'Misaeng' Is A Big Hit With Office Workers

The workplace drama "Misaeng," also known as "An Incomplete Life," has drawn rave reviews from Korea's office workers for what has been called a realistic portrayal of office life.

As a result, the tvN drama, which stars ZE:A's Im Si Wan, Kang So Ra, Kang Ha Neul, and Lee Sung Min, has seen ratings increase with every episode. The drama is based on a web comic of the same name and portrays the hurdles faced by Jang Gu Rae, who starts out in the office with less credentials than his fellow employees. Other employees with degrees look down on Gu Rae because he only has a GED. But Gu Rae never planned to work in an office. He wanted to be a professional baduk player but something held him back. Now that he has no other options left, he lucks into an intern position in a trading firm. He manages to impress his employers and is promoted to a real position.

But that's not before he is bullied and humiliated by his fellow interns.

Some of the drama's cast members made pledges should the drama pass three percent in the ratings. It achieved that goal by the third episode. Episode 4 rated 3.49 percent in the ratings.

Lee Sung Min, who plays Gu Rae's irascible boss Oh Sang Sik, already fulfilled his pledge on the morning of Oct. 29 by giving out free hugs at Yeouido Station.

Im Si Wan has also kept his promise by treating the workers in one office to a snack to help them get through their workday. He found an office on the afternoon of Oct. 30 and delivered snacks.

Kang So Ra, Kang Ha Neul and Byun Yo Han also made pledges. Kang So Ra  pledged to rent out a chicken shop and treat some workers to chicken and beer. Byun Yo Han, who plays the site worker Han Suk Yool, says he will buy 100 cups of coffee for the interns who helped him with his role. Kang Ha Nuel promised to show up at an office and sing in the lobby as employees leave for the day. Kim Dae Young, who plays Kim Dong Sik, will buy movie tickets for 50 deputy managers.

It looks as if there will be more promises to fill as the series' popularity shows no sign of slowing down.

And Lee Sung Min may have a second promise to fill. He said if the ratings surpass 5 percent, he will give out more hugs and bring Kang So Ra and Im Si Wan with him.

The drama is based on Yoon Tae Ho's web comic "Misaeng." The popularity of the drama also helped increase interest in the comic.