Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Culture

Won the lottery, still clocking in: Why this K-drama is striking a nerve

Played by actor Lee Jun-hyuk, Gong Eun-tae is the youngest team leader at major corporation Hongseong International, yet he has risen through the ranks at lightning speed thanks to his characteristic diligence. He has endured a series of unreasonable situations without ever losing his temper. He is looked down on by team members who joined the company before him, while office politics above him…

Won the lottery, still clocking in: Why this K-drama is striking a nerve

Actor Lee Jun-hyuk stars in a K-drama that is striking a nerve with viewers. The protagonist, Gong Eun-tae, is portrayed as the youngest team leader at the prestigious Hongseong International corporation. Despite his fast-rising career, Gong faces unreasonable situations and enduring frustrations without losing his temper. Colleagues look down on him, and office politics from higher up saddle him with challenging tasks.

Overworked and on the brink of burnout, Gong's life changes dramatically when he wins a lottery jackpot of 1.3 billion won ($950,000).

The windfall is not enough to retire, but it provides a financial safety net. Gong decides to shake up his suffocating corporate life. Rather than seeking revenge or a romantic Cinderella story, the drama offers a hyperrealistic portrayal of ordinary people's lives. This new wave of drama style is making waves on television screens, deviating from the current popular cathartic storylines.

Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at koreatimes.co.kr →

More in Culture

More from Tuesday 22 September →