When we talk about hidden K-Drama gems that truly deserve more love, “Good Manager” easily comes to mind. Not a lot of people know this series because it aired back in 2017, at a time when K-Dramas were not yet as globally popular as they are today. But if there’s one workplace comedy you shouldn’t miss, it’s this one! Starring Namkoong Min in one of his most iconic roles, alongside Lee Jun Ho, Nam Sang Mi, and Jung Hye Sung, “Good Manager” turns the “boring” world of accounting into a battlefield of integrity, corruption, and surprising teamwork!
“Good Manager“
Casts: Namkoong Min, Nam Sang Mi, Lee Jun Ho, Jung Hye Sung
Synopsis: A quirky yet brilliant accountant, with a questionable moral compass, joins a company with plans to make quick cash. But when he stumbles upon corporate corruption, his sense of justice pushes him to help the office workers instead of turn his back. Using his sharp wit and unique tactics he becomes an unlikely office hero, shaking up the companies corrupt world and possibly finding love at the same time.
Genre: Office, Comedy, Romance
Why “Good Manager” Should Be Your Next Watch
A Smart, Comedic Office Drama About Accounting
To all accountants out there, this drama feels like it’s made for you! We rarely see accounting in Korean dramas, so it’s refreshing to watch a story showing the profession. Office dramas are usually seen as boring compared to action thrillers, but this drama proves that an office can be just as intense, dramatic, and funny.
Writer Park Jae Beom uses humor as one of the drama’s strongest weapons, and it works perfectly because the cast is amazing! Namkoong Min absolutely owns this role, and this was shot when he was just starting to lead dramas, so this became one of his breakthrough performances. His timing, expressions, and energy are so good that he turns a “shady accountant” into one of the most lovable characters ever. We watch him go from someone who only cares about himself to a leader who protects his people.
Meanwhile, Lee Jun Ho plays the strict and mysterious Seo Yool, who starts out as a cold antagonist but slowly becomes one of the most interesting characters in the show. Both actors match each other so well, and their scenes together are pure gold!
The Iconic Bromance
A fun fact between Namkoong Min and Lee Jun Ho is that their chemistry is so famous that they even won a “Best Couple Award” for their rivalry-turned-friendship, and yes, everyone was rooting for them to win! Their love–hate dynamic is one of the highlights of the drama. At first, they constantly clash because Sung Ryong is the chaotic underdog, while Seo Yool is the strict corporate genius, and their banter, misunderstandings, and power battles are so hilarious that we could watch a whole drama just about the two of them.
As the story goes on, they slowly gain mutual respect and start relying on each other in unexpected ways. Their bromance is the kind that starts with enemies who slowly turn into allies, and it’s honestly one of the most memorable pairings in K-Dramas.
Found Family, Corporate Chaos, and Justice With Heart
Aside from comedy, this drama also has a lot of heart. While Sung Ryong is the main character, the show gives attention to every character, from the interns to the finance team. Everyone has their own story and growth, which makes you fall in love with the whole team. If you’ve worked in an office, you’ll relate to the feeling of bonding with your coworkers, fighting small battles together, and finding a second family at work.
If what we love in mystery thriller K-Dramas starring a lawyer or detective is when they feature different stories every episode, and “Good Manager” also did that! Each episode brings a new challenge like fake audits, undercover missions, payroll investigations, and the solutions are always creative, funny, and satisfying. The drama talks about real issues like workplace abuse, corruption, and the pressure employees face, but it delivers these topics in a light but meaningful way. The supporting cast shines so much that by the end, you’ll feel attached to every single character.
A Best Drama Material
What makes this drama special is that it doesn’t focus much on romance or rely on heavy melodrama to keep your attention. It focuses on humor, justice, and character growth. Kim Sung Ryong doesn’t become a hero overnight; he struggles, makes mistakes, and questions himself. That’s why his journey feels genuine and inspiring.
During its 2017 run, “Good Manager” became an unexpected hit, reaching over 17% nationwide ratings. Koreans loved Namkoong Min’s chaotic energy so much that many scenes went viral. Even years later, this drama remains a comfort watch, something you can rewatch anytime and still laugh at.
Where To Watch?
With 20 episodes full of humor, meaningful lessons, found family moments, and a bromance we will forever remember, “Good Manager” truly has everything. And the best part? You can watch it on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitle options!
