Good Manager (Chief Kim) is a K-drama about Kim Sung Ryong, an accountant with deep ties to gangsters, who is recruited as a middle manager at TQ Group’s accounting department. Initially motivated by the intention to embezzle funds from the company, his plan takes an unexpected turn as he becomes involved in the complex world of corporate corruption and office politics. As Kim witnesses his colleagues facing injustice and sees the corrupt powers undermining the company, he slowly undergoes a transformation. His journey shifts from personal gain to fighting for employee rights and corporate justice. The series combines comic moments with the serious, often painful, reality of office dynamics, making it a standout drama that expertly blends humor and social commentary. This mixture of light-hearted comedy and hard-hitting critiques of corporate culture makes Good Manager a hidden gem in Korean television.
Here’s a list of K-dramas that share common themes with Good Manager, such as office politics, employee struggles, and the fight against corruption:
10. History of the Salaryman
Storyline: A unique blend of melodrama and comedy, History of the Salaryman takes place in a corporate world filled with intrigue, power struggles, and deceit. The drama is loosely inspired by the famous Chinese novel, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and follows the rise and fall of several characters, each navigating their own ambitions and the cutthroat corporate environment. The story begins with Yoo Bang, who stumbles upon a mysterious murder while searching for something in a villa. What follows is a tale of corporate rivalry and power plays, where the underdog strives to come out on top. Similarities: Much like Good Manager, History of the Salaryman focuses on employees fighting against a corrupt corporate system and the fierce power struggles that exist in the workplace. Both dramas explore how employees can become pawns in the hands of the powerful and how they must rise against unfair treatment.
09. Kkondae Intern
Storyline: Kkondae Intern tells the story of Lee Man Sik, an old-fashioned “kkondae” (a term for someone who imposes outdated, authoritarian methods) who once made his junior, Ga Yeol Chan’s life difficult. After retiring, Lee Man Sik returns to the same company, but this time he finds himself in the role of an intern under Ga Yeol Chan, who now holds a superior position. The drama focuses on their dynamic, with Lee Man Sik trying to adjust to modern work culture while Ga Yeol Chan struggles with his position of authority. Similarities: Like Good Manager, Kkondae Intern explores office dynamics, the clash between traditional and modern working methods, and the resulting conflicts that arise. The drama also touches on themes of workplace justice and fairness, as both leads fight to overcome outdated methods and create a fairer, more open work environment.
Storyline: Misaeng revolves around Jang Geu Rae, a man who failed to become a professional Go player and instead takes an internship at a large company, One International. The drama follows his struggles to adapt to office life and overcome the emotional and professional challenges he faces while trying to prove his worth in the corporate world. His journey is intertwined with his interactions with coworkers, from ambitious seniors to fellow interns, and highlights the harsh realities of office life. Similarities: Both Misaeng and Good Manager address the issues of workplace injustice, personal growth, and the pressure of office life. While Misaeng focuses on the struggles of a young intern navigating corporate life, Good Manager combines comedy with a deeper look at corruption and fighting for fairness within the company, resonating with themes of persistence and fighting for one’s rights.
07. Pegasus Market
Storyline: Pegasus Market tells the story of employees at Cheonlima Mart, a failing retail store that is bought by a powerful corporation, Daemae Group. The staff at the market, often overlooked and dismissed, must find a way to survive and protect their livelihoods while clashing with the corporate giant. The main protagonist, Moon Seok Gu, has grand ambitions to turn the store around and compete with the larger corporation, even if it means going up against powerful and corrupt forces. Similarities: Like Good Manager, Pegasus Market is centered around employees struggling to fight against corporate corruption and survive in a hostile work environment. Both dramas mix comedy with serious themes of injustice and power dynamics in the workplace, making it an engaging watch for fans of Good Manager’s blend of humor and corporate critique.
06. The Queen of Office
Storyline: The Queen of Office focuses on the character of Miss Kim, a temp worker who is far more skilled and capable than her full-time colleagues. Despite being a contract employee, she becomes a critical figure in her workplace, surpassing the abilities of the permanent staff and often outshining her superiors. As she navigates the office’s complex dynamics, Miss Kim must fight against the elite to secure her position and gain the respect she deserves. Similarities: Much like Good Manager, The Queen of Office is packed with both comedy and drama. It addresses themes of office politics, employee competence, and the power struggles between different levels of staff. Both shows explore how individuals must fight to be recognized for their skills and challenge the corporate system for fairness and justice.
07. Witch’s Court
Storyline: Witch’s Court follows Ma Yi Deum, a prosecutor with a pragmatic, materialistic view of justice. Initially focused on advancing her career and securing personal gain, she works on a series of criminal cases, many of which involve powerful individuals. However, her career takes a turn when she uncovers deep corruption within the very system she’s been a part of. As she grapples with the moral complexities of her work, Ma Yi Deum starts to seek out real justice and confronts the ethical dilemmas in her path. Similarities: Like Kim Sung Ryong in Good Manager, Ma Yi Deum begins with self-interest but evolves into a more principled character fighting against corruption. Both protagonists navigate a world filled with corruption, initially driven by personal gain but gradually recognizing the need to fight for justice and fairness. The transformation from personal goals to a sense of justice mirrors Kim’s shift from embezzlement to corporate reform.
Storyline: Radiant Office tells the story of a young woman, Jang Ma Ri, who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and given only a few months to live. With limited time left, she decides to take a bold new step and starts a job at a company that offers little room for personal growth or fairness. As she navigates her new office environment, she becomes determined to improve the toxic culture, confront injustice, and fight for a better work environment not just for herself, but for her coworkers as well. Similarities: Radiant Office shares Good Manager’s focus on the challenges employees face in an office setting, particularly dealing with systemic issues like unfair treatment and corporate corruption. Both shows emphasize how characters struggle to overcome a difficult and often hostile work culture, with a focus on character development and fighting for justice.
05. Voice
Storyline: In Voice, a detective and a profiler team up to hunt down a serial killer who operates under the cover of powerful corporate interests. The drama delves into the dark side of the criminal world, where the justice system is manipulated by those in power, making it harder for the protagonists to bring criminals to justice. Similarities: While not strictly an office drama, Voice shares Good Manager’s focus on uncovering and combating corruption within powerful institutions. Both dramas tackle the theme of individuals struggling against larger forces within the system, with a strong emphasis on justice and moral dilemmas. The tension between those seeking justice and the powerful forces working against them is a central theme in both shows.
04. The Fiery Priest
Storyline: The Fiery Priest follows a priest, Kim Hae Il, who teams up with a detective and a prosecutor to uncover the truth behind the murder of a priest. The investigation uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving a powerful political figure, and the trio works together to expose corruption and bring the criminals to justice. Despite its serious subject matter, the drama is laced with humor and strong moments of camaraderie. Similarities: While The Fiery Priest is not set in a corporate office, it shares Good Manager’s focus on characters working together to fight corruption and uncover hidden truths. The collaboration between the detective, prosecutor, and priest mirrors the teamwork dynamic in Good Manager, where individuals from various backgrounds unite to tackle systemic injustice, mixing humor with serious themes of corruption.
Storyline: Live is a drama that focuses on police officers working to uphold justice in a system fraught with corruption, bureaucracy, and power struggles. The show follows several police officers as they deal with difficult cases, while simultaneously struggling with the realities of their own personal lives and the corrupt structures within the police force. Similarities: Like Good Manager, Live centers on characters who are fighting against systemic corruption and injustices within a large, institutionally powerful system. The show combines dramatic and comedic moments, as well as the theme of personal growth and standing up for what is right, much like Kim Sung Ryong’s transformation from self-interest to justice.
These K-dramas, like Good Manager, address the themes of corruption, office politics, and the personal struggles that characters endure in their quest for justice. Whether it’s within the confines of a corporate setting, the police force, or the courtroom, these shows blend elements of humor and drama as their protagonists fight to uncover the truth and bring about change. If you enjoyed Good Manager, these titles offer a similar mix of personal growth, moral dilemmas, and battles against institutional corruption.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
