Stories set in the offices of large corporations can be highly suspenseful and full of drama. Especially when they involve power wars with intrigue and backstabbing between employees and heirs of rich families.
K-dramaland has quite a library of such compelling business-oriented dramas. Here are seven recommended by fans on Reddit.
Numbers (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, Plex
Thanks to his phenomenal memory and observation skills, Jang Ho-woo becomes the first high school graduate to join Korea's top accounting firm. However, his new job turns out to be a tumultuous one full of intrigue and injustice.
History of the Salaryman (2012)
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Kocowa, Plex
The story revolves around the death of the boss of a large medical group. One of his employees and his niece are arrested for the murder. But did they really commit the crime? The story of a 10-day trial testing of a new drug provides the answer.
Agency (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
Agency is a unique business K-drama because it stars a female protagonist climbing the corporate ladder. Go Ah-in became the first female executive member of a major advertising agency for a reason. She is ambitious and fierce. The drama follows her journey and the lives of her employees.
The Impossible Heir (2024)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Disney+, Hulu
The series is still ongoing, but it's a perfect example of the genre. Born and raised in poverty, Kang In-ha discovers he is the illegitimate son of a conglomerate owner and enlists the help of his ambitious childhood friend to plot their way to the top of society.
Reborn Rich (2022)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+, Viki
In this satisfying tale of revenge, an employee of a business empire is caught in a power struggle between the empire's heirs and is killed. He doesn't lose the memories of his previous life and is reborn as the youngest son of the same family. Now he is determined to fight the power games and take revenge on his enemies.
Itaewon Class (2020)
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Park Sae-ro-yi was an average young man when the members of a rich family ruined his life by killing his father and sending him to prison. Now, many years later, Sae-ro-yi is ready to take his revenge. And he does so by opening a company that competes with the one run by his enemies.
Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+, Viki, Tubi
Jang Geu-rae is a master of the game of baduk, but fails to become a professional player. Now he must plan a different future for himself and accepts an entry-level internship at a large trading company. His knowledge of baduk will help him on his way to a permanent position.