The Korean Average Joe Drama Starring Im Si-wan and Kang Ha-neul: Season 2 in the Works?

Anticipation is building for a second season of tvN's Friday-Saturday drama Misaeng.

Originally aired in 2014, Misaeng struck a chord with office workers and young professionals alike, earning widespread acclaim. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Yoon Tae-ho, the drama follows the journey of Jang Geu-rae (played by Im Si-wan), a young man who once dedicated his life to professional Go (baduk) but is forced to navigate the harsh realities of corporate life after failing to join the professional leagues.

The series vividly portrays the struggles and aspirations of employees fighting to survive in a competitive workplace, likening the corporate world to a Go board. Its realism and emotional depth made it a must-watch for many.

The cast, including Im Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, Kang So-ra, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Dae-myung, and Byun Yo-han, delivered stellar performances. Im Si-wan earned praise for his heartfelt portrayal of Jang Geu-rae’s struggles as a newcomer in the workforce, while Lee Sung-min left a lasting impression as the stern yet deeply human Manager Oh.

Beyond workplace challenges, Misaeng also captured the nuances of human relationships, making it both relatable and moving. Its combination of a well-crafted storyline, masterful direction, and the high-quality adaptation of its webtoon source material contributed to its immense popularity, earning it the nickname "The Salaryman’s Handbook."

Even years after its conclusion, Misaeng remains a cultural touchstone. A clip compilation uploaded to tvN’s official YouTube channel last September drew comments such as:

In light of this enduring enthusiasm, Misaeng’s 10th anniversary last year saw a special screening event at CGV, where discussions about a potential sequel caught public attention. Director Kim Won-seok expressed interest in producing a second season, fueling excitement.

Regarding the sequel, Studio Dragon shared on January 9, “There have been discussions about a second season, but no final decision has been made as we are considering various factors.” As of now, no formal agreements have been made with the original cast.

A broadcasting insider commented, “Although Director Kim has shown interest in Season 2, concrete discussions have yet to begin.”

Fans continue to eagerly await news of a possible continuation of this beloved story.