BUT Oh my. What a delightful surprise this turned out to be!!! It’s the perfect fluffy romcom. This felt so familiar and unique at the same time. It was also something like a comfort blanket. There was something about this drama that really reminded me of how the older dramas were made. It felt classic.
I don’t think there’s one definite reason but what I can guarantee is that the characters, story, execution mixed with the perfect blend of OSTs and music made this drama spot on.
I loved it for what is and Im so happy it didn’t try to become something out of the ordinary to impress. It stuck to it’s simple story and that’s the reason why I loved this.
For a long time, I was able to just focus on one plot and I had to pause every now and again just so I don’t finish watching it too soon.
It was AWESOME! I will really miss the characters soooooo much. Perfect.
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The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)
A bit conflicted on this show. Sure, the boss-subordinate romance trope is recycled. Sure, What's Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018) probably did have some sway on my opinion. Sure, this show is full of writing nonsense we thought was left behind in yesteryears'.But still, the show is relatively lighthearted and remained that way for the most part. It's a bit cute, a bit emotional, a bit dramatic. Both also a bit frustrating, a bit annoying, and a bit draggy. You really have to turn off your brain and just take things at face value here. It's literally "oh my god are you kidding me?" multiplied several folds over. The plot gets a bit wacky, production is just there, and I wasn't particular fond of a lot of the characters.
In that same vein, yes, as we all know very well a particular female secondary character became a fan favorite and a show stealer. VERONICA PARK, that is. The statement "My favorite parts were the Veronica Park scenes" or "I only kept watching for Veronica Park" isn't hyperbole at all. And that's honestly not saying much for the show itself considering it was supposed to be more about the secret life of a certain secretary.
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This review may contain spoilers
Just fluff with a side of drama
Damn this drama was easy to watch! It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to enjoy a fluffy romance!Before watching this, I had no idea that face blindness was an actual thing so I wasn’t super keen on a make-believe illness. However, by being assured it is a real thing, I was more open-minded whilst watching knowing that Min-ik’s situation could actually happen to someone.
I really liked all of the main characters. Gal-hee - what wouldn’t she do for you!? She was so kind, caring and understanding, and the way she carried around that duffel bag 😭 BUT, I cannot excuse the whole lying to her boss thing. I mean, one time, okay that’s a joke, but to keep it going? That’s just so much effort and makes the let-down so much worse! Obviously this show had to have some ‘drama’ and that was going to be part of it, and the audience is made to question her morals. Thankfully it didn’t take too long for the dust to settle and for Min-ik to trust her again so we got to enjoy some good fluff towards the end.
Having understood the realistic situation of face-blindness, I really felt for Min-ik’s character in the moment when he realised what Gal-hee had done. In the beginning I wasn’t entirely sure if I liked how he treated Gal-hee/Veronica Park. I understand that one was in a working relationship and the other was personal, but something didn’t sit quite right, and it made me question how/why Gal-hee could become attracted to Min-ik knowing just how differently he could treat two women depending on his relationship with them.
Even if Min-ik wasn’t face blind, I could see how he might get confused. At first glance Gal-hee really does look different.
I quite liked Veronica Park’s character - normally I would get annoyed and irritated by a character like hers but she was just so ridiculously funny and also kind of cute in a way. I feel like her relationship with Dae-ju humbled her a bit, and definitely towards the end she did feel humbled exclaiming that she felt like Gal-hee’s minion 🤣
The driver - omg, in the last episode I felt so bad for him! 😭 The whole situation with Eul-wang and her secret organisation she created was so suss, but once brought to light made sense. It’s a controversial topic though - a bit like Robin Hood - stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
The comedic relief in this drama was far more than I was expecting. There were so many funny moments that made me LOL e.g. when Min-ik was putting on/taking off the compression stockings 🤣
One of my favourite swoon moments was when Min-ik and Gal-hee were on the beach and he got the call that he wasn’t being dismissed and she hugged him, and then HE pulled her back in for a hug - first time I swooned!
There is so much more I could say about this drama!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to switch off and enjoy some light-hearted fluffiness!
-E
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I've watched a bunch of rom-coms lately. I remember that I enjoyed Her Private Life and Touch Your Heart a lot but neither of them got a 10 from me. There was always something lacking which made me not want to give them the highest score.
But this one surprised me in any way possible. I enjoyed this so much that I run through the episodes in no time. I'm quite sad that it's already over. I could watch 10 hours and more and wouldn't get bored with these characters. And I'm not only talking about the leads. Everyone in this was great. Every character had some kind of purpose and never felt expandable.
I loved the romance and how it progressed. I appreciate that the story took its time until the leads finally got together. I'm also grateful that I didn't get 4 last episodes full of happily ever after. The writer(s) balanced the time for telling the story just right. Nothing felt rushed or too short. And the end was wrapped up nicely.
There was no irritating love triangle which made me love the second leads even more. I would have hated it, had they turned it into something else, because the way everything developed was what gave the story the extra juice. Not that the leads didn't already deliver fantastically themselves. Those two had such a unique way of connecting that their encounters never felt boring. Do Min Ik (btw, Dominik? Anyone?) was your usual conglomerate boss but at the same time he was as dorky as his secretary which made them just the perfect combo. The more you got to know him, the more you fell for him, not just his secretary. He earned my respect when he realized that he loved his secretary and didn't deny it while completely ignoring the difference in their social status.
Funny thing, I ever liked the fake Veronica Park. Maybe because it was fake, maybe because I knew nothing good would come from that one, maybe because I never felt the spark during those ~dates. I never even liked the glamorous styling. Whereas the real Veronica Park was an eye-catcher. Her behavior, her styling, her whole appearance. As exaggerated as she might have been, the actress owned the role and made her character one of the most memorable ones in this drama.
Coming along with that, I was so, so glad that Gal Hee kept her dorky style till the end. I'm thankful that they kept her curly hair, her glasses, just everything. Usually at some point the lead changes her style and keeps it that way, but it wouldn't have been the same if they did that with secretary Jeong, too. She was perfect the way she first appeared in the story and stayed that way till the end.
The side characters, ohh, the other secretaries! Their humor was just right. I can't remember many funny scenes, but the few that took place, where hilarious but never too over the top. In the beginning I thought they would become some stereotype evil co-workers but they turned out to be really lovely colleagues.
There are so many people to mention. Veronica Park's mother. Gosh, she looked like some hippie mom that never got over the 70's, mixed with the attitude of a rich Korean mother.
Gal Hee's siblings. Her sister was bold and cheeky, and the way she ended up with the flamingo of the story, was something I didn't know I needed to see. Her blind brother was another interesting character, who brimmed over with confidence despite his disability and due to that had some funny scenes himself. It also showed that you can walk such a road and still not being disrespectful towards those who really suffer from blindness.
Do Min Ik's doctor was another noteworthy guy. He looked like your usual quack but got himself some funny treats that made him edgier and not just some medic. Which reminds me... The problem Do Min Ik has... As someone who is working in the medical field, I got extra curious. The way it was described in the drama it sounded as if one part of his brain wasn't provided with blood anymore. Which actually means that brain cells die. And we all know that brain cells don't regenerate. But then the drama mentioned improving the blood flow in that region and making it work again. Well, I have my doubts here, as logical as it might sound. Then again, miracles can happen. And this is a k-drama, so miracles are highly likely.
What I didn't expect was the darker storyline in between. Surprised me quite good and got me hooked with the sudden seriousness. It added it nice small mystery to the plot (and of course was the kick that got the ball running in the first place). It didn't overshadow the romance part, it kept to the sidelines in the middle but it was never forgotten, there was always a glimpse of it in between, which was totally fine with me, and got more attention at the end again. And if you might have thought you already figured it out in the early episodes, the final answer would still surprise you. The hints they dropped here and there misled more than once.
So, overall, the romance started off innocently, developed seriously and ended maturely. The story also gained some extra points with some new treats which I haven't seen like that before. A highly enjoyable drama that convinced me in any way possible.
P.S. Yes, I loved every character. Except one: Do Min Ik's stepmother.
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Fluffy Romance! Don't take anything seriously because the drama didn't.
If I had to describe my journey with this drama, it would be like overindulging on dessert at a wedding. Now you may think that with me saying overindulging that this drama was bad but it wasn't, it was cute. Sickly cute, even with the terribly problematic moments. This drama was about as cliche as romantic comedy dramas in kdramaland could get. Literally grab a kdrama bingo card and play along while watching this.. I bet you can score bingo within the first four (eight) episodes. That being said as cliched as this drama is I still enjoyed it to the end of the world because the chemistry between Gal Hee and Min Ik was absolutely sickening.Plot: As mentioned beforehand what a bunch of cliches and also absolute madness. Literally. Things did not make sense.. I tried to rationalize it being that since he's lost his sight it takes him a while to get used to his other sense but holy sh*t the stupidity was wild in this one. I am a fan of messy plots and find them entertaining if done correctly, unfortunately the gaps were quite glaring in this one. I did appreciate that it portrayed face blindness in a way you don't typically see in these kdramas and that he wasn't magically cured at the end. +1 point
Romance: Minus the obvious theme of lying and betrayal the romance was so decadent!! Legit both between our main couple and the second leads and it was the reason I kept watching because I can and will excuse anything for fluffy romance and good chemistry. (Actually not true total depends on my mood)
Characters: I was equally charmed by Do Min Ik as I was irritated by his some of his earlier actions. I have a soft spot for Young Kwang so I felt his pain in the moments when he had to adapt to not being able to recognize faces. I also thought his character was a tad inconsistent but nontheless very cute. There was some growth in there somewhere and it may have taken fourteen or so episodes to truly see it but it was there.. Shhh.. Just focus on the cute moments guys! Gal Hee was adorable and I really fell for Jin Koo in this drama. Her expressions were so cute and she was adorable even while blatantly lying to his face. I was supposed to feel sorry for her when she got exposed but instead I was like "damn this is dumb". Dae Ju... Yeah nothing against the actor cause he did what he had to do but it was just very blah, his best scenes were naturally with VERONICA PARK. Speaking of... The highlight of the show was for sure Ms. ORIGINAL Veronica Park, right off the bat we are expected to see this vain, b*tch, maneater and while she is certainly all of that and more, you can see that above all else she is a child who is afraid of her mother and immature in love. She was endearing and funny and smart and certainly a scene stealer.
Final Thoughts: I would recommend if you want something sweet to cleanse your palette after something despicably harsh or disappointing, but literally hold no expectations while going in. If you focus on the fluff and don't think too much (clearly something the writer/directors didn't do) then it will be easy and breezy to get through... Be warned though, the sweetness may get you full and then you'll have an upset stomach at the end of the night.
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Our male lead doesn’t just suffer from prosopagnosia, he also suffers from dumb bitch disease.
Like...how can he not recognise her voice??
Don’t worry, it’s not just him I have a bone to pick with, what is with our female lead? Jung Gal Hee, girl what are you doing? Why are you pretending to be someone else, why can’t you just come clean!? Must you really wait for the universe to do it for you so it’s even harder for him to forgive you? Ugh I hate these writers, writing it just so it gets revealed in dramatic fashion.
Anyways, you know why I don’t like this drama? The only reason they got together in the first place is because he got face blindness and she was the only face he could see (because she wore the same red cardigan every day all year so it trained him to recognise her face automatically or something). Otherwise after he fired her it would have been left at that. He only made her stick around because he needed her.
But ALSO it’s so vague! I thought the deal was when she has her red cardigan on he can miraculously see her face? But then somewhere along the way, it changes and the truth is he can’t REALLY see her face, it’s like he can just remember it (like a blank canvas from memory) - not her actual expressions?? Then there are times when she IS wearing the cardigan and she’s like “I wish you could see my face right now” I don’t understaaaaand
Pick your vague rules and stick with them please.
Although I loved Veronica Park. She was such a fun character. And the friendship between Veronica Park and Gal Hee! We support this wholesome relationship (when they hugged and were all excited because of their crushes!!! we stan)
Also kudos for this to be the first drama where I liked the secondary couple. Loved them. (more than the main couple whoops)
The villains are so mediocre, you don't even know who the real villains are half the time. (but it is HILARIOUS to see the female lead talk about the 'oh so important object' that the villains are after - ONLY in the villain's presence lmao). There are heaps of other things that don't add up but you get to the point you don't even care anymore.
On the whole, this drama is light and easy, but oh so dumb and frustrating. Watch at your own risk.
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In terms of music , it was alright. Pretty average kdrama osts in my opinion.
What stood out to be me the most are the characters. I loved Veronica Park. She was so much fun to watch. She was a character that you dont normally dont expect. She was the true star of the show. She left a big impact on me as her catchphrase was everywhere hahah.
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This review may contain spoilers
I was in the mood for something light and easy to watch. Flipping through Netflix this drama’s trailer seemed to fit the bill and 16 hours later here I am. It’s a first prosopagnosia drama for me so the plot was a novelty and quite interesting in the beginning. The storyline sort of dragged here and there and the pace was slow. The actors did not disappoint although I can’t take the ML’s character together seriously, I mean it is rom-com, yes, but he acts just way toooo childish for a CEO to be. I saw the same actor in a similar-ish role in the Good Doctor, I hope to see him in a more mature, even a villain, role in the future. The main FL is so-so, I wish I could feel her character more but sadly this didn’t happen, in fact she just confused me at times. The ray of light came from the second couple, they brought out the smiles and the laughs from me. The second ML played his character brilliantly and the real Veronica Park was fLawless! She is sooo “annoyingly” funny, I looked forward to her scenes. I mean one can only do her role in only two ways- either really bad or really good. She did it just right! I love her and her character.I don’t mind the red cardigan but they should look for a different wardrobe manager next time....I mean running on the beach in heels?!? The FL leads’ dresses could be a lot better, like c’mon, I feel like she’s coming straight out of the 80’s in some scenes. Overall, it’s a 7/10 for me and that’s mostly for the real Veronica Park, she is AWESOME !
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I loved the little title-cards at the start of each episode and all the references they made.
I loved Veronica Park most of all, but the leads had good chemistry as well.
Really enjoyed the drama from the first episode, but I think the last two could have been edited a bit better, over all. Especially the last episode, which felt more like a collection of things happening than a cohesive episode, but it had some really cute moments so I'm not, like, mad at it or anything.
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A true masterpiece amongst the romcom genre .
This drama made me realize these ratings are all just numbers . This drama made is happy . Its a truely fine masterpiece , beautiful lies in the eyes of the beholder .The simple boss employee story is done to perfection with no over the top cheese ... As real and genuine as they come. .the back and forth doesn't even feel like one. Its the best one , I've seen in a while and something , i'll surely comeback to. This drama made me realize these ratings are all just numbers . This drama made is happy . Its a truely fine masterpiece , beautiful lies in the eyes of the beholder .
The simple boss employee story is done to perfection with no over the top cheese ... As real and genuine as they come. .the back and forth doesn't even feel like one. Its the best one , I've seen in a while and something , i'll surely comeback to.
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Cute and Sweet Rom-Com with Excellent Main Leads' Chemistry
“The Secret Life of My Secretary” is a funny, sweet and fluffy rom-com. There are moments where I shed a few tears but if you want a feel good drama and a couple with excellent chemistry, this is it for you. Just don’t expect too much from other subplots outside of the main romance, as everything else pales in comparison and isn’t very exciting. The drama is very bingeable and I had a good and easy time watching it.What I like:
1. Main romance - Do Min Ik (ML) and Jung Gal Hee (FL) make such an adorable couple. I can’t help but smile ear-to-ear when they have scenes together. I like their boss-secretary relationship in the beginning, the secret but romantic relationship in the middle, and of course their cute, shy, and adorable official relationship. It’s been a while since I last saw the main actorss in a drama, and I am totally captivated and in love with Kim Young Kwang’s portrayal of Do Min Ik, and Jin Ki Joo’s portrayal of Jung Gal Hee. I am so glad we have enough scenes of the leads together and not resort to the last 5 mins of fluffiness. They also give a few good kisses, not like the secondary couple. The first kiss they share at the end of their 12-hour date is so romantic and so sad. I LOVE that kiss.
2. Do Min Ik (ML) - He’s not the typical cold and narcissistic chaebol, like the male lead in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”. He’s business savvy, level-headed, and maybe a little spoiled since he is the Director after all. But he had a rough childhood that lacked familial love and trust in others. He’s not afraid to show his vulnerable side to his close loved ones, is honest and communicates his feelings. I fell in love with his shy and adorable (a little clingy) personality, but he’s also so gentlemanly, considerate and caring. Kim Young Kwang played this role perfectly. I laugh at his silliness, smile at his adorkableness and cry with him when he’s sad and hurt. He attacks his challenge head-on, and does not shy away. He studies hard and tries to live as much a normal life as possible. He is not pitiful despite the circumstances. I would say he might be one of my favorite rom-com male leads.
3. Jung Gal Hee (FL) - So glad to see another female lead who is not a pushover, despite being a secretary. She might have bent over backwards for her boss in the beginning, but for good reasons. When it matters, she speaks up and fights back. Jin Ki Joo is strong, independent, feisty, quick-thinking, and cares about her siblings. It’s not hard to love this character, and Jin Ki Joo plays the role beautifully.
4. Veronica Park (2FL) - Even before I watch this drama, I’ve heard of the character named Veronica Park. Now I know why she’s so famous/notorious. She’s just hilarious. I was afraid that her over-the-topness might annoy me, but she actually doesn't have that many scenes. So, I can tolerate her “Awwwwesome” and “Verrrronica Parrrrk” for 32 episodes. Before we have Shin Ha Ri and Jo Yoo Jung in “A Business Proposal”, we have the OG Veronica Park from “The Secret Life of My Secretary”.
5. Jung Joon Hee (FL’s brother) - He doesn’t have too many scenes but he’s a hilarious scene stealer. I am glad to see a character who is visually impaired, but lives like a regular adult with a great sense of humor. He’s not pitiful but actually knows how to take advantage of his disability and others (e.g. ML). I love the very short scene about the audiobook that he purchased based on the title of the book.
6. Funny scenes - There are quite a few memorable comedic moments throughout the drama. Without going into spoilers, I already mentioned earlier about the brother’s scene regarding audiobooks. We also have a funny scene with compression stockings, and just a simple scene of Veronica Park holding this camera with a ginormous lens. I am in the right mood and I had fun with all the craziness, but it might not be for everyone.
What I am Mixed Feelings About:
1. Secondary Romance - For me, this romance doesn’t work. I think it’s mainly because the second male lead seems a little bland. Maybe it’s the acting or maybe it’s the writing. I understand we need someone calmer to contrast Veronica Park's big personality, but the chemistry is lacking. I was quite disappointed in their kiss. I was expecting something more passionate and crazy, and a lot more PDA.
2. Secret - I feel the secret dragged out for a little too long. I would like the reveal to happen sooner, and a stronger focus in slowly repairing the main leads’ relationship.
3. Business twist - It was somewhat anticlimactic when I finally found out why the male lead is in such danger, and why someone is trying to steal that USB. Not that the cause/reason is not an important one, but I was just expecting something totally different and more controversial. The secret meetings and gatherings seem like an afterthought and not enough is shown to make me root for them.
4. Fight for the Crown - The other business part of the plot is OK. I understand the fight to be the next Chairman, but aside from the uncle trying to sabotage his nephew dethroning him here and there, this is not an exciting subplot to the drama.
Completed: 12/27/2022
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Trope fest but surprisingly sound and good
I always say to viewers that are watching office romances that you have to enjoy the tropes so the drama can actually land. Same goes for school dramas- you have to appreciate the bullying tropes , love hate angles for the school dramas to really land .That being said - Secret Life of My Secretary is a typical office romance . Mean and ambitious boss who is secretly self sacrificing who has a secretary who is super diligent , embarrassing and reliable. TYPICAL but it goes above that and that was so surprising . It explores with delicacy conditions, forgiveness , patience and the virtue of being truthful and honest whilst outlining the stark emotive differences between honesty and truthfulness.
The main leads journeys regarding themselves and each other were refreshing and the warmness that this drama exuded was very refreshing . The subplots of the office intrigues brilliantly brought out the overall themes and it was very pleasant how this whole drama was handled.
The cast had great chemistry and every story was enjoyable . Particularly loved the second leads romance and the doctor .
However - it was not too swoon worthy but all basic and warm. Lets just say that I am not going to look for Youtube MVs of the couples . The music was also meh . That makes it score a 7.5 but a hot 7.5 leaning to a 8.
If you like an office romance - then this is definitely a handy one to have in your list !
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