There’s a reason K-drama fans keep coming back to What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim years after its release: it delivers both a swoon-worthy office romance and a layered mystery that keeps you guessing. The kidnapping backstory that threads through the series turns what could have been a standard rom‑com into something with real stakes.

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Episodes: 16 · Original network: tvN · Starring: Park Seo‑joon, Park Min‑young · IMDb rating: 8.1/10 · Year: 2018

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

The table below captures the drama’s core production facts, drawn from multiple databases.

Original release June 6 – July 26, 2018 (AsianWiki)
Rating 8.1/10 on IMDb (IMDb (film and TV database))
Viewership peak 7.571% for episode 11 (Wikipedia)
Based on Novel “Kim Jisoo’s Secret” by Jung Kyung‑yoon
Director Park Joon‑hwa

Is “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” worth watching?

What makes it stand out?

  • A kidnapping mystery that adds genuine tension beyond the office romance.
  • Strong on‑screen chemistry between Park Seo‑joon and Park Min‑young, widely praised in reviews (IMDb user reviews).
  • High production values and a well‑paced 16‑episode format.

Who would enjoy it?

  • Fans of workplace romances with a side of suspense.
  • Viewers who like character‑driven stories with a clear happy ending.
  • Anyone looking for a binge‑worthy K‑drama that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Why this matters

The drama succeeded largely because it gave audiences two reasons to watch: the leads’ undeniable chemistry and a whodunit plot that unfolds episode by episode. For viewers tired of pure fluff, the kidnapping backstory provides just enough weight.

The pattern: Critics and fans alike point to the thriller element as what elevates Secretary Kim above the crowded K‑drama rom‑com field. The mystery doesn’t overwhelm the romance — it deepens it.

What is the ending of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”?

Does it have a sad or happy ending?

  • Happy ending: Lee Young‑joon and Kim Mi‑so marry and resolve the childhood kidnapping trauma.
  • No tragic outcome for any main character.

What happens in the final episodes?

  • Kim Mi‑so learns that her kidnapping as a child was orchestrated by her own father’s business rival, and that Lee Young‑joon was the boy who rescued her.
  • After a brief separation, the couple reconciles and marries in a small ceremony.
  • The series ends with a time‑jump showing their married life and a pregnancy announcement.
The upshot

If you’re worried about a tragic finale, rest easy: the writers deliver a warm, conclusive ending that ties up both romantic and mystery threads. The happy ending is emphatic.

The takeaway: The ending satisfies viewers who invest in the couple’s journey. The kidnapping reveal retroactively adds meaning to early scenes, making a re‑watch rewarding.

Where can I watch “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”?

Is it on Netflix?

  • Yes, available to stream on Netflix in many regions including the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe (Netflix).
  • Availability depends on your geographic location; some regions may not have the title.

Is it on Disney+?

  • Not currently on Disney+ in most markets.
  • Alternative platforms: Viki (Rakuten Viki) offers the series with subtitles in multiple languages (Viki).
The catch

Streaming rights fluctuate. If you can’t find it on Netflix in your region, Viki is the most reliable alternative — but you may need a subscription.

What this means: For most international viewers, a Netflix subscription will provide access, but it’s worth checking both platforms before committing to a purchase.

Who is in the cast of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”?

Who are the main leads?

  • Park Seo‑joon as Lee Young‑joon, narcissistic vice‑chairman of Yumyung Group.
  • Park Min‑young as Kim Mi‑so, his capable secretary of nine years.

Supporting cast

  • Lee Tae‑hwan as Lee Sung‑yeon, Lee Young‑joon’s cousin (MyDramaList (K‑drama database)).
  • Kang Ki‑young as Park Yoo‑shik, a supportive colleague.
  • Kim Byung‑chul as Chairman Lee, Young‑joon’s father.
  • Hwang Chan‑sung as Go Gwi‑nam, a mysterious figure.
  • Pyo Ye‑jin as Kim Ji‑ah, a supporting role.

Why this matters: The ensemble cast brings depth to what could be a two‑character show. Each supporting actor adds texture to the office dynamic and the mystery.

How many episodes are there and is there a season 2?

Episode count and format

  • 16 episodes, each approximately 60 minutes long.
  • Standard K‑drama one‑season format — complete story told within the 16 episodes.

Is a second season planned?

  • No official announcement of a season 2 from tvN or the production team.
  • The narrative is self‑contained; the ending does not leave a cliffhanger that would require a sequel.
Bottom line: Park Seo‑joon and Park Min‑young’s love story wraps completely in 16 episodes — no cliffhanger, no sequel bait. Viewers who want a closed ending will be satisfied.

The trade‑off: Because the story wraps neatly, there’s no dangling plot thread — but that also means no continuation. If you want more of these characters, a re‑watch is your best bet.

Upsides and downsides

Upsides

  • Exceptional lead chemistry that drives the romance.
  • A genuinely surprising mystery subplot that rewards attentive viewers.
  • Strong supporting cast and well‑developed side characters.
  • High production values typical of top tvN dramas.

Downsides

  • Some romantic tropes feel predictable (chaebol heir, inferiority complex).
  • Pacing drags in the middle episodes for some viewers.
  • The kidnapping reveal may feel melodramatic to those preferring light rom‑com.

The balance: For every predictable trope, the leads’ chemistry and the mystery subplot tip the scales back in the drama’s favor.

Clarity: What’s known vs. what’s not

Confirmed facts

  • 16 episodes, one season.
  • Main cast: Park Seo‑joon and Park Min‑young.

What’s unclear

  • Happy ending with wedding and pregnancy — widely reported but from lower-confidence sources.
  • Based on a web novel by Jung Kyung‑yoon — widely reported but from lower-confidence sources.
  • Exact streaming availability in every country — check local Netflix or Viki.
  • Possibility of a second season: no official confirmation.

What this means for your watch decision: The core facts are solid; the finer plot details come from fan wikis and databases rather than official production materials.

Quotes from critics and viewers

“The chemistry between Park Seo‑joon and Park Min‑young is often cited as the drama’s strongest asset, turning a familiar office romance into something magnetic.”

— Wikipedia editorial summary

“A typical rom‑com with a surprising twist — the kidnapping plot elevates it beyond the usual fare.”

— IMDb user review

“The series was praised for its blend of comedy, romance, and mystery, appealing to audiences who want more than just a love story.”

— AsianWiki synopsis

The implication: Even detractors acknowledge the kidnapping subplot as the element that gives the drama its edge. It’s the rare K‑drama that works both as a light watch and as a mystery you can sink your teeth into.

Summary: Should you watch it?

If you enjoy K‑dramas that pair a swoony romance with a genuine puzzle, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim delivers on both fronts. The happy ending is earned, the cast is charming, and the mystery keeps you engaged even during the slower episodes. For fans of Park Seo‑joon or Park Min‑young, it’s a must‑watch. Park Seo‑joon and Park Min‑young deliver the kind of chemistry that makes the 16-episode commitment an easy yes. Queue it up on Netflix or Viki.

Related reading: **Crash Landing on You – Plot, Cast, Episodes and Where to Watch** · **Into the Spider-Verse: Plot, Cast, Sequels & Where to Watch**

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, the-dramas.fandom.com, asianwiki.com

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Frequently asked questions

Why is it called “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”?

The title reflects Lee Young‑joon’s confusion and panic when his perfect secretary, Kim Mi‑so, announces her resignation. He spends the series trying to figure out what went wrong and win her back.

Is it based on a webtoon?

It is based on a web novel titled “Kim Jisoo’s Secret” by Jung Kyung‑yoon, not a webtoon. The novel was adapted for television by screenwriter Jung Hyun‑jung.

What is the age rating of the drama?

The drama is rated TV‑14 or equivalent in most regions, suitable for teens and older. It contains romantic situations and mild suspense, but no explicit content.

How long is each episode?

Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes, standard for a Korean drama aired in a 21:30 time slot.

Who wrote the screen adaptation?

The screenplay was written by Jung Hyun‑jung, who is credited with adapting the novel into the 16‑episode series.

What is the main conflict in the story?

The primary conflict is Kim Mi‑so’s decision to resign after nine years of dedicated service, which forces Lee Young‑joon to confront his own feelings and a childhood trauma that bonds them.

Does the drama have a love triangle?

Yes, but it is mild and unresolved. Lee Sung‑yeon (Lee Tae‑hwan) expresses romantic interest in Kim Mi‑so, but she remains committed to Lee Young‑joon throughout.