realistically portrays the lives of office workers in Korea, making it an excellent resource for Korean language learners. It not only helps learners improve their Korean skills but also provides a deep understanding of Korean society and culture. Especially noteworthy is how the drama incorporates both formal and casual expressions, making it ideal for learning Korean in a variety of contexts. Below, we’ll explore why 'Misaeng' is recommended as a learning tool, its storyline, cast, and other appealing aspects.
Why It’s Recommended as a Learning Tool
① Learning Authentic Office Language
‘Misaeng’ realistically depicts the daily lives of Korean office workers, offering learners a chance to pick up common workplace expressions and idiomatic phrases. For example, it showcases formal language used in meetings, respectful speech for conversations with superiors, and casual expressions shared among colleagues. This makes it a practical guide for mastering real-life Korean.
② Balance of Formal and Casual Expressions
The drama doesn’t just focus on professional communication; it also includes plenty of informal conversations in personal settings. This duality helps learners distinguish between appropriate expressions for formal and casual situations. For instance, polite honorifics dominate conversations with superiors, while relaxed, everyday language is used among peers.
③ Highly Entertaining Storyline
Far from being a dry educational tool, ‘Misaeng’ offers an emotionally engaging and intriguing storyline. Following the journey of the main character, Jang Geu-rae, learners naturally immerse themselves in the drama, making language acquisition more enjoyable and less of a chore. This engaging format motivates learners to continue watching and learning.
④ Learning Non-Verbal Cues
In addition to language, the drama showcases Korean non-verbal communication such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language. This helps learners understand cultural nuances beyond just words.
Episodes and Plot
‘Misaeng’ consists of 20 episodes, each following the challenges and growth of the protagonist, Jang Geu-rae, in a corporate setting.
Jang Geu-rae, who once dreamed of becoming a professional Go player, fails to qualify for the pros and faces the harsh reality of life without a clear direction. With the help of an acquaintance, he lands an internship at a trading company called ‘One International.’ The drama unfolds as Jang Geu-rae navigates office life, dealing with tasks, relationships, and personal growth as he learns what it means to be a corporate employee.
Each episode addresses realistic workplace issues, such as preparing for meetings, negotiating with clients, dealing with team conflicts, and managing relationships with superiors. These themes offer valuable insights into the dynamics of Korean corporate culture.
Cast
- Im Si-wan (as Jang Geu-rae):
The protagonist who starts his corporate journey as an intern after failing to achieve his dream of becoming a professional Go player. - Lee Sung-min (as Oh Sang-sik):
The head of Sales Team 3 and Jang Geu-rae’s mentor. He provides practical advice and supports his team with warmth and humanity. - Kang So-ra (as Ahn Young-yi):
A fellow intern and a competent, determined employee who faces gender discrimination and bias in the workplace. - Kang Ha-neul (as Jang Baek-ki):
An elite new hire with a prestigious background, contrasting with Jang Geu-rae’s struggles. Their interactions shape their mutual growth. - Byun Yo-han (as Han Seok-yool):
A lively and hands-on employee from the Textile Team, bringing energy and humor to the workplace.
Additional Appeal of the Drama
① Understanding Korean Organizational Culture
‘Misaeng’ delves into the dynamics of relationships between superiors and subordinates, teamwork among colleagues, and the unspoken rules of Korean workplace culture. This makes it a valuable resource for those wanting to learn about Korean society beyond the language.
② Tackling Real-Life Issues
The drama addresses relevant topics such as unemployment, workplace discrimination, and interpersonal conflicts. These elements provide a realistic glimpse into modern Korean society, making it relatable and insightful for viewers.
③ Emotional Connection and Empathy
The characters’ struggles and growth are universally relatable, allowing viewers to empathize and emotionally engage with the story. This immersive experience enhances language learning by making it memorable and enjoyable.
Conclusion
‘Misaeng’ goes beyond simply teaching Korean expressions. It provides a comprehensive view of Korean culture, society, and workplace dynamics. By showcasing a mix of formal and casual language in an engaging storyline, it offers learners the dual benefit of language acquisition and cultural understanding. Dive into ‘Misaeng’ and experience the multifaceted beauty of Korean life while improving your language skills!
