The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)

Review of "The secret life of my secretary". (Spanish, English, French)

(Spanish)
“The secret life of my secretary” es un drama coreano con elementos de romance y comedia. La pareja protagonista está compuesta por el CEO Do Min Ik y su secretaria Jung Gal Hee. Do Min Ik, tras un ataque contra su vida, tiene prosopagnosia y solo puede reconocer la cara de Jung Gal Hee, lo que los mantiene más unidos.
La trama de la serie es original ya que el protagonista masculino es incapaz de reconocer rostros, lo que hace que limite su vida cotidiana y le trae complejidades cuando se relaciona con los demás. Además, gracias a esta enfermedad, irónicamente acaba conociendo más profundamente a la gente que le rodea. La secretaria, por su parte, trata de ayudarlo, pero sin querer termina mintiendo a su jefe, así que su relación se enreda. No obstante tengo que decir que me gusta cómo se desenlaza todo, el guion está bien escrito. En cuanto al resto de personajes, en mayor o menor medida, todos tienen un desarrollo y un propósito, no son un adorno.
Las actuaciones y la producción están bien hechas y dirigidas. De lo único que no estoy contenta es que los 32 capítulos se me han hecho un poco largos y he sentido algo de aburrimiento. Pero, hay varios momentos de química entre los protagonistas, con más emoción de lo que podrías encontrar en otros dramas y hay ciertas escenas que se quedarán en mi memoria.

(English)
“The secret life of my secretary” is a Korean drama with elements of romance and comedy. The protagonist couple is made up of CEO Do Min Ik and his secretary Jung Gal Hee. Do Min Ik, after an attack on his life, has prosopagnosia and can only recognize Jung Gal Hee's face, which keeps them closer.
The plot of the series is original since the male protagonist is unable to recognize faces, which limits his daily life and brings complexities when he interacts with others. Furthermore, thanks to this illness, he ironically ends up getting to know the people around him more deeply. The secretary, for her part, tries to help him, but inadvertently ends up lying to her boss, so their relationship becomes entangled. However, I have to say that I like how everything unfolds, the script is well written. As for the rest of the characters, to a greater or lesser extent, they all have a development and a purpose, they are not an ornament.
The performances and production are well done and directed. The only thing I'm not happy about is that the 32 chapters have seemed a bit long and I've felt a bit bored. But, there are several moments of chemistry between the leads, with more emotion than you could find in other dramas and there are certain scenes that will stay in my memory.

(French)
« The secret life of my secretary » est un drame coréen avec des éléments de romance et de comédie. Le couple protagoniste est composé du PDG Do Min Ik et de son secrétaire Jung Gal Hee. Do Min Ik, après une attaque contre sa vie, souffre de prosopagnosie et ne peut reconnaître que le visage de Jung Gal Hee, ce qui les rapproche.
L'intrigue de la série est originale puisque le protagoniste masculin est incapable de reconnaître les visages, ce qui limite sa vie quotidienne et lui apporte des complexités dans ses relations avec les autres. De plus, grâce à cette maladie, il finit ironiquement par mieux connaître les gens qui l'entourent. La secrétaire, de son côté, essaie de l'aider, mais finit par accidentellement mentir à son patron, leur relation s'enchevêtre. Cependant, je dois dire que j'aime la façon dont tout se déroule, le scénario est bien écrit. Quant au reste des personnages, à des degrés divers, ils ont tous un développement et une finalité, ils ne sont pas un ornement.
Les performances et la production sont bien réalisées et dirigées. La seule chose qui ne me plaît pas, c'est que les 32 chapitres m'ont semblé un peu longs et que je me suis un peu ennuyé. Mais il y a plusieurs moments d'alchimie entre les protagonistes, avec plus d'émotion que l'on pourrait trouver dans d'autres dramas et il y a certaines scènes qui resteront dans ma mémoire.

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The most unromantic romance

This story had a promising beginning, some interesting and different side streams and could have ended up with an 8 or even 9 star.
But Alas......

I think the script writer was trying to convince us that love is really blind.......that despite not being able to recognize faces, it's the inner soul that eventually wins the long lost love race.
And in thus trying to make the FL s soul shine, the script writer forgot to clean up the exterior - and viola we now have a scruffy looking FL who looks like she kept awake all night in her college dorm, trying to cram for an exam, then woke up the next morning, didn't brush her teeth, shower or comb her hair, wore mismatched socks under ill fitting pants and ran to the exam hall.

And on the flip side we have a ML who just steps out of a GQmagazine, looks dreamy enough to have a million weeping females, dresses impeccably - almost like he's going to step on the fashion runway.........

And now we have to watch 16 hours of how these two totally miscast characters find everlasting love!

God help us?‍?

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A super sweet drama with awesome characters!

I especially liked the male lead. Kim Young-Kwang did a fantastic job. And kudos to the writing team from deviating from the cliché of the aloof, arrogant boss and going for a vulnerable, earnest character. Do Min-Ik was one of the sweetest MMC I think I've ever seen.

And, of course, Veronica Park stole the show every time she came on-screen. Kim Jae-Kyung did a wonderful job playing her.

Smiles and happy feelings all around!

P. S. I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shout-out to the kooky OST. The Lion King, Queen, Damien Rice and Let It Go. Weird, random musical choices, but I liked them!

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This drama does have it's clichés. The cold hearted rich man falling for the poor good natured woman etc. But it's how the plot is executed on screen which made all of the difference. I liked this drama because it managed to deliver what it promised. It was supposed to be a simple romantic comedy and it's just that. I loved the chemistry between the main leads. There were cute moments between the two but not so many that you would get bored and sick of seeing them. The side characters such as Veronica Park were fun to watch as well. If you are feeling down or depressed and want to watch something fun without too much angst I suggest you check this one out.

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Prosopagnosia trope is real?

I have found this drama by accident while searching for "What's wrong with secretary Kim?" and watched it without any regrets ? It would seem that when you lie down with severe bronchitis, nothing will make you come alive better than syrup or hot broth but this show did a really great job! Story was fresh and unique and convinced my brain and body to focus on something else than coughing and sleeping ?

Maybe Do Min Ik and Jung Gal Hee started their relationship with cheating, what they built in the boss-secretary relationship was beautiful and unique. The story of the couple was very cool, but Veronica Park beat them anyway. This is one of those characters that after seeing it will stay in your head for the rest of your life.... Veronica Park nobo seyo .... I hear it in my head as soon as someone says that name ??

Good drama with good cast and fresh script. I'm giving it 6/10, it's not extraordinary but reccomendable and won't waste your time. Ideal for lazy watching during the lockdown but if you search for an action - have a look for example at "Mystic Pop-Up Bar".

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WHAT A SUPRISE! O.o

OKAY! SO! Can we talk about this series?
omg I can't believe it omg!
I'm so happy about that he finally can see her pretty face uwu and the kiss scenes (especially at the end! are omg! I think I had a smaller heart attack at that part.)
This series is kinda cute and it's just an emotional roller coaster omg!
I'm really lucky and happy about that I was able to watch this beautiful and heart warming series. Thanks god! uwu
And at the last thing is what I want to say I just want to say thank you for the directors and to the cast and to the stuff, thank you for working hard <3
~ Rea

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Acting/Cast:
I'm sad I couldn't give this drama 10/10 the acting was so fluffy Min Ik spoiled personality was on point and Gal Hee was cute as hell with her big glasses.
The side characters were okay, nothing to comment on.

Story:
This drama had some fake diseases that make no sense and sort of focused on "love overcomes all" concept, if that's not your cup of tea just don't expect much cause that's kind of the main plot.

I felt like so many episodes ended exactly where they begun and they had no story progress at all, however that might be easier to watch if you're binge watching it. (stretched?)
Also, the whole secretaries club plot was stupid and poorly written.

Music:
Amazing, will probably get stuck in my head for a while, I mean for God's sake they have Sondia singing one of the OSTs

Rewatchability:
Lastly and sadly I don't think this has much in this department, knowing how the Veronica act ends spoils 99% of the drama, sometimes I wish I had selective memory...

Anyways if you decide to pick this up you're in for an emotional rollercoaster, have fun!

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Let me start by saying that Jin Ki Joo is a wonderful female lead and she did a FANTASTIC job as the secretary in this show but overall she's a great actress. I also didn't mind Kim Young Kwang as Do Min Ik because he's an actual pretty good actor as well; especially with the way he was put into this position. Overall, the show is honestly really good; it's short and easy to watch, the secondary characters are funny and cute and a good story on it's own; especially when you hear "AWESOME" xD HAH! But the romance between the two are fantastic; just the way they click is good. I like the plot twist of the story to make it dramatic but I also like that you still get the cool family vibes, great friendship and mystery all in one. Like the story just made it keep going but we were in it for the fluff and it did not disappoint at all. It was worth the watch as a filler and just to watch for sure.

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So I just finished this drama and I have to tell you that it wasn't the best drama nor one of the best dramas that I have watched but it certainly had its nice moments and all those cliches a drama lover like me enjoys
Overall like I said the story wasn't the strongest story that leaves you at the edge of your sit or filled your mind with a lot of questions, everything about this drama was typical and simple.
• About the love story, I have to say it was sweet and fluffy and the main cast had great chemistry.
• I love (jin ki joo) and I think her sweet smile melts the heart of any man, also I think she delivered the role of her character.
• And I actually loved the character of (Veronica Park) before watching the drama I thought she's one of those annoying brats that you just want to punch in the face but she was exactly the opposite she was sweet and had a very bold attitude which I loved.
So if you looking for something to spend your time this drama can be a good choice
but if you're looking for something great that leaves an impact on you this drama isn't the best choice for you.

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This was a cute and fluffy drama. I loved Kim Young Kwang in this. It was nice to see him in a rom com. The chemistry with Jin Ki Joo was wonderful! She’s just adorable and can’t wait to see her in another drama. My second favorite couple was Veronica Park and Gi Dae Ju. Veronica was hilarious and I loved the way he handled her quirky-ness. The OST was perfect, to include another great song from Sandeul! I don’t tend to over analyze dramas, especially romcoms. If it’s enjoyable to watch, has a little bit of tension, and it ends well, I’m happy. This drama filled those requirements. I loved Gal Hui’s brother! He was so funny and didn’t take his blindness seriously. I liked all of the little lessons sprinkled in throughout. I really had some laugh out loud moments, most of them with Veronica and Dae Ju, what a great pair. I will miss these characters!

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Surprisingly good

10/10 is my rating. This is a 2019 South Korean Romantic Drama with 32 episodes of about 35 minutes. Also known as "How to Train My Blind Boss."

First I provide a synopsis then a review.

Synopsis

Do Min-ik (Kim Young-kwang) is not an easy boss to work for as he relies on his secretary for everything but does not employ beyond a year. Jung Gal-hee (Jin Ki-joo) is determined to be the one to change that, and get her contract renewed, and goes out of her way to meet her bosses' crazy demands. That all changes when Ki-joo's contract is up and Director Min-ik indicates he will not renew. Gal-hee vows to get revenge on her boss and, in an alcohol fueled foray sets out to find him only to discover he needs help as someone genuinely tried to hurt him. Upon recovery from the immediate injury Min-ik suffers from prosopagnosia and is only able to see the face of his secretary as his many hours with her imprinted her image in his mind. Now desperate beyond his only 1 year per secretary policy, he begs Gal-hee to help him navigate a world where everyone looks the same only, this time, she has some conditions. Min-iks adopted mother has designs to use her son to further the family business and wants him to go on blind dates with Veronica Park (Kim Jae-kyung) a former heiress who is notorious for going through men and being difficult to work with. It so happens that Gal-hee used to work for Veronica and used to pretend to be her for various crazy stunts Veronica would involve her secretary in. Due to a mix up in schedules Gal-hee winds up pretending to be Veronica for a blind date with Min-ik and he falls for Gal-hee's version of the heiress. To make things even more complicated the real Veronica, during the same mix-up, falls for Min-ik's friend and fellow company director Ki Dae-joo (Koo Ja-sung). Will Min-ik forgive Gal-hee for tricking him? Has the real Veronica finally met her match?

Review
I tried to think of things I did not like about this series but they were so minor I have to say this is rather perfect. It ends well. The couples romances are well placed, believable and heart warming. Veronica Park is such an iconic character if you watch it for no other reason - watching it for that role would be worth it. But it is really good in addition to that.

Spoiler alert* I did not like that she tricked him. But, in the series, that was not justified and she was not happy with herself about it either. So I felt like she redeemed herself and him forgiving her made sense. I liked that his cold adopted mother "came around" and it was obvious, in her way, that she loved her adopted son. I liked that there was no miracle cure for his facial blindness and that he had to go through a whole process to learn to accept himself with the disability. He found ways to work around it. I liked that they did not miraculously and unbelievably find a way to preserve the Chairman job for him but the way they worked it out was very satisfying. You knew that he would be chairman in the near future. His love and caring for her when she was protesting was so cute. He was willing to give up anything to make things right for her. His relationship with her siblings, the way he "spoiled" them set the tone for how great of a relationship he would have with them in the future. He gained a close knit family and they gained a provider/protector. It was not clear or closed up if Gal-hee discovered her sister had the earrings. Or if her sister got the role. It was implied but it felt like we followed that character so closely I would liked to have known how things went for her. I would watch this one again and highly recommend it to anyone that likes heartwarming romance. There is very little intrigue in this one, the villians are pretty run of the mill, but the relationships completely carry the story in a good way.

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