Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Misaeng: Incomplete Life is a South Korean television drama series that aired on the cable network tvN from October 17 to December 20, 2014. Directed by Kim Won-Suk and written by Jung Yoon-Jung, the series is based on the popular webcomic Misaeng by Yoon Tae-Ho, which was serialized from 2012 to 2013.
Plot
The story centers on Jang Geu-Rae, a young man who dedicated his entire life to the board game Go. After failing to become a professional player, he is forced to navigate the complexities of the corporate world. Through an acquaintance's recommendation, he secures an internship at a major trading company called One International. There, he works under the guidance of his supervisor, Oh Sang-Sik, while struggling to adapt to the rigorous demands of office life.
Production
The series is set primarily in the Seoul Square building, located across from Seoul Station in South Korea. Production began with the first script reading in August 2014 at the CJ E&M Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul. In September 2014, the production team, including actors Yim Si-Wan and Lee Sung-Min, traveled to Jordan to film prologue sequences. Locations included Amman, the ancient city of Petra, and the desert region of Wadi Rum. This production marked the first time a South Korean drama series filmed on location in Jordan.
Cast
The main cast includes:
- Yim Si-Wan as Jang Geu-Rae
- Lee Sung-Min as Oh Sang-Sik
- Kang So-Ra as An Young-Yi
- Kang Ha-Neul as Jang Baek-Ki
- Byun Yo-Han as Han Seok-Yul
Legacy
The series inspired a 2016 Japanese television adaptation titled Hope: Kitai Zero no Shinnyu Shain, produced by Fuji TV.