What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? (2018)

김비서가 왜 그럴까? (What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?) is a romantic comedy centered on Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon), a narcissistic yet highly competent vice chairman of a major corporation, and his long-time secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young), who unexpectedly announces her resignation after nine years of dedicated service. Shocked and unable to understand her decision, Young-joon embarks on a mission to make her stay, leading to unexpected romantic tension, comedic misunderstandings, and heartfelt revelations. As they navigate their evolving relationship, hidden past traumas and childhood connections come to light, making their love story both hilarious and deeply moving.

In Episode 10, Young-joon unexpectedly shows up at the vacation house where Mi-so is staying with her two sisters for a family gathering. Determined to be part of her personal life, he arrives uninvited, much to Mi-so’s shock and embarrassment. As he awkwardly tries to impress her sisters and integrate into their casual family time, his usual confident demeanor wavers, revealing a more endearing and vulnerable side. The episode is filled with humorous yet heartwarming moments as Mi-so sees Young-joon in a new light, bringing them closer than ever.

From Office to Home: Young-joon Steps Into Mi-so’s World

One of the most meaningful moments in this episode revolves around 바지락 칼국수 (Clam Knife-Cut Noodle Soup), which serves as a key bonding experience for the couple. While staying on the 서해안 (West Coast of Korea) with her sisters, Mi-so suggests collecting 바지락 조개 (Manila clams) from the 갯벌 (mudflats) to make fresh 바지락 칼국수. The 서해안 is known for its vast tidal flats, which are revealed as 밀물 (high tide) recedes and 썰물 (low tide) exposes the seabed, making it an ideal place for clam digging. Despite his inexperience, Young-joon joins in, struggling yet determined to participate in Mi-so’s world.

Later, as they cook and enjoy the 바지락 칼국수, the meal becomes a quiet moment of connection—a shared experience that fosters warmth and familiarity. For Mi-so, it evokes memories of home and family, while for Young-joon, it’s a rare, unguarded moment of simplicity and togetherness. Through this, their relationship transitions from one defined by professional boundaries to something more personal and intimate.

The Significance of 칼국수

칼국수 (Kalguksu) is a traditional Korean noodle soup made with hand-cut wheat 
flour noodles served in a rich, flavorful broth. Its name comes from 칼 (kal, knife) and 국수 (guksu, noodles), as the dough was traditionally rolled out and cut by hand rather than being made with a machine.

For centuries, 칼국수 has been a popular comfort food among common people (서민) due to its affordability, warmth, and simple yet satisfying flavors. The dish varies depending on the broth, with common versions including 바지락 칼국수 (clam broth), 닭 칼국수 (chicken broth), and 소고기 칼국수 (beef broth). In the past, families prepared 밀가루 반죽 (wheat flour dough) at home, rolling and slicing it before cooking. However, with modern conveniences, pre-cut, frozen, and refrigerated 칼국수 noodles are now widely available in supermarkets.

Despite these changes, homemade 칼국수 remains a cherished dish, often enjoyed on rainy days or during moments of nostalgia, providing a comforting taste of tradition and home.

Watch a video - how to make 바지락 칼국수

A Deeper Meaning for Mi-so

As the show progresses, it is revealed that 바지락 칼국수 carries a deeper emotional weight for Mi-so. While it initially seems like just a comforting meal, it later becomes clear that the dish is a symbol of loss and longing, tied to childhood memories that she cherishes yet cannot revisit.

This revelation adds depth to the earlier scene—what was once a casual meal becomes a quiet moment of healing and understanding. Without realizing it, Mi-so shares a part of her past with Young-joon, and through this, their relationship deepens. The simple act of making and eating 바지락 칼국수 is no longer just about nourishment; it is about shared emotions, unspoken pain, and the quiet ways love and connection can manifest.

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