The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)

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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I always thought that the female lead JKJ is cute and also a good actress. I love that she doesn't mind playing like a goof that she is in the first episode. I also love watching a drama with possibility of a blooming relationship between the boss and his secretary. It's a lighthearted and heartwarming story. The main leads have great and comfortable chemistry. Their acting isn't forced and they look adorable together. The other members of the cast are doing a fabulous job as well. I also like Veronica Park's fun character who's very spoiled, falls for men easily but successful at the same time. The story is well-paced and flows nicely. I couldn't resist rewatching earlier episodes while waiting for new ones. This drama is really worth your while.

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Uma comédia romântica para se apaixonar (e suspirar)!

The Secret Life of My Secretary foi um drama que entrou na minha listinha desde o anúncio do elenco, então meu queridinho Kim Young Kwang como um dos protagonistas, e à seguir pela premissa clichê de relacionamento entre chefe e secretária, com o diferencial da nossa mocinha ser a única a quem o moço confia após sofrer um acidente e não conseguir mais reconhecer o rosto de ninguém. Parece uma pegada de drama, mas vai por mim quando digo que a história é bem mais sobre romance e as desavenças na empresa onde o moço é diretor. ⠀
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Eu tinha expectativas de pelo menos gostar do drama, uma vez que fazia tempo que eu também não assistia nada com o ator, mas acabei me vendo apaixonada por tudo, desde a história aos personagens, e inclusive a trilha sonora mais amorzinho de todas! Jung Gal Hee, nossa mocinha, me cativou logo nos primeiros episódios, me fazendo torcer pelo seu sucesso rumo a, também, melhorar a vida de seus irmãos após o falecimento da mãe. Ela é muito determinada, trabalhadora, enérgica e um tanto atrapalhada às vezes, mas competente no que faz, e aos poucos acaba ganhando não só a confiança, como ainda a atenção e carinho do chefe, o Do Min Ik. Sobre ele, eu tinha receio de ser mais um chefe arrogante e esnobe, mas fui surpreendida por vê-lo se derreter mais a cada episódio e se mostrar alguém tão doce e atencioso, e não só com a Gal Hee. ⠀
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Como se eles já não tivessem me encantado o suficiente, ainda tivemos mais um casal, composto pela icônica Verônica Park, que passou longe do estereótipo de riquinha esnobe e também me cativou cada vez mais, e pelo Gi Dae Joo, um moço que me cativou pela lealdade e consideração por Do Min Ik, além de ser muito humilde, trabalhador e um doce. ⠀
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E como eu falei, ainda teve a OST que segue até hoje na minha playlist com as faixas Start Now, What Are You Doing? e Tell Me You Love Me. Um drama muiti gostosinho e fofinho de ver, e mais um queridinho meu nesse ano de 2019!

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Wow
Although I wasn't in a drama mood
I enjoyed it so much
I had many butterflies while watching
Although nothing new at the story but
Kim Young Kwang was one of those unique actors who can turn any normal drama to a spectacular one

The romance was amazing the story was smooth
No Childish attitude, no love triangle, no meaningless separation for too long, no childhood love, no stupid time jump for too long
Which made me enjoy it so much

The 2nd FL character was new and so funny
Annoying in a lovely way
I enjoyed her scenes so much and laughed many times

Mainly it talked about important issue
Employee rights

The end was happy and satisfying EXCEPT..
I GOT bothered so much from
The ML'S mother and uncle
I wished he left her
And his uncle got prisoned
But didn't happen 🥺💔

I loved the bromance so much between both MLs

Highly recommended ❤️❤️🥰🥰

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It was Aweeeesomeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

You know, perfection in a drama isn't just about fancy technical stuff or having the most mind-blowing plot. When I first laid eyes on this drama, I thought, "Okay, it's not reinventing the wheel here." But you know what? It's like that comfy, worn-out sweater you can't let go of—the charm is in the irresistible chemistry between the main characters.

What's even better? No irritating love triangle drama. The second leads? Pure gems. Do Min Ik and his secretary? Now that's a dynamic duo. Despite his big-shot boss image, Do Min Ik's got this dorky side that fits his secretary like a puzzle piece.

Fake Veronica Park? Nah, didn't do it for me. It was like a bland salad—no spark, no flavor. But the real deal? Now, she's a character! Exaggerated but oh-so-memorable. Kudos to the actress for bringing her to life.

And the side characters, especially those secretaries? They brought the laughs without going overboard. No stereotypical evil co-workers here, just a bunch of lovely colleagues. Veronica Park's mom and Gal Hee's bold sister and confident blind brother? Talk about a mix of eccentricity and charm.

Do Min Ik's doctor? Quirky personality on point. Now, the whole health condition thing? Medically questionable, but hey, this is a drama, not a medical journal. And that darker storyline? Surprise, surprise! Injecting some seriousness without overshadowing the romance. Kept us guessing with those hints dropped like breadcrumbs.

Now, the romance? Ah, a slow burn that didn't rush into a cheesy fairy-tale ending. It's like a well-cooked meal—just the right balance. The conclusion? Tied up with a neat little bow.

In a nutshell, the romance was innocent, deep, and mature. Bonus points for throwing in some unique twists. This drama? It's not just a watch; it's an experience that hit all the right notes.

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Sweet fluffy romcom

I initially picked this kdrama for the fluffy romance part that I'd read about. A lot of people had mentioned how the story is not unique and that it follows the typical romcom kdrama. However, I personally really liked both the fluff and the story!

Yes, it does follow the same mean-boss-and-underappreciated-secretary story, but it's built in a really cute and intresting manner (has a twist to). The story flows easily and it has a good balance of comedy, romance and suspense. There is a bit of deceiving from the FL's side, but it wasn't very far fetched and gets resolved in a smooth manner, which I liked. And they compensate for it very well in the last 2 episodes with lots of fluff that will keep you smiling and grinning at the cute couple. The comedy portion was also very satisfying, especially all of Veronica Park moments (have to say she was my favourite, I laughed a lot at all her parts!)

All in all I really enjoyed the entire kdrama, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a light watch to pass their time.

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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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