Work Later, Drink Now

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Analysis

Season 1

Synopsis

Ahn So Hee, Han Ji Yeon and Kang Ji Gu are best friends. They love meeting after work and drinking together. As they share these happy moments, they also talk about their lives, as they experience love, pain, and a whole lot of different situations.

My Opinion (No Spoiler)

This drama literally came as a surprise! At first, I was drawn to it by the cast (the main quartet is pretty amazing) and the short format (12 episodes of about 45 minutes). But the more I watched it, the better it got. It was a clever mix of hilarious scenes, life-like experiences and lessons to take away! All in all, this is a real feel-good drama that will make you want to become one of the “Drinking Avengers”.

Analysis (Spoiler Alert)

Characters: This start-studded quartet is as atypical as it is heartwarming. The female trio is really made up of very different, if not opposite personalities, that somehow compensate each other and create a fabulous chemistry. A friendship that anyone would want to find in life.

Ahn So Hee (Lee Sun Bin) is, in my opinion, the most “normal” woman of the group, if normality actually exists. She has a stable job as a TV variety show writer, job that she happened to find totally by chance, when she auditioned for a role in a variety show. Over the years, she has revealed her potential as a great writer, who is also loved by her juniors. Indeed, she is protective towards them and very supportive as well, when it comes to defending their ideas and positions. Family-wise, So Hee is an only child, who has an excellent relationship with her parents. Not the most extraordinary background! And yet, what really makes So Hee charming and so atypical at the same time is her rather weird tastes, especially in men.

Working as a PD for the same variety show as So Hee, there is Kang Buk Gu (Choi Si Won). He is everything that a typical woman would not want: he has a dirty appearance, he is stingy (he doesn’t pay drinks to his team for instance), he is always against ideas approved by the majority of the team and seems to always make important decisions on his own. Despite all that, So Hee gradually falls for him, the more he reveals his unappealing charms. On top of that, So Hee’s stubbornness, strong-headedness and impulsivity sometimes get the best of her, since this is the reason why she ends up sleeping with Buk Gu.

Although they don’t appear to be the couple of the year, these two actually match in a lot of awkward ways and always seem to compensate the other’s defaults: So Hee is an excellent drinker, Buk Gu can’t drink a single glass of alcohol without falling asleep; Buk Gu suffers from impotency, except when he is with So Hee; So Hee tried to become a comedian but her jokes always failed, except with Kang Buk Gu; and finally, their encounter is kind of a fateful one, since they randomly met years ago first at a restaurant and then at the TV station, where So Hee got her job as a writer. Of course, So Hee didn’t remember, but Buk Gu engraved this woman in his mind and saw their re-encounter as a sign of destiny.

Also, it could seem as if their relationship won’t be able to withstand the hardships of life due to its eccentricity, yet we get to know a new facet of Kang Buk Gu, when So Hee brutally loses her father. The comical character disappears for a time and we discover a reliable, strong shoulder, a man that can be sweet, soft and helpful under all circumstances, proving that the character’s immaturity is just a facade and that behind hides a responsible adult.

The second branch of that trio is Han Ji Yeon (Han Sun Hwa). She is probably the craziest character out of the three and the most eccentric character I have ever seen in a drama! Ji Yeon is a beautiful young woman, she currently teaches yoga, after losing her job as a nutritionist. If she didn’t exist, we would definitely have to create her: she is bold, reckless, doesn’t care about clichés, manners, conventions, stereotypes, she does what her heart dictates. Although she seems to be naive, dumb and easy to fool, she is far from being a stupid beautiful woman. On the contrary, Ji Yeon often reveals herself to be a genius, especially when it comes to life issues. She is an old, wise soul, hidden behind a mask of innocence.

I think Ji Yeon’s best trait is that she is the brightest and most positive person ever. She always sees the good part and doesn’t let herself dwell on the negative events. She has an optimism that could shake even the worst pessimist. Still, just like Kang Buk Gu, she also has a responsible side of her. She is a protective friend and knows how to take matters in hand, when need be. During So Hee’s father’s funeral, she is the first one to come and to prepare in order to unburden her friend and her family. The reason is quite simple, Ji Yeon lost her mother at a very young age an ended up an orphan quite quickly. Thus, she has already been through the pain and knows how difficult it is to overcome grief. As if her life was not difficult even, Ji Yeon is confronted with breast cancer at the end of the drama: a disease that she beats once again thanks to her bright and positive mindset, she beats it so well by the way that she even manages to date her nurse (who in that case is a man).

But Ji Yeon’s personality wouldn’t be complete without a special mention of her love interests. She, just like So Hee, has very specific criteria: she loves the smell metal, she wants someone who is willing to marry quick (like real quick after a week of dating) and who wants to have children, and of course someone who enjoys lukewarm soju and drinking as much as her. If the man matches these criteria, Ji Yeon doesn’t care if he has kids, is divorced or suffers from weird conditions. She gives her all and that’s it!

The last of our trio is the cold and taciturn Kang Ji Gu (Jung Eun Ji). Just like the other characters, Ji Gu also hides another face of her personality: one that is sensible, vulnerable and hurt. Even though she seems to be a force to be reckoned with, a strong and solid person, who can’t be shaken by anybody, she still carries her share of pain. Indeed, before becoming a YouTuber folding origami, she was a history teacher as per her mother’s wishes. She was loved by her students and stroke then as a cool teacher. However, her life took another turn when she learned through pain that one of her students committed suicide. The female high school student was indeed a lesbian, but rejected by her family and ostracized for her sexual preference. Not capable of handling the pressure anymore, she preferred to put an end to it by ending her life, despite Ji Gu’s help. Since then, Ji Gu has never been the same. The only reason why she could stand on her feet after the incident is because her friends were there to support her, without ever asking questions or trying to know more about the incident. This event also destroyed Ji Gu’s relationship with her mother, who didn’t understand he daughter’s grief and thus created a gap between them.

Apart from that, Ji Gu is the most loyal friend of the group, capable of running 5 kilometers in 2 minutes if one of the group is in danger. She would move mountains if it meant helping them, a loyalty that is really heartwarming and makes us want to all have a Ji Gu for a friend. If that were not even, her love interest with the other origami star on YouTube is cute and lovely, promising a lot of nice moments in the future.

Ambiance: This drama is definitely a feel-good drama, but one that might take you by surprise with its unexpected turns of events: funeral, suicide, breast cancer…. Although the tone is generally lighthearted and give way to hilarious moments, the drama also incorporates true and honest life events, that come as brutally in the drama as they happen in life. Work Later, Drink Now is a roller coaster of emotions, that will make you go through the entire spectrum from love to grief. So put your seatbelt on, enjoy the ride and prepare a good drink to either cheer with your friends or drink your sorrow!

Analysis: The drama does an excellent job at tackling, with a certain subtlety and an underlying humor, some serious and difficult topics. It exposes these themes without ever becoming too sentimental of glamorizing events.

Here are some of the themes that appear throughout the drama: suicide at school, homosexuality and discrimination, grief, death of a parent, breast cancer, male impotency, but also break-ups, being cheated on, family quarrels, sexual harassment at work, animal mistreatment…

Alcohol as an excuse: Although I am pretty sure I should be concerned about these women’s addiction to alcohol, the liquor in that drama actually serves as either an introduction or an excuse to further dive into the main themes present. Alcohol enables the main trio to experience life and go through it, its ups and downs, together, to overcome difficult moments but also to celebrate happy moments and victories. The drama is an ode to life, to friendship and to love and what better beverage to party over it than alcohol!

Acting performance: There is no way to describe how good the acting performance is in that drama! Lee Sun Bin is at the top of her game, oscillating between emotional scenes (funeral) and hilarious insult rapping moments (her tongue twister is not joke). Han Sun Hwa, Jung Eun Ji and Choi Si Won really managed to give depth and life to their respective characters, which really makes you want to join the team! Well done everyone!

Cameos: The cameos in Work Later, Drink Now are as prestigious as hilarious! I will never forget poor Kim Ji Seok in episode 1, who is desperately trying to survive his three dates with each of these ladies! It really sets to the tone for the rest of the drama! Others are worth mentioning like Sung Jae Rim and Yoon Shi Yoon at the end!

P.S.: Am I the only one who thinks that these women have a serious alcohol addiction?

Season 2

My Opinion (No Spoiler)

Without much surprise, the second season of Work Later, Drink Now was as good as season 1. The drama tackled some new themes focused on 3 main pillars: Family, Friendship and Love, while continuing So Hee, Ji Gu and Ji Yeon’s adventures with subtlety, originality and freshness!

Analysis (Spoiler Alert)

A strong friendship through the ups and downs of life:

The last episode of season 1 had left me with a great concern that needed to be resolved in season 2: Han Ji Yeon’s cancer. This news was properly the most serious of the drama that put the 3 women’s friendship at test. However, none of them waver in the face of adversity. Both Ahn So Hee and Kang Ji Gu supported Ji Yeon taking a rather extreme path. The 3 of them left the city, convinced that a fresher and purer air would help clean Ji Yeon of her sickness. They established themselves deep in the mountains, building their house from the ground up, and disappearing from their family’s and colleagues lives. Despite the difficulties of living in the woods, they stood strong and managed to survive for 3 long years. Miraculously, Ji Yeon got better until she officially considered in remission. At that point on, the best friends came back to the city to re-start their lives where they had stopped them.

By leaving behind their careers, aspirations and people, Ji Gu and So Hee demonstrated their love and devotion towards Ji Yeon. Better than sisters, the trio emphasizes the power of people around you when you are at your lowest, and how these same people can elevate you to be your greatest self. The plot twist sheds light on the importance of human relationships, and how people can overcome just any hurdles if they’re together.

Though the drama starts with proof of selflessness and love towards a friend, the ending goes through a few bumps for the 3 women. Indeed, Han Ji Yeon’s love and will to protect Ji Gu from ‘bad guys’ has always turned into her trying to seduce Ji Gu’s potential boyfriends. Although she does it with good intentions – she doesn’t want her naive friend to get hurt – her behavior is misunderstood by Ji Gu and So Hee and causes them to fall apart. They argue, Ji Yeon moves out of the house, and they even cut ties. Of course, the quarrel doesn’t last for more than a week. The trio reunites quickly, after explaining everything. This reconciliation leads to a new chapter of Ji Gu, So Hee and Ji Yeon’s lives. Indeed, each of them slowly starts to fly out of the nest (their flat-sharing) and begin new adventures abroad and/or with new people. Despite the distance, the friendship doesn’t changed. They remain the same, though living a bit further from each other. The last scene at the wedding of Ji Yeon’s doctor shows that true friendship withstands just anything, and that true friends only wish the best for you, while supporting you every step of the way whether physically at your side or in your heart.

Family, this complex creation:

Apart from friendship, family is also put forward, especially the part played by mothers in their children’s lives. For the 3 heroines, family is a concept that is translated differently, as each is confronted with her own personal hurdles.

Kang Ji Gu has been in a constant confrontation with her mother (even in season 1). They seem to be unable to communicate, as Ji Gu somehow resents her mother. Despite that, they know deep down the love they bear for each other. Though subtle in the drama, this feeling transpires in all the small gestures (like Ji Gu’s mother leaving side dishes in her daughter’s fridge).

Han Ji Yeon lost her mother to cancer – as we discover in season 1 – but doesn’t talk much about her. It’s only in season 2 that we get to see more of Ji Yeon’s past, her upbringing, her mother’s influence on her life. Despite similarities, their relationship – and that with alcohol! – is funny and heartwarming. It’s clear from the get-go they had a special bond, and that her death deeply scarred Ji Yeon. Yet, this is not the only revelation we get regarding Ji Yeon’s family. Against all odds, the crazy woman manages to find her father, a man she had never seen in her life. After a brief talk, Ji Yeon comforts him by admitting she’s lived well and doesn’t resent him at all, probably alleviating a weight off of his shoulders.

Han So Hee’s family was the most developed in season 1. Her parents were a lovey-dovey couple, but the sudden death of her father shocked everyone. While So Hee was living in the woods to support Ji Yeon, So Hee’s mother started to feel depressed. The absence of her husband (of several decades) left an empty spot in the house, her life and her heart. Thanks to Kang Bok Goo, she managed to overcome her grief. He visited So Hee’s mother regularly to give her company, and helped remodel the house to make sure she would move on from the past and live in the present. This change was not well accepted by So Hee, who had the impression that her mother was trying to erase her father from their memories. However, the situation gets solved, as the daughter understands her mother has the right to move on too.

Not only the main trio, but also secondary characters give glimpses on the tough, and sometimes complex, familial relationships that exist.
Kang Bok Goo confesses that his mother committed suicide in front of him, then his alcoholic father kept on comparing him with her. Bok Goo tried to flee his resemblance by gaining weight. He got bullied and ill-treated, until he decided he’d had enough. He got slimmer and got away from his father, although the latter would constantly reappear in his life drunk, like a ghost of the past. The same way Bok Goo mended So Hee’s relationship with her mother, she becomes a bridge between the two men. She declares she’d take care of his father with him and asks the drunkard to go to rehab, which he does.
The drama also explores the ties between siblings using Kim Sun Jung (Yu In Young) and Kim Sun Kook (Joo Eo Jin) as main leads. In the past, both used to be very close, but had a fall out while growing up. Ever since, they have been unable to communicate properly. On top of that, they are quite different personality-wise. One is introverted and quiet (Sun Kook), while the other is louder and shows her emotions more, though she tries to cover this side using meditation and yoga. Thankfully, Ji Yeon’s intervention saves the day. She forces the two of them to confront each other – while drunk – and to make peace once and for all. It’s Ji Yeon’s way of thanking Sun Young for having been a friend when she argued with Ji Gu and So Hee.

Love is made for me and you:

I couldn’t finish this review without mentioning the romance. Season 2 has lots of it compared to season 1, and to my greatest pleasure! The most obvious one is the relationship between So Hee and Bok Goo that only strengthens throughout these new episodes. From lovers/one-night stands/friends with benefits (call it what you want), they move on to being a real couple with all the implications that go with it (family, own insecurities…). I really loved this pair to be honest! They are couple goals in the sense that they are always here for the other, despite the wait, the distance, other people’s talk, their families… They are never swayed and remain true to themselves and their love – even if So Hee takes longer to admit it.

The second great couple is naturally Ji Goo and Mr. Nice Paper a.k.a. Woo Ju (Yoon Shi Yoon). Even if he was briefly introduced in season 1, he truly shone in season 2. He’s Ji Goo’s perfect match, simply put! Even Ji Yeon realizes that, hence their argument. Woo Ju is kind, patient, and empathetic. He’s warm and somewhat tenacious. All the qualities necessary to win Ji Gu’s heart over. On top of that, he knows how to handle babies, which makes him even more husband material according to our 3 friends! At the end of the drama, Woo Ju asks Ji Gu if she wants to go to London with him. Indeed, he’s had nothing but great opportunities ever since he’s met her, reinforcing his feeling that she’s the one. Ji Gu accepts, but change of plans at the last minute. Both end up touring Africa, as Ji Gu declares during the wedding. These 2 are my favorite couple of the drama I think. They are taking their time confessing, but it really seemed as though they were meant-to-be, as they keep on meeting each other in random places. Plus, Ji Gu means ‘Earth’ in Korean and Woo Ju ‘Universe’. What more proof do you need?

Finally, there’s Ji Yeon’s romance(s). And even that aspect of her life corresponds her perfectly. At the end of the drama, she still hasn’t found the perfect match, but she’s met several men who could be called as such (2 in Thailand and of course my personal favorite, Sun Kook). I’m not sure about her future lover, but I really hope it turns out to be Kim Sun Kook, knowing everything they’ve already experienced together.

P.S.: Once again, we got great cameos in the drama, especially that of Son Ho Jun as Ji Yeon’s male alter ego. It was hilarious to watch and, not going to lie, super tiring too!