Misaeng

Pattern, or stereotype?

Today’s drama

Misaeng (미생) — Incomplete Life — a former professional Go player turned contract worker at a trading company.

Often cited by Korean viewers as one of the more accurate workplace dramas made, which makes it a useful test case for this week’s real question.

Three questions

  1. What does Misaeng reveal about Korean corporate culture specifically, rather than corporate culture in general?
  2. How do hierarchy, seniority, teamwork, and long working hours interact in the show’s office?
  3. How should we tell a social pattern apart from a stereotype, when a drama presents both with the same confidence?

One of the more accurate workplace dramas made — which makes it a useful test case for telling a pattern apart from a stereotype.

Take from this week

  • hierarchy as a structuring feature of the workplace, not just a management style
  • seniority and what it entitles someone to, formally and informally
  • corporate culture as specific Korean institutions, not “how everyone works”
  • the contract-versus-permanent distinction the plot turns on