[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Radiant Office" Episode 5

It's a week of humor as the underlings watch their managers bicker and act more than a little immature. It is also a week of weighty responsibility and repercussions that may or may not be fair for those receiving them. This hefty cast of characters goes through a lot, and we with them.

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Ha-won is a heroine to be admired. Her tenacity ebbs and flows along with her confidence, but she always finds her feet. She is definite underdog material with her poverty, illness (that I'm not sure is a definite assumption), and need to be on the defensive at all times. But she is relatable and relies on her own grit to get through obstacles.

The managers argue and then take out anger on her and the others below them. It's a definite drawback to the hierarchy of power, not only in Korea, but everywhere. Ha-won is brave to stand up against it, but she does get punished for it. Ji-na, Gi-taek's very selfish ex-girlfriend allows Ha-won to take the blame for a very serious error, and Ha-won is fired. The incident reflects poorly on Woo-jin and his intolerance, but also on Ji-na who allows her stress to dictate her treatment of others. She broke up with Gi-taek and continues to treat him poorly. It infuriates me that he apologizes to her for not understanding her situation when her treatment of him is horrid. When work becomes difficult she even turns to him for help and comfort. She is emotionally abusive and that is not okay.

The trio is still delightful together and I could watch them all day. Chemistry between them is full of warmth and makes their friendship palpable. These relationships are in direct contrast with the others in the show that aren't nearly as transparent, open, supportive, and tender. Take Woo-jin: he is cruel at work, but kind and understanding of Ho-won's thoughtful work as a housekeeper...when he doesn't know that it's her. He has the capability to be kind, so why isn't he? A comment this episode stands out; one about how he runs from job to job when the going gets tough. Is he afraid of failure? If not, what scares him and keeps him on the run?

Written by: Lisa Espinosa AKA Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Radiant Office" is directed by Jeong Ji-in and Park Sang-hoon-III, written by Jeong Hee-hyeon, and features Go Ah-seong, Ha Seok-jin, Lee Dong-hwi, and Hoya.