A self-made executive navigates the cutthroat world of advertising, stopping at nothing — no matter how calculating — to become the head of her agency.
An office drama depicting a woman who became the first female executive in her group to make her career beyond her first to the highest position. In the background of an advertising agency, it contains realistic stories of the daily lives of those who live a life like war and behind the scenes in the industry.
Episode 1. A Swan Incessantly Kicks Its Legs Beneath the Surface
2023-01-07 · 65 min
Determined to succeed amid rampant internal politics, Go Ah-in competes for a chance at a promotion. Meanwhile, Jung Jae-hun presents her with an offer.
Episode 2. Think Strategically and Act Crazy
2023-01-08 · 67 min
Kang Han-na returns to Korea after cluing in to the path that's laid for her. Ah-in discovers the harsh truth about her job — sending her into a spiral.
Episode 3. When a Lion Begins the Hunt, the Jungle Trembles in Fear
2023-01-14 · 64 min
Ah-in's strategic move riles up the staff at the agency. Later, she makes a controversial executive decision — and a risky bet.
Episode 4. Shared Joy Becomes Jealousy, Shared Sorrow Becomes a Weakness
2023-01-15 · 65 min
With her job on the line, Ah-in must scramble when a big client faces legal trouble. She later meets Han-na, who begins working at her company.
Episode 5. A Candle Shines Brighter Than the Sun At Night
2023-01-21 · 63 min
Cho Eun‑jeong approaches Ah-in after struggling to balance work and family life. As part of a strategic move, Ah-in offers Han-na an enticing proposal.
Episode 6. Make Sure to Listen Even to a Fool
2023-01-22 · 64 min
Han-na's first press opportunity doesn't go as planned. Eun‑jeong witnesses Ah-in in a vulnerable moment. Later, Ah-in takes on a challenging PR project.
Episode 7. The Hungry Beast Will Get Fed
2023-01-28 · 64 min
Poised to impress her father and prove him wrong, Han-na goes all in on the agency's PR pitch — pitting Ah-in and Choi Chang-su against each other.
Episode 8. Well-Prepared Villains Are Quick to Act
2023-01-29 · 61 min
Ah-in discovers the true intention behind the PR project. She and her team scramble to concoct the perfect messaging for their upcoming pitch.
Episode 9. The Ones Who Make Miracles
2023-02-04 · 64 min
Ah-in makes a defiant move and showcases her long-awaited presentation to Woowon Group. Han-na attempts to establish her authority at the agency.
Episode 10. The Check Always Comes
2023-02-05 · 65 min
Ah-in finds herself in a precarious situation as her personal demons begin to weigh her down. Han-na makes a sudden proposition to Park Yeong-woo.
Episode 11. The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
2023-02-11 · 63 min
Chang-su continues his attempts to stir up the company's internal politics — and raise his own stature. Ah-in receives a threat after her latest success.
Episode 12. Forgetting What Was Lost
2023-02-12 · 67 min
Han-na shares a tender moment with her father — who gives her some unexpected advice. Ah-in comes face-to-face with a figure from the past.
Episode 13. Only Those You Trust Can Stab You in the Back
2023-02-18 · 65 min
Kang Han-su approaches Yeong-woo with an offer. Ah-in lets her guard down and makes kind gestures to her team. Chang-su schemes to take down Ah-in.
Episode 14. The War Only Ends for the Deceased
2023-02-19 · 63 min
Chang-su escalates his attacks against Ah-in and Han-na — who later work together when a sudden dilemma arises. Ah-in makes an abrupt career move.
Episode 15. What You Shouldn't Do, and What You Need to Do
2023-02-25 · 66 min
An unexpected person steps in to advocate for Ah-in, angering Chang-su. Ah-in offers Han-na guidance on her next steps — no strings attached.
Episode 16. You Must Row the Boat and Move Forward When There Is No Wind
2023-02-26 · 73 min
A bombshell revelation puts an unwanted spotlight on Chang-su. Ah-in and Han-na set their final plan into motion to rise to the top of the company.
At the surface it may seems it's the type of show that goes through workplace cases one after another, while that was slightly true initially, but it was just a drama themed around an advertising agency, or so I thought, initially. After the introduction, the drama began with an advertising assignment then followed by a bigger one with more tension, stakes and clever plays, however, this all happened in the first half while the second half became a regular melodrama/power struggle in a corporate setting, no more advertising assignments. This was unfortunate because the second half couldn't carry the same impact, especially the last 4 episodes. Ah In & Han Na & Young Woo had a great dynamic between each other and those around them. On the other hand, Han Byung Soo was the worst character, his character didn't fit any scene, he lacked a good dynamic and story given that he was close to the female lead, even the actor himself was out of place and a big mismatch to his task. The personal stories were a hit or miss, take for example the female lead story, the writer put little to no effort into her childhood/trauma, everything started and ended with a few scenes which led to a weak resolution to her trauma. It was really disappointing in this specific case after building up her trauma and problems for so long. Han Na and her secretary might be a highlight for some but Eun Jung and her child were a highlight for me. The final wrap up felt a bit strange after just 1 year time skip, an obvious uncalculated afterthought for the sake of it. The drama offered a decent package with a lot more potentials on the table but it also left a lot more to be desired.
Seen it twice now and the battle between Go Ah-in (Lee Bo-young) and Cho Seong-ha (Choi Chang-su) remains a thrilling endavour. Looking at the title you might think this is a slice of life about people working at an advertising agency, but that's not it. It's about the struggle of someone abandoned as a child to overcome her self doubt, abandonment issues and child abuse trauma.
You see her two sides, the confident executive versus the nervous wreck, heavily medicate and sleep deprived.
The frustration uttered at various stages by veteran in office politics Choi can be felt and is very entertaining and not cheesy like in some other dramas. Jo Eun-jung and her son are a refreshing intermezzo at times it's needed.
As is common in Korean drama it touches on social issues and the main thread is that promotion and status isn't based on skills but background and people you know. It also portrais how Korean chaebols approach common people, masterfully done by Jeon Kuk-hwan and probably no one is better at it.
All in all a good watch and I'd also recommend it as "your first K-drama" for those new to the genre.
Netflix
Rakuten Viki
Netflix Standard with Ads
The Roku Channel
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads
Tubi TV
