More and more Koreans resort to watching drama series to find relief from the stresses of life. Hence, KBS hit the jackpot for producing a timely TV program like "Chief Kim" that depicts real-life workplace scenarios.
Yoo In Seok, an officer employee and Korean drama fan, said watching "Chief Kim" lessens his burden from work. "I'm stressed out from work these days and have few chances to laugh," he said as per Korea Times.
He went on, "Watching "Chief Kim" and laughing out loud really busts my work stress. The drama is funnier than any other comedy programs." Another one said the comedy series is like a "digestive medicine" that can heal people who are sick of the current political gaffe in Korea.
The Namgoong Min-starrer follows the life of Kim Sung Ryong, a small-time accountant who got hired as the new chief of TQ Group's Business Operations Department for his ability to manipulate numbers without getting caught.
A culture critic said today's office dramas usually present socially relevant issues, rather than solely dealing with romances at workplace. "tvN's 2014 drama "Misaeng" served as a turning point, proving that viewers can buy realistic office workers' stories as well," Kim Hyun Sik said.
Meanwhile, "Chief Kim" has maintained its lead against "Saimdang, Light's Diary" after airing their respective Feb. 24 episodes. According to Korea Herald, the comedy series mustered 17.2 percent, while the historical drama recorded a viewership rating of 10.1 percent.
Namgoong Min turned the table for "Chief Kim" during its third episode where they earned their first two-digit rating. Since then, the comedy series has continued to grow in terms of viewership, surpassing Lee Young Ae's comeback drama.
Unlike previous assumptions, "Saimdang, Light's Diary" has failed to keep up due to its slow-paced storyline. However, the historical drama made a good start in terms of ratings, thanks to media hype and promotions.
Catch "Chief Kim" and "Saimdang, Light's Diary" every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00 p.m.
