Synopsis: After Chief Oh’s departure from One International, Sales Team 3 goes back to business as usual. Geu-rae’s contract end-date is getting closer.
In the last episode, Misaeng is ended by the beautiful, meaningful sunset. It wrapped things up by saying that we just need to proceed with whatever comes our way in life and make our own path. Even if we stray from our initial direction, or living an incomplete life, there is always a road when we move forward and improve oneself. Mr. Oh quoted Chinese novelist Lu Xan and Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” to convey that all things happen for a reason. We can see the idea of self-actualization through the entire drama by achieving goals and being enthusiastic about our lives.
Self-actualization is defined as the realization or fulfilment of one’s talents and potentialities. Four interns, Mr. Oh and Dong-shik are all want to prove their self-values and express their personalities by making decisions in the workplace. This idea has been enlarged in the last moment by giving people hope and faith to achieve the goal. In post-modern Korean, self-realization and growth as an individual became the dominant catalyst. Self-management and personal development are important for all Korean students and employees. Individuals are aware of the self on a wide range of psychological variables such as personality, emotion, behaviour and volition (Choi 2003, 29). However, it is noteworthy that, when this western concept of the self is introduced to Koreans, there is no Korean word equivalent to “self” (Choi 2003, 31). Koreans are requested and forced to deemphasize their sense of self rather than emphasize the sense of self in social relationships. They prefer the terms we and our to the terms I and my even in situations where the latter is more suitable. This unique Korean concept is more future-oriented and goal-directed (Choi et al. 2003, 29) because this kind of statement is not selfish and self-centred. It will make other people feel comfortable by maintaining a low profile. According to Misaeng, I think the idea of self-actualization in Korean company can be achieved by the group success. Mr. Oh, Dong-shik and Geu-rae will realize their self-worth while the whole Sales Team 3 becomes respected.
On the other hand, this drama is trying to break the rules and lead people to think about what is the better environment for workplaces. We have discussed Korean creativity in the class. Slogans such as “creative Korea” and “Korea, be inspired” represent the new wave of creativity and innovation in South Korea. Korean creativity reflects societal values and holistic reasoning with significant attention to contextual factors such as sincerity and consideration (Kim, Han and Yoon 2010, 97). Koreans try to be passionate about their career and lives. When people are not satisfied with the current situation, take steps to change it would be a good idea. After Mr. Oh met the difficulties in One International, he refused to continue to be an ordinary employee who received lots of pressure from his superior every day. He quitted his job and started his own business with lots of freedom and creativity. With the unpredictable and uncertain start-ups, entrepreneurs serve as creative magnets around business ventures (Henry 2007, 2). Starting a new business is not an easy thing but to express the determination. Never give in like Mr. Oh did in the drama and there is always a road when we look forward to the future.
Through the final episode, we see the growth of each character. Not only Geu-rae but also the other three interns receive a better understanding to the Korean office as well as to themselves. Everyone wants to prove their self-values and some of them tried so hard to show off in the first several episodes. And then all the setbacks and obstacles teach them how to survive in a pressured environment and all the patience and perseverance are worthy. Even though the drama shows a lot of negative, gloomy side of Korean corporate society, there are many characters in the drama who give hopes for the society to get better.
Question:
Who is your favourite character after watching the final episode? And why?
Do you think achieving self-worth is more important than earning a salary?
Photos are screenshots from the drama, no copyright infringement is intended.
Bibliography:
Choi, Sang-Chin, and Kibum Kim. “A conceptual exploration of the Korean self in comparison with the Western self.” Contributions in Psychology 42 (2003): 29-42.
Henry, Colette, ed. “Introduction.” In Entrepreneurship in the creative industries: an international perspective. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2007.
Kim, Byoung Hee, Sangpil Han, and Sukki Yoon. “Advertising creativity in Korea.” Journal of Advertising 39, no. 2 (2010): 93-108.
Yutian, you might want to change
Henry, Colette, ed. Entrepreneurship in the creative industries: an international perspective. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2007.
& in-text citation for this.
You are probably citing from one of the chapters in the edited book. Then you should cite the chapter, not the whole edited book. Looks like it’s from the introduction. Then you should write like
author last name, first name. “Introduction.” In Entre……
When you’re citing the same source in a row, you can write (Ibid., 31) instead of (Choi 2003, 31).
Thanks! I changed those.
One more thing–replace (Choi 2003, 29) with (Choi et al. 2003, 29).
“Individuals are aware of the self on a wide range of psychological variables such as personality, emotion, behaviour and volition (Choi 2003, 29). However, it is noteworthy that, when this western concept of the self is introduced to Koreans, there is no Korean word equivalent to “self” (Choi 2003, 31). Koreans are requested and forced to deemphasize their sense of self rather than emphasize the sense of self in social relationships (Choi 2003, 31). Koreans prefer the terms we and our to the terms I and my even in situations where the latter is more suitable. This unique Korean concept is more future-oriented and goal-directed (Choi 2003, 39). ”
In this part of your essay, I feel like the citations overwhelm your own voice and analysis. Here, you are not giving your own explanation of the citations that you’re making. Try to add your own voice between quotations. Explain why you are citing this and how this citation supports or is connected to your argument. Because you didn’t give enough explanations, it’s a bit hard to understand the transition you’re making between “Koreans prefer the terms we and our to the terms I and my even in situations where the latter is more suitable” and “This unique Korean concept is more future-oriented and goal-directed (Choi 2003, 39).”
Another part I’d like to point out is “Slogans such as “creative Korea” and “Korea, be inspired” represent the new wave of creativity and innovation in South Korea. Korean creativity reflects collectivistic Confucian norms, societal values and holistic reasoning with significant attention to contextual factors such as sincerity and consideration (Kim, Han and Yoon 2010, 97).” I wouldn’t say that the slogan “Creative Korea” represents the new wave of creativity because it copied “Creative France”; the following quote, I don’t really understand why “Korean creativity reflects collectivistic Confucian norms”.. and we need to be more careful when bringing Confucianism.
I do like your topic, and I can see that you made a great effort to integrate readings & the drama. Just try not to bring too many citations in a row and remember to add at least one sentence after each quote for your final paper.
Hi Yutian, what a finish to the drama! I will greatly miss the characters of this show and the drama itself. I took a lot out of it, especially when incorporating contemporary events in Korea into the show. I hope they can have a second season, as I will probably be obsessed with Korean office dramas. I believe one of my favourite characters after watching this drama was Dong-shik. He was the little sunshine of the office. At first impression, he seem to be a very dull and occupied worker. Later on, he proved to be reliable and vulnerable at the same time. It was really entertaining to see him grow because of Geu-rae, and I loved his loyalty for Mr. Oh even though he could have gotten a promotion without him. I will miss this character the most. Self-worth is definitely more important than a salary in terms of how you should respect yourself. Money is not everything, and the same goes for how much earn. Happiness determines your success in life, and as you can see, Mr. Oh, Geu-rae, and Dong-shik are even more successful than the workers working for a promotion.
Hey, Yutian Xia! Nice job on your essay! It was a good ending discussion for this drama.
To answer your questions:
#1 My favourite character is Dong-shik. He is kind of the ‘ideal’ worker as he is a solid support for both younger members like Gue-rae and older members like Chun Gwan-Woong. He is also dedicated to his work but isn’t afraid to speak his doubts to others. He respects Mr. Oh so much, that he was willing to stay with him even knowing he may never get a promotion. This shows that he prefers a self fulfilling life over money and job security especially when he chooses to leave One International. It also helps that he is funny, playing the part of ‘comic relief’ for the group.
#2 I think that if your salary is all that your living for, you have a very sad life. Money is important however it shouldn’t stop you from having a fulfilling life. In fact, money is only supposed to be an aid that helps you to live a good life. Thus I think achieving ‘self worth’ is more important than a salary.
1) My favorite character in the drama is Assistant Manager Kang Hae-joon. The reason is that I admire his rigidness with his intelligence. He is a person who is very skilled and does not show himself off. Although Jang Baek-gi did not understand Kang’s intentions at first, once he found out, it is very respectful. Kang is also very capable and generous as he gives many chances for Jang to change his attitude. Overall, I find Kang’s character very captivating and respectable.
2) I value earning a salary much more important than self-worth. The reason is that a person cannot live without a salary but can still survive without self-worth. The point in life is to survive for as long as possible. If something can earn money, it is always the better route to take. Only when one is fully capable of supporting themselves can they start thinking of doing something that is for themselves. Some may argue that self respect and self worth are important as it makes up the identity of a person. However, if there is no money for that person to live, then none of that matters. This is why I value money and salary over the self-worth, as people need money to survive and not self-worth.
Hey Yutian, I enjoyed reading your wrap-up of the final episode, it was definitely a good topic to discuss.
#1) Personally, I enjoyed most of the character arcs in the drama, and could relate to their experiences that are very insightful and full of wisdom (all for different reasons). To outline a few: I enjoyed Jang Geu-rae’s character, as he reflects the inner-child within all of us who was inexperienced (at one point in life), and we came to see him grow and prosper through the training and guidance by others and for himself, to prove others wrong. I really enjoyed watching his courage, determination, passions and perseverance that reminds us of the hope and motivation we should have when the tides are rough, that there are other doors open when the time comes.
For Manager Oh Sang-sik, I enjoyed watching his leadership within the team and his helpful nature towards others in the company (even though his values may oftentimes be questioned by others). He reminds me of having the important someone and valuable mentorship one needs to navigate through life with the support and encouragement.
#2) While I do agree that earning a salary is important to sustain one’s financial needs, however, I would value more on self-worth. Money is a tool and resource that can get you where you want to be to have a fulfilling life, if used properly and wisely. One could have tons of money, but their self-worth may prove otherwise through materialistic needs to show off signs of status, and how they treat others. Achieving a healthy balance between the two would be ideal to keep together the humility, respect and kindness one has for the other.
Hi Yutian, good wrap up of the drama!
My favourite character in the drama was probably Ahn Young Yi, because I could imagine her life choices with her parents, and appreciate her efforts to keep fighting in a male dominated work atmosphere. She is talented, smart, hardworking, and not a quitter.
I think achieving self-worth is definitely more important than earning a salary at a company that treats you badly. There are so many opportunities and jobs in the world that can give you just as much satisfaction or more, depending on what you do. Balancing your life and valuing yourself is more than being an ant in a corporation.