Great K-Drama, for a change starring a FL who is slaying all the men making her way up the ladder in the competitive advertising agency field. The FL,fought her way up all the way from the bottom copywriter to the top CEO beating cheating networking males that wouldn't let he in the good old boys club. She is more cunning and smart in the long run - grew up by herself, basically mostly an orphan who had to fend for herself, she is relentless in finding ways and never giving up. Took off 1 star as they could have developed more of a romance with the guy who showed interest in her a few times which never really materialized although they had great banter.
12 Reviews
An intense tale of strategy and in fighting in corporate Korea.
richdigg-119 June 2023
Having lived and worked in Korea for 9 years, this series reveals some of the deep and dark secrets within Korean chaebol. Misogyny, autocratic leadership, family intrigues, suppression of talented women in business all come into play. Superbly acted by Na Eun-son and Han Joon Woo, this is the story of two women from opposite ends of society who are pitted against each other in a world of competing unscrupulous men. Plot twists and cliff hangers abound and as viewers, we say, "just one more episode."
One can empathize and indeed get emotionally involved with the cast members as the story unfolds.
Well done!
xykatexy4 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
After being bombarded by so-called female empowerment in movies and tv series, it is such a refreshment actually seeing one series that does it well! The main character is written so well, both with her strength and creativity, as well as personal demons and vulnerability. She is not strong and good at her job from the very start: we get a glimpse in her past that show that she, too, had to work hard to get where she is now. At the same time, she is not cold to the point of complete disregard for other people. It is these displays of humanity that make her workaholic no-nonsense persona even more charming.
The series is a motivational, yet quite realistic, portrayal of what "climbing up" looks like. There is plenty of plot twists that keep you interested, and you find yourself quietly cheering for the main character. Amidst the competitive environment, moments when colleagues show human gentleness to one another stand out for sure. Ah-In's relationship with her team, and the relationships between the team members are especially heart warming among the uncertain climate at their workplace.
Two stars down for some undeveloped, yet interesting, side stories. In particular, I would have liked to see what happened to the competitor who worked for the milk commercial. I found her character likeable and perhaps some closure for her would be good. Overall- an entertaining and attention worthy watch.
The series is a motivational, yet quite realistic, portrayal of what "climbing up" looks like. There is plenty of plot twists that keep you interested, and you find yourself quietly cheering for the main character. Amidst the competitive environment, moments when colleagues show human gentleness to one another stand out for sure. Ah-In's relationship with her team, and the relationships between the team members are especially heart warming among the uncertain climate at their workplace.
Two stars down for some undeveloped, yet interesting, side stories. In particular, I would have liked to see what happened to the competitor who worked for the milk commercial. I found her character likeable and perhaps some closure for her would be good. Overall- an entertaining and attention worthy watch.
What a great series
gayathri-750671 March 2023
This series is simple yet it has creative plots twist. It will keep u on your toes. As a whole series it is just great. The BGM is soo good in this series. The dynamic between characters are beautifully protrayed. The character played their role so beautifully that you will be immersed in the this series. Hands off to the whole cast and crew they have excuted this series really well. The viewers will have a great time watching these episodes. Even for a romcom lover they will like this series. Do give it go you won't be disappointed. This one of the series I really loved after a long time, I Assure you it won't be a waist of time.
Why should limits be determined by others
alaningle723 April 2023
Go A-In (Lee Bo-Young) works at an advertising agency where she is promoted to director but there are reasons behind the promotion and the powers that be plan to sideline her after a year. The series looks at her struggles in the male dominated agency and the lengths she has to go to as a female to survive. The cast are superb and we have many other characters who's stories are also interesting and entertaining. I really enjoyed the plot and may well have given it a nine but various aspects of the story fell short for me. Some of the lesser side characters like her mother who abandoned her as a child are forgotten as soon as the story is resolved and also a competitor who's life is saved seemed shoehorned into the series. That being said it is still an entertaining ride in which you cheer for her success.
A deep personal story for all characters
phaictan23 July 2023
A wonderful portrayal of corporate Korea led by deeply explored personal characterizations.
While the setting is centered around an advertising agency, the title reflects the underlying core theme of self-determination, of agency as a fundamental source of motivation - the need to be in control of one's own destiny. Each character throughout the series demonstrates how they fight for personal agency and the attempt to cast off the oppressiveness of corporate control.
A wonderful and enthralling series with characters both good and bad that evoke a feeling of understanding and empathy. This is a real highlight in Korean drama. Worth re-watching a second time.
And yes the acting is superb and the visuals are stunning. This is great viewing.
While the setting is centered around an advertising agency, the title reflects the underlying core theme of self-determination, of agency as a fundamental source of motivation - the need to be in control of one's own destiny. Each character throughout the series demonstrates how they fight for personal agency and the attempt to cast off the oppressiveness of corporate control.
A wonderful and enthralling series with characters both good and bad that evoke a feeling of understanding and empathy. This is a real highlight in Korean drama. Worth re-watching a second time.
And yes the acting is superb and the visuals are stunning. This is great viewing.
Cast Shines in this Boardroom Drama
AJ_McAninch22 July 2023
I will watch any series/film Lee Bo Young is in. She's one of my top 10 favorite actors as is her great husband, Ji Sung. And the entire cast in this one is also outstanding along with most of the writing and directing.
Though I usually don't care for boardroom politics and business shenanigan plots-which sometimes bog down this story also-it is generally a very enjoyable, satisfying series. Particularly fine are the delightful engagements of characters and, except for the occasional unfortunate screeching, the strong, confident women in mutually supportive and leadership roles are a delight.
Though I usually don't care for boardroom politics and business shenanigan plots-which sometimes bog down this story also-it is generally a very enjoyable, satisfying series. Particularly fine are the delightful engagements of characters and, except for the occasional unfortunate screeching, the strong, confident women in mutually supportive and leadership roles are a delight.
Good Start, but not great
ishansharma-9560511 June 2023
K-dramas show the same story, say revenge/ Will They Won't They Romance but in different settings like School, Office, Courts, Police Station etc.
The premise here is an advertisement agency and the protagonist is a single woman probably approaching her 40s. There is unlikely to be a romance as the main lead is a single woman and second lead is married woman. While the main heroine is serious and melancholy, second heroine is the cheerful one.
There are attempts at humour, but they are stale, seen many times on k dramas. So, the environment remains serious or heavy to be exact. Such premise can not be endured for long, it needs to be balanced with either comedy or romance or emotions.
The pilot is just okay but shows potential as the series goes on.
After watching the pilot, have to watch till 3rd episode before recommending it.
The premise here is an advertisement agency and the protagonist is a single woman probably approaching her 40s. There is unlikely to be a romance as the main lead is a single woman and second lead is married woman. While the main heroine is serious and melancholy, second heroine is the cheerful one.
There are attempts at humour, but they are stale, seen many times on k dramas. So, the environment remains serious or heavy to be exact. Such premise can not be endured for long, it needs to be balanced with either comedy or romance or emotions.
The pilot is just okay but shows potential as the series goes on.
After watching the pilot, have to watch till 3rd episode before recommending it.
SMART, ENGAGING, WOULD REPEAT!
cherylvontresscvt11 October 2023
I really enjoyed this series. Wisdom related for business, PR and other topics. Recommending to friends. Great acting, directing and editing. Fun moments mixed into dramatic themes. I thought some of the "costumes" were not well fitted to lead actress yet overall very nice styling. Lovely production design and sets seemed appropriate to characters and storyline. Engaging characters and nice balance among leads and supporting actors. Good ethical and morale messages. I enjoy Korean drama series. Agency is my fifth, I think, so far. Seoul seems to be a beautiful city with profound and rich settings. Misty and K-2 are other fave series.
Barely Advertisable
Park_Min5 May 2024
At the surface it may seems it's the type of show that goes through workplace cases one after another, while that was slightly true initially, but it was just a drama themed around an advertising agency, or so I thought, initially. After the introduction, the drama began with an advertising assignment then followed by a bigger one with more tension, stakes and clever plays, however, this all happened in the first half while the second half became a regular melodrama/power struggle in a corporate setting, no more advertising assignments. This was unfortunate because the second half couldn't carry the same impact, especially the last 4 episodes. Ah In & Han Na & Young Woo had a great dynamic between each other and those around them. On the other hand, Han Byung Soo was the worst character, his character didn't fit any scene, he lacked a good dynamic and story given that he was close to the female lead, even the actor himself was out of place and a big mismatch to his task. The personal stories were a hit or miss, take for example the female lead story, the writer put little to no effort into her childhood/trauma, everything started and ended with a few scenes which led to a weak resolution to her trauma. It was really disappointing in this specific case after building up her trauma and problems for so long. Han Na and her secretary might be a highlight for some but Eun Jung and her child were a highlight for me. The final wrap up felt a bit strange after just 1 year time skip, an obvious uncalculated afterthought for the sake of it. The drama offered a decent package with a lot more potentials on the table but it also left a lot more to be desired.
Unrealistic, toxic and incredulous show
LilVarsh18 June 2023
Other than the fact that advertising is a lot more than just copywriting and creating ads, this bizarre pretext sets the show in a stance where the main goal seemed that Go-An wants to be the chief creative officer and she achieves that by the end of episode 1 already.
So like.. what really is the goal of the plotline? Understandable they want to add complications, but weaving that into her fight to the top makes more sense with the synopsis.
Other than that, i despise the fact they use 'cutthroat' when clearly her competitors are clearly shown as misogynistic, underqualified stupids who are just biased - rather than a true 'battle of wits' (more common in marketing and advertising) The worst part of this show to me was the blatant highlighting of a toxic workplace that points to a soft solution that 'fighting for a promotion in this cesspool' is supposed to be the solution. Additionally, the glamourization of 'workaholism', drinking and drugs as a makeup of the 'creative genius' personality has been washed and dried in so many dramas, even kdramas - not really healthy or entertaining for the mind.
But frankly the sheer ridiculousness and the highschool type of pettiness in this show def made it funny for me, so i would give it a 2 instead of a 1.
So like.. what really is the goal of the plotline? Understandable they want to add complications, but weaving that into her fight to the top makes more sense with the synopsis.
Other than that, i despise the fact they use 'cutthroat' when clearly her competitors are clearly shown as misogynistic, underqualified stupids who are just biased - rather than a true 'battle of wits' (more common in marketing and advertising) The worst part of this show to me was the blatant highlighting of a toxic workplace that points to a soft solution that 'fighting for a promotion in this cesspool' is supposed to be the solution. Additionally, the glamourization of 'workaholism', drinking and drugs as a makeup of the 'creative genius' personality has been washed and dried in so many dramas, even kdramas - not really healthy or entertaining for the mind.
But frankly the sheer ridiculousness and the highschool type of pettiness in this show def made it funny for me, so i would give it a 2 instead of a 1.
Rather odd portrait of an ad agency
nasimzhosein-695-7947483 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As I write this review I haven't as yet finished the series with a few more episodes to go I really think that this series paints a rather unflattering picture of an ad agency. Yes while there are back stabbers and corporate spies in this world all is not as bleak as this series seems to indicate.
Acting is good but the script is obviously not from someone who has worked in the corporate world.
The lead actress got her promotion and yet still clamors to be vindictive and non-cooperative with her peers. Bullys her co workers and makes every attempt to be non-social in a society that thrives on a collective society.
Good choice in not having her link up with a romance just for ratings. Too many Korean dramas seems to think that when male meets female that a romance must be quickly developed. Not so in the real world.
Spoiler: What's with the mother-in-law and the husband of the supporting actress they totally don't support here even though she has a career and makes money. As well that definitely annoying child that wants his mother to quick work and stay at home. What's with the temper tantrum so unlike Korean kids.
Lots of stuff as not realistic in this drama and i guess that's because the script crew have no idea of how the corporate world works.
Not one of the best dramas.
Acting is good but the script is obviously not from someone who has worked in the corporate world.
The lead actress got her promotion and yet still clamors to be vindictive and non-cooperative with her peers. Bullys her co workers and makes every attempt to be non-social in a society that thrives on a collective society.
Good choice in not having her link up with a romance just for ratings. Too many Korean dramas seems to think that when male meets female that a romance must be quickly developed. Not so in the real world.
Spoiler: What's with the mother-in-law and the husband of the supporting actress they totally don't support here even though she has a career and makes money. As well that definitely annoying child that wants his mother to quick work and stay at home. What's with the temper tantrum so unlike Korean kids.
Lots of stuff as not realistic in this drama and i guess that's because the script crew have no idea of how the corporate world works.
Not one of the best dramas.
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