History of the Salaryman
Drama guideEnded

History of the Salaryman

샐러리맨 초한지
Air date: 2012-01-02
Episodes: 22 ep
Network: SBS
Rating: 7.9 / 10
Cast entries
12
Episodes
22
Locations
1
Food stops
Not available for this drama
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

"History of the Salaryman" is a Korean comedy-drama that explores the lives of office workers, blending humor with poignant moments as it delves into their everyday struggles and triumphs.

Why History of the Salaryman still resonates today

The charm of History of the Salaryman lies in its ability to mix humor with real-life office dramas, making it an endearing watch for anyone who's ever felt like a cog in the corporate machine. The show cleverly captures the essence of everyday struggles faced by office workers while interspersing light-hearted moments that elicit genuine laughter. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, offering insights into the nuances of office dynamics that anyone who’s worked in a corporate environment can relate to.

The performances are a standout element. Jung Ryeo-won as Baek Yeo-chi brings a delightful mix of spunk and vulnerability to her character. Whether she's navigating office politics or dealing with her own personal dilemmas, she does so with a charisma that draws viewers in. Lee Beom-soo as Yoo-bang complements her performance beautifully, embodying the everyman who just wants to get through the day with a bit of humor and grace. Their chemistry adds depth to the series' exploration of workplace relationships, allowing viewers to invest emotionally in their journeys.

Beyond the characters, the series excels at creating an authentic office atmosphere. The dialogue strikes a wonderful balance between witty banter and poignant moments, allowing for a narrative that feels both grounded and entertaining. There are times when the show captures the frustrations of corporate life in a way that’s both relatable and humorous, which is a rare feat. In fact, I keep coming back to the moments when characters share their dreams and disappointments, as these reflections resonate on a deeper level.

This drama will click with anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that challenge the status quo while offering a comedic lens. It speaks to a universal audience, especially those who’ve ever held a desk job or navigated the tricky waters of office culture. The way it balances the comedic elements with the more serious undertones of ambition and dissatisfaction makes it a nuanced piece that isn’t afraid to poke fun at the absurdities of corporate life.

While the show has no verified filming locations or food spots on record, the lack of those details doesn’t detract from its appeal. Instead, it focuses on the character interactions and office environments, which are the heart and soul of the narrative. If you're looking for a smart, engaging series that captures the essence of working life with a humorous twist, then History of the Salaryman is sure to resonate with you. It’s a journey through laughter and life lessons that will leave you nodding in agreement and perhaps even laughing out loud.

Final verdict: a quirky office romp worth your time

History of the Salaryman offers a lighthearted look into the often mundane lives of office workers, blending comedy with a touch of realism. The characters are relatable, and I found myself invested in their daily struggles, from Baek Yeo-chi’s (Jung Ryeo-won) witty banter to Cha Woo-hee’s (Hong Soo-hyun) determined spirit. Each episode dives into the absurdities of the corporate world while still managing to pack emotional punches.

One of the show’s strengths is its ability to balance humor with poignant moments. I keep coming back to the way Yoo-bang (Lee Beom-soo) navigates his chaotic work life, which resonates with anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed in a job. The episodes are filled with clever dialogue and quirky situations, which make for engaging viewing.

However, it’s not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel off, leading to moments where the drama drags a bit. Still, with 22 episodes, it manages to maintain a good rhythm overall. The humor might not land for everyone, particularly if you’re not a fan of workplace comedies. But if you appreciate character-driven stories with a dash of absurdity, this drama is definitely worth a watch.

With a solid TMDB rating of 7.9/10, this series is a charming exploration of office life that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Perfect for a breezy afternoon binge!

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Hapcheon Video Theme Park

    합천 영상테마파크
    757 Hapcheonhosu-ro, Yongju-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do경남 합천군 용주면 합천호수로 757

    Hapcheon Video Theme Park recreates the streets of Seoul from the 1930s to the 1980s, making it a popular filming location for various dramas and movies.

    Hapcheon Video Theme Park realistically recreates the appearance of Gyeongseong (Seoul) during the Japanese colonial period from the 1930s to 1940s, as well as the streets of Sogong-dong and areas near Seoul Station and Jongno from the 1930s to 1980s, divided by zones.
    skdywjd25.tistory.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
70 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • JS Pictures
Directors
Yoo In-sik유인식
Kang Sook강숙
Writers
Jang Young-cheol
Jung Gyeong-sun

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Jung Ryeo-won

Jung Ryeo-wonas Baek Yeo-chi

정려원
1981-01-21 · Seoul, South Korea

Jung Ryeo-won is a Korean-Australian actress and former singer, born on January 21, 1981. She began her entertainment career as a member of the girl group Chakra, which was active from 2000 to 2006. After the group's disbandment, she successfully transitioned into acting, gaining widespread recognition for her role in the popular television series My Name Is Kim Sam-soon in 2005. Since then, Jung has established herself as a versatile actress, known for her performances in a variety of genres. Her notable film credits include Two Faces of My Girlfriend (2007) and Castaway on the Moon (2009). She has also appeared in popular television dramas such as History of a Salaryman (2012), Wok of Love (2018), and May It Please the Court (2022). With her dynamic talent and engaging screen presence, Jung Ryeo-won continues to be a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Hong Soo-hyun

Hong Soo-hyunas Cha Woo-hee

홍수현
1981-03-02 · Hongcheon County, South Korea

Hong Soo-hyun is a South Korean actress currently signed under FN Entertainment. She begins her career in the entertainment industry as a magazine model while still in high school. In 1996, she gained wider recognition by appearing in a Johnson & Johnson commercial, which paved the way for her acting debut in 1999. Despite her early entrance into the field, Hong's journey to stardom was gradual, with a significant portion of her early career spent in supporting roles. It wasn't until her compelling performances in the 2011 period drama "The Princess' Man" that she received critical acclaim, marking a turning point in her career. Over the years, she has continued to showcase her talent in various projects, including notable roles in "Dae Jo-yeong" and "Goodbye Dear Wife." In May 2021, Hong Soo-hyun married a non-celebrity of the same age, marking a new chapter in her personal life. With a growing body of work and a solid fanbase, she remains a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment scene.

Lee Beom-soo

Lee Beom-sooas Yoo-bang

이범수
1970-01-03 · Cheongju, North Chungcheong, South Korea

Lee Beom-soo is a prominent South Korean actor born on October 16, 1969. He has gained widespread recognition for his versatile performances across various genres in both film and television. Lee's notable works include his roles in popular dramas such as "Singles" (2003), "Giant" (2010), "On Air" (2008), "Surgeon Bong Dal-hee" (2007), and "History of a Salaryman" (2012). His career showcases a blend of comedic and dramatic roles, demonstrating his ability to engage audiences with compelling portrayals. Over the years, Lee Beom-soo has established himself as a significant figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, earning acclaim for his contributions to both television and film.

Jung Gyu-woon

Jung Gyu-woonas Choi Hang-woo

정겨운
1982-06-28 · Seoul, South Korea
Kim Seo-hyung

Kim Seo-hyungas Mo Ga-bi

김서형
1973-10-28 · Gangneung, Gangwon, South Korea

Kim Seo-hyung is a prominent South Korean actress, born on October 28, 1973. She gained widespread recognition for her compelling performance as the antagonist Shin Ae-ri in the 2008 revenge drama Temptation of Wife. This role showcased her ability to portray complex characters and solidified her place in the Korean entertainment industry. In 2018, Kim starred as Coach Kim in the critically acclaimed series Sky Castle, where she played a mysterious private tuition coordinator. Her performance in this role earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards, highlighting her talent and versatility. As of May 2025, Kim is signed with Mystic Actors, continuing to build her impressive career in film and television.

Notable credits on this site
Streaming

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Ep 1Episode 1
    2012-01-02 · 70 min
  2. Ep 2Episode 2
    2012-01-03 · 70 min
  3. Ep 3Episode 3
    2012-01-09 · 70 min
  4. Ep 4Episode 4
    2012-01-10 · 70 min
  5. Ep 5Episode 5
    2012-01-16 · 70 min
  6. Ep 6Episode 6
    2012-01-17 · 70 min
  7. Ep 7Episode 7
    2012-01-23 · 70 min
  8. Ep 8Episode 8
    2012-01-24 · 70 min
  9. Ep 9Episode 9
    2012-01-30 · 70 min
  10. Ep 10Episode 10
    2012-01-31 · 70 min
  11. Ep 11Episode 11
    2012-02-06 · 70 min
  12. Ep 12Episode 12
    2012-02-07 · 70 min
  13. Ep 13Episode 13
    2012-02-13 · 70 min
  14. Ep 14Episode 14
    2012-02-14 · 70 min
  15. Ep 15Episode 15
    2012-02-20 · 70 min
  16. Ep 16Episode 16
    2012-02-21 · 70 min
  17. Ep 17Episode 17
    2012-02-07 · 70 min
  18. Ep 18Episode 18
    2012-02-28 · 70 min
  19. Ep 19Episode 19
    2012-03-05 · 70 min
  20. Ep 20Episode 20
    2012-03-06 · 70 min
  21. Ep 21Episode 21
    2012-03-12 · 70 min
  22. Ep 22Episode 22
    2012-03-13 · 70 min

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube

Discovery

Similar dramas

Related titles to continue browsing.

Source: TMDB