7 K-Dramas Exploring the Struggles of First Jobs and Fresh Starts

Starting a new job is rarely smooth sailing. Long hours, tough bosses, and endless self-doubt can make the workplace feel like a battlefield.

K-dramas capture these challenges with humour, warmth, and inspiration. Here are seven that stand out:

Resident Playbook (Netflix): A “Hospital Playlist” spin-off, it follows rookie doctors balancing brutal shifts, demanding mentors, and life-or-death cases while finding strength in friendship.

Today’s Webtoon (Viki): A former athlete starts anew as a webtoon editor, navigating eccentric artists, tight deadlines, and self-doubt. With support from peers and mentors, she learns persistence pays off.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (Netflix): Park Eun Bin shines as Woo Young Woo, a rookie lawyer with autism whose sharp mind & empathy help her overcome prejudice & win respect.

Good Partner (Viki): Divorce lawyer Cha Eun Kyung (Jang Nara) clashes with rookie Han Yu Ri (Nam Ji Hyun). Despite differences, the two women empower each other in & out of court.

Misaeng: Incomplete Life (Netflix): A failed Go player stumbles into corporate life, facing hierarchy, politics, and harsh realities. Its realistic take on office struggles made it a cultural hit.

Start-Up (Netflix): Aspiring entrepreneur Seo Dal Mi (Suzy) teams up with coder Nam Do San (Nam Joo Hyuk) and investor Han Ji Pyeong (Kim Seon Ho), highlighting ambition, rivalry, and resilience.

Kkondae Intern (Prime Video): A role-reversal comedy where a once-abused intern becomes the boss, only to face his former superior as his intern. Funny yet insightful, it critiques outdated workplace culture.