Incomplete Life
Drama guideEnded

Incomplete Life

미생

Sweat, tears, and frustration. How much more I should shed?

Air date: 2014-10-17
Episodes: 20 ep
Network: tvN
Rating: 8.6 / 10
Cast entries
19
Episodes
20
Locations
4
Food stops
2
Story

Synopsis

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

Jang Geu-rae has dedicated his life to the board game baduk since childhood. However, when he fails to realize his dream of becoming a professional player, he is forced to leave his isolated life behind and face the challenges of the real world, armed only with a high school equivalency exam on his resume.

"Incomplete Life" is a poignant drama that realistically portrays the struggles of office workers as Geu-rae navigates the complexities of corporate life. He starts as an intern at a large company, facing discrimination due to his lack of experience and credentials. Despite these obstacles, he gradually earns recognition through his dedication and hard work, highlighting the trials and triumphs of working life.

Filming locations

Filming locations

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

  1. 01

    Seoul Square

    서울스퀘어
    416 Hangangdaero, Jung-gu, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul서울 중구 한강대로 416

    Seoul Square serves as the main setting for the drama 'Incomplete Life', known for its iconic presence in front of Seoul Station.

    In particular, it has become widely known as the filming location for the popular drama Misaeng, and is affectionately referred to by the public as the Jang Geu-rae Building.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Wadi Rum Desert

    와디럼 사막
    Wadi Rum Village, Jordan

    The scene where Oh Sang-sik looks at the desert landscape through a telescope was filmed here.

    This place is also known as a filming location for the Korean drama Misaeng, where the scene of Oh Sang-sik holding a telescope and looking at the desert landscape was shot.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Al Khazneh

    알카즈네
    Jordan

    Al Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, is one of the most iconic structures in Petra and is featured in both 'Indiana Jones' and 'Incomplete Life'.

    Al-Khazneh was also created by intricately carving and hollowing out a single massive sandstone cliff without erecting any pillars or walls. It is the most beautifully preserved building in Petra and served as a filming location for "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which is why, among the many tombs in Petra, people immediately think of Al-Khazneh when they hear the name Petra.
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    Petra

    페트라
    Jordan

    Petra is a historical and archaeological city famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. / Ad Deir, or the Monastery, is another significant site in Petra that showcases the grandeur of Nabatean architecture and is a peaceful retreat.

    As you go along, there will be a part where you think, "Oh, isn't this the place that appeared in Misaeng?" From here on, the shade begins.
    blog.naver.com
Food guide

Food & places

Restaurants, cafes, markets, and dishes tied to the drama or the reader's visit path.

  1. 01Restaurant

    Falafel Time Restaurant

    Falafel
    8FFG+J8 1000m to Petra Tourist Center, Tourism St 28, Wadi Musa, Jordan

    Falafel Time is known for its delicious falafel, which is made from chickpeas. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and is a great spot for a casual meal.

    Falafel is an Egyptian dish that can be thought of as a croquette made from chickpeas.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02Restaurant

    My Mom's Recipe Restaurant

    Lamb and Fish
    Tourism St, Wadi Musa, Jordan

    This restaurant is popular among tourists and offers a variety of local dishes. The ambiance is pleasant and the food is generally well-received.

    It's a restaurant that many tourists visit; the prices are high, but the interior is beautiful and overall it was quite decent.
    blog.naver.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
75 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • No.3 PicturesNo.3 Pictures
  • CJ ENMCJ ENM
  • Studio DragonStudio Dragon
Creators
Kim Won-suk김원석
Yoon Tae-ho윤태호
Directors
Kim Won-suk김원석
Writers
Jung Yoon-jung

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.

Yim Si-wan

Yim Si-wanas Jang Geu-rae

임시완
1988-12-01 · Busan, South Korea

Yim Si-wan, born Yim Woong-jae on December 1, 1988, is a prominent South Korean singer and actor. He first rose to fame as a member of the boy group ZE:A and its sub-group ZE:A Five. His transition from music to acting has garnered significant acclaim, particularly for his roles in the film *The Attorney* (2013) and the hit television series *Misaeng: Incomplete Life* (2014). Both projects enjoyed critical and commercial success, establishing him as a versatile performer. Yim's talent has not gone unnoticed, as he was selected as one of the top 200 actors representing the current and future landscape of Korean cinema by the Korean Film Council. Recently, he gained international recognition for his performances in the second and third seasons of the globally popular series *Squid Game* (2024–2025), further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the entertainment industry. Through his dynamic career, Yim Si-wan continues to captivate audiences both in South Korea and around the world.

Notable credits on this site
Lee Sung-min

Lee Sung-minas Oh Sang-shik

이성민
1968-10-15 · Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang, South Korea

Lee Sung-min is a prominent South Korean actor born on October 15, 1968. He initially gained recognition through his supporting roles in various television series and films, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. Lee is particularly celebrated for his performances in the critically acclaimed series "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" (2014) and "Reborn Rich" (2022), both of which earned him the Best Actor award at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards. In addition to his television successes, Lee has made a significant impact in the film industry, especially with his role in the espionage thriller "The Spy Gone North" (2018). His performance in this film garnered him multiple Best Actor awards, highlighting his talent and dedication to his craft. Other noteworthy films in his repertoire include "The Sheriff in Town" (2017), "The Witness" (2018), "The Man Standing Next" (2020), and the upcoming "Handsome Guys" (2024). With a career spanning several decades, Lee Sung-min continues to be a respected figure in South Korea's entertainment landscape.

Notable credits on this site
Kang So-ra

Kang So-raas Ahn Young-yi

강소라
1990-02-18 · Seoul, South Korea

Kang So-ra is a prominent South Korean actress born on February 18, 1990. She made her acting debut in the thriller film "4th Period Mystery" in 2009, but it was her role in the 2011 blockbuster "Sunny" that catapulted her to fame. This coming-of-age film, which explores the lives of high school girls in the 1980s, showcased her talent and established her as a leading figure in the industry. Following her success in film, Kang transitioned to television, taking on significant roles in popular dramas such as the teen musical "Dream High 2" in 2012 and the family drama "Ugly Alert" in 2013. Her appearance on the reality show "We Got Married" alongside Leeteuk from Super Junior further increased her visibility. In 2014, she starred in two major series: the medical drama "Doctor Stranger," which gained immense popularity in China, and "Misaeng: Incomplete Life," a show that resonated deeply with South Korean audiences and was hailed as a cultural phenomenon. Kang continued to build her career with leading roles in various genres, including the romantic comedy "Warm and Cozy" in 2015 and the legal drama "My Lawyer, Mr. Jo" in 2016. In 2019, she returned to the big screen with the cycling film "Uhm Bok-dong," followed by her role in the comedy "Secret Zoo" in 2020, where she plays a veterinarian who pretends to be a lion. Her versatility and charm make her one of the most beloved actresses in the South Korean entertainment landscape.

Notable credits on this site
Kang Ha-neul

Kang Ha-neulas Jang Baek-gi

강하늘
1990-02-21 · Busan, South Korea

Kang Ha-neul, born Kim Ha-neul on February 21, 1990, is a prominent South Korean actor renowned for his diverse roles across film and television. He rose to fame with his performances in the critically acclaimed television dramas "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" (2014) and "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016). His portrayal in "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019) garnered him significant recognition, culminating in the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor. Kang has also made a mark in the film industry, appearing in notable works such as "Twenty" (2015), "Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet" (2016), and "Midnight Runners" (2017). His versatility as an actor led to international acclaim for his role in the highly anticipated second and third seasons of "Squid Game," set to release in 2024 and 2025. Recognized as a prolific Chungmu-ro actor, Kang continues to captivate audiences with his talent and dedication to his craft.

Notable credits on this site
Byun Yo-han

Byun Yo-hanas Han Seok-yool

변요한
1986-04-29 · Incheon, South Korea

Byun Yo-han is a prominent South Korean actor, born on April 29, 1986. Known for his expressive performances and versatility, he has made significant contributions to film, television, and musical theater. Byun began his career in the independent film sector, where he honed his craft through over 30 short films, culminating in a breakthrough role in the indie hit Socialphobia in 2015. His dedication to character-driven narratives set the stage for his rise in mainstream media. His career gained momentum with the 2014 television series Misaeng: Incomplete Life, where he portrayed the quirky intern Han Seok-yool. This performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the APAN Star Awards, marking his transition from indie darling to a recognized television star. Byun's talent shone through in subsequent roles, including the historical drama Six Flying Dragons, where he played the tragic swordsman Ddang-sae, and Mr. Sunshine, capturing the complexities of his characters amidst historical turmoil. Continuing to embrace diverse roles, Byun starred in The Book of Fish and the naval blockbuster Hansan: Rising Dragon, where he portrayed the cunning antagonist Wakizaka Yasuharu. His performances in both films garnered critical acclaim, leading to several Best Supporting Actor awards. Most recently, he has taken on roles in the political drama Uncle Samsik and the thriller Black Out, further solidifying his status as one of South Korea's most esteemed contemporary actors. Byun Yo-han's commitment to emotional authenticity and nuanced storytelling remains the hallmark of his distinguished career.

Notable credits on this site
Streaming

Where to watch

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Episode 1
    Ep 1Episode 1
    2014-10-17 · 90 min

    Given up on becoming a pro board game player, Jang Geu-rae is now an intern struggling to handle corporate life, reliant on his coworker Ahn Young-yi.

  2. Episode 2
    Ep 2Episode 2
    2014-10-18 · 65 min

    Working alone after hours, Geu-rae finds he is isolated from his coworkers despite his boss’s advice on teamwork. Talks of a co-presentation come up.

  3. Episode 3
    Ep 3Episode 3
    2014-10-24 · 68 min

    Geu-rae is left to do all the work when he partners with Han Seok-yool. Kim Dong-shik faces disciplinary action for an issue involving product export.

  4. Episode 4
    Ep 4Episode 4
    2014-10-25 · 72 min

    Geu-rae and Seok-yool stumble in their presentation speech but still impress in their engagement of ideas. A week later, Geu-rae waits for results.

  5. Episode 5
    Ep 5Episode 5
    2014-10-31 · 71 min

    When important materials go missing, Section Chiefs Oh and Chun get into an argument. Young-yi cries after being unfairly scolded by her boss.

  6. Episode 6
    Ep 6Episode 6
    2014-11-01 · 71 min

    After learning that the client is his old schoolmate, Oh is certain the deal will go smoothly, until he is made to wait and pay for a high-end club.

  7. Episode 7
    Ep 7Episode 7
    2014-11-07 · 71 min

    Geu-rae is uneasy when Oh chooses a risky project at a team meeting. Young-yi is ordered to get approval for a project that Finance already rejected.

  8. Episode 8
    Ep 8Episode 8
    2014-11-08 · 72 min

    Oh is given the lead on a project recommended by the IT Sales division. He can hire more personnel if successful, but the client refuses to meet him.

  9. Episode 9
    Ep 9Episode 9
    2014-11-14 · 71 min

    When Park joins the 3rd Sales division, he mocks and overworks Geu-rae. It turns out Geu-rae’s coworkers have also been struggling under the new boss.

  10. Episode 10
    Ep 10Episode 10
    2014-11-15 · 71 min

    After Park sexually harasses an employee, Oh declares that he cannot work with him. Oh realizes something after looking at a project Park recommended.

  11. Episode 11
    Ep 11Episode 11
    2014-11-21 · 71 min

    After revealing Park’s misconduct, Oh is promoted to deputy manager. The 3rd Sales division’s new chief is Chun Kwan-woong, who intimidates Geu-rae.

  12. Episode 12
    Ep 12Episode 12
    2014-11-22 · 71 min

    Restarting Park’s used car export project, the 3rd Sales division faces opposition. When the Director shows interest, they must give a presentation.

  13. Episode 13
    Ep 13Episode 13
    2014-11-28 · 69 min

    The CEO attends the used car export project presentation, which is a success thanks to Oh’s unusual style. The CEO praises Geu-rae for this proposal.

  14. Episode 14
    Ep 14Episode 14
    2014-11-29 · 74 min

    Geu-rae once again remembers that he is the only intern among his peers. He asks Oh if he can become a permanent employee.

  15. Episode 15
    Ep 15Episode 15
    2014-12-05 · 76 min

    Geu-rae continues to work diligently despite learning he can’t become a permanent employee. He goes to town with Baek-gi on an assignment from Oh.

  16. Episode 16
    Ep 16Episode 16
    2014-12-06 · 77 min

    A year and five months after being hired, Geu-rae’s proposal finally gets approved, but Oh is told to remove him as head of the project.

  17. Episode 17
    Ep 17Episode 17
    2014-12-12 · 81 min

    The Director offers the 3rd Sales division a major project, but Oh is suspicious. Kim Dong-shik gets into an argument with coworkers who insulted Oh.

  18. Episode 18
    Ep 18Episode 18
    2014-12-13 · 80 min

    Oh decides to accept the Director’s proposal, but the team quickly runs into difficulties. Kim and the others suggest to withdraw, but Oh is not sure.

  19. Episode 19
    Ep 19Episode 19
    2014-12-19 · 83 min

    The 3rd Sales division is uneasy after Geu-rae voices suspicions about the Director’s project with Seok. The head office launches an investigation.

  20. Episode 20
    Ep 20Episode 20
    2014-12-20 · 89 min

    After the turmoil, the 3rd Sales division finally returns to normal. A new boss arrives with new methods. Meanwhile, Geu-rae’s contract nears its end.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

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

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube

Discovery

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Source: TMDB