Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Seo In-guk, Kim Ji-hyun tackle tvN workplace romance 'See You at Work Tomorrow!'
Actors Seo In-guk, left, and Kim Ji-hyun, second from left, pose with other cast memebers during a press conference for tvN's upcoming drama "See You at Work Tomorrow!" in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of CJ ENM
By Park Jin-hai
Actor Seo In-guk is ready to set hearts fluttering once again in the upcoming romantic comedy series, "See You at Work Tomorrow!"
Adapted from a hit Kakao Webtoon title that amassed over 200 million views, the drama centers on everyday office workers who faithfully clock in each morning despite emotional burnout and personal storms. By blending witty corporate satire with irresistible romantic tension, the series seeks to deliver the ultimate modern workplace romance.
Seo steps into the role of Kang Si-woo, a meticulous team leader at Saeum Electronics who prioritizes logic, principles and efficiency above all else. In the office, Si-woo is notoriously dubbed the "three-no man" — signifying his total lack of smiles, people skills and apologies.
"The role immediately triggered my desire to take on a new challenge," Seo said. "While expressing extreme emotions in high-stakes thrillers is difficult, pulling off the natural conversations and understated reactions of everyday life is equally challenging. Si-woo is a highly restrained character who keeps everything under strict self-control. Honestly, he’s the type of person who would try to plan out his own dreams. I really wanted to dive into a character like that."
Director Cho Eun-sol revealed that the webtoon's main character instantly brought Seo to his mind during development. “Si-woo is a man of few words, meaning he requires an actor with a delicate touch — someone who can make viewers' hearts race with just a single glance," she said. "So I actively pursued Seo. Now that filming has wrapped, I truly can’t imagine anyone else in the role. He completely embodied Si-woo.”
Seo In-guk in a scene from tvN's new romantic comedy series "See You at Work Tomorrow!" / Courtesy of CJ ENM
Starring opposite Seo is Park Ji-hyun as Cha Ji-yoon, a senior associate in the same division who is battling severe burnout brought on by a monotonous routine and an endless corporate workload.
Cho explained that she specifically cast Park for her rare ability to portray "ordinariness" with depth.
"Playing an ordinary character is actually the hardest feat in acting; it requires immense skill," Cho explained. "I met her at an audition years ago, and she left a lasting impression. She is a beautiful, elegant actress, but there is also an incredibly lovely, down-to-earth quality to her. I’ve been quietly rooting for her ever since, and I knew I wanted to be the director to helm her very first romance."
Park described her character as a deeply relatable figure defined by personal growth. "Ji-yoon never gives up despite failures; she relentlessly chases her aspirations. She’s the kind of character you can't help but root for. I hope viewers can find a sense of comfort and healing through her journey," she said.
The director said the word "love" might feel a bit old-fashioned or like a cliche from a period piece, but her drama wholeheartedly embraces it. "It portrays realistic romance in a way that is bold, mature and passionate. It’s a story about loving and working intensely — it’s going to be the hottest drama of the summer," Cho promised.
Reflecting on her inspiration for the project, the director recalled how deeply the story resonated with her own life. “The script was just so much fun. At the time, I was enduring a grueling daily commute on the KTX train, and reading this script made my exhausting journey home genuinely exciting. I knew right then that this would be the perfect drama for working professionals to unwind with — something to enjoy over a cold beer after a long shift or after putting the kids to bed," she said.
Ultimately, the director believes the show's greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity. “Viewers will experience a wonderful vicarious satisfaction, feeling as though they are stepping into Ji-yoon’s shoes. I hope they find a true sense of catharsis as they laugh and cry alongside our characters."
The drama will premiere on June 22. For international viewers, it will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.