Would you be able to find your dream job with these made-up workplaces?
It seems only fitting that after neglecting my blog for a few months because I was going through the excruciating process of sending in resumés, interviewing, and FINALLY landing a job, that I put up a post dedicated to the workplace. There are a lot of K-dramas out there where the workplace features heavily. I wanted to explore the world of what if using these made-up places of employment. Here are the 3 places I would definitely apply for a job and 2 that are definitely not for me.
As always, this is based on my opinions – things that I like and where I feel comfortable. That means the places I choose not to work just aren’t for me. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still amazing faux businesses created for these K-dramas. Which ones are worth your resumé?
Love
Chaeum Museum of Art from Her Private Life
In Her Private Life we follow a woman who in public is a museum curator and in secret, captures photography of her favorite idol. She also runs a blog dedicated to him. While running a blog can be a full-time job, the workplace that I love in this drama is the fictional Chaeum Museum of Art.
While I am not well-versed in art nor am I a particular aficionado, this place seems like a comforting and beautiful place of employment. The biggest draw, the beauty of the building. Gorgeous exhibits and awe-inspiring art installations have to provide for a wonderful walk into and out of work.
On top of the ambience and aesthetic, having great and fun coworkers is something that I desire. The small number (and mostly happy demeanor) of the staff in this made-up workplace have created a cozy atmosphere with an entrepreneurial feel.
And lastly, as I am a marketing and branding gal, the challenge of how to attract visitors to a museum appeals to me. Just like our favorite intern in the show, I’d love the task of finding and creating merchandise that exhibit attendees would enjoy and purchase.
Hard Pass
King Hotel from King the Land
If there is one thing I’ve learned about K-dramas it is that there are no shortages of shows that feature hoteliers. To that end, there are countless fake hotels, all with breathtaking décor and brilliant amenities that make everyone wish they had a whole lot of money.
As we follow one of these hoteliers in a power struggle with his sister, we are introduced to the King Hotel from the drama King the Land. A beautiful hotel with a grand atrium, stunning rooms, and countless amenities including the King the Land lounge and restaurant where big spenders find exceptional service and the best of the best in food and drink. The King Hotel is certainly at the top of the fake hotel world game and is one that I would be a guest at in a heartbeat, just not an employee.
And why wouldn’t I want to be an employee here? Well, it comes down to one simple thing – I don’t deal with confrontation very well. Angry customers are not my idea of fun. As we see in this show, there will never be any shortage of self-entitled angry guests waiting to yell at the staff. So, while the hotel itself is nothing short of extraordinary, employment there is a hard pass for me.
Love
Silent Monster from My Shy Boss
What do you get when you have a leader who is a genius at public relations and marketing but struggles with social anxiety? You get a fantastic show that teaches us that everyone communicates differently. Silent Monster is the PR and marketing firm owned by our fearful leader in the show My Shy Boss. It probably comes as no surprise that this place appeals to me – marketing being my happy place.
It is, however, the boss that intrigues me most. Having a boss who has trouble associating with people, much like I do at times, but who has learned to work through the challenge is inspiring. This character is the type of boss that I would love to have. He sees everyone and doesn’t only grant opportunities to the loudest ones. This warms my heart and makes Silent Monster a fictional business worth me submitting my resumé.
Hard Pass
La Sfera from Pasta
Italian food is one of my favorite types of food. And the food at Le Sfera, the restaurant in the drama Pasta, looks delectable. This restaurant has it all – a great ambience, fantastic looking food, and a friendly and fun staff, even if they are a bit abrasive at first.
So, why a hard pass? This drama follows a young female chef as she tries to first keep her job and then work her way up where the head chef does not want women in his kitchen. While this would be enough to throw me off this workplace, this is not the main reason. My main reason for passing this up is the very hard and tiring work.
Anyone who has worked in the food and dining industry will tell you that it is incredibly hard work. Long hours, always on your feet, constant movement, and seemingly always busy – this is a job that takes dedication and passion for what you are doing. I know myself and know that I do not have the appetite (pun partially intended) that those who work in the culinary world do and I give my regards and thanks to all of them.
Love
Gyeoroo Publishing from Romance is a Bonus Book
When a successful marketing careerwoman has to take a multi-year pause from work to raise her child, she finds it extremely hard to find employment when it’s time to go back. Not able to find work and needing to make ends meet, she hides her background and takes a job as a contract task assistance worker at Gyeoroo Publishing, where her best friend is part owner and editor-in-chief.
There is nothing I don’t love about this faux business. The people, the work, and the passion for reading and books make this the kind of workplace that dreams are made of. I would happily sit in a conference room meeting discussing how you market the next best seller or visit the printer to watch the books coming together.
But once again, the thing that definitely attracts me to this fake employer is the team. There are many great personalities. Amongst the leaders alone, you have all of the best attributes to run a business successfully – an empathetic and passionate CEO, a duo of editors who complement each other, an amusing and fun marketer, and a stern rule-following director. I’d happily subject myself to the anxiety-inducing interview process for this well-run business and loyal, dedicated co-workers.
Where to Watch These Dramas
Her Private Life can be found on Viki, Netflix, Roku Channel, and Pluto TV
King the Land can be found on Netflix
My Shy Boss can be found on Kocowa+, Roku Channel, and Pluto TV
Pasta can be found on Kocowa+
Romance is a Bonus Book can be found on Netflix