[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Radiant Office" Episode 8

"Radiant Office" if full of the typical office hierarchical dog poop, but more than that it is a show full of heart. At the core of all the office politics is a group of people who are complex and worth getting to know.

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The person who continually surprises me is Ji-na. Although selfish, she is a woman who does see Gi-taek for who he is and cares for his well-being. She is more than a pretty face and the snotty attitude she wears as a shiny veneer. It is she who figures out the solution to the core problem of this episode. Part of me really wants her to woo Gi-taek after throwing him away so carelessly. They both understand each other much better now and it could possibly work a lot better.

As for Ho-won, her illness is an underlying concern for her, but that thought seems to continually escape the overarching plot at times. Only when dramatics are needed does it crop up. I'm very convinced it isn't a real thing at this point. Undoubtedly Woo-jin's discovery of her "illness" will push him closer to her, but I don't think it was necessary. Her verve and personality had already drawn his interest.

The trio itself is such a delightful group of friends. Three disparate personalities come together over suffering and the same work and become close friends. Kang-ho and Gi-taek move in together, a good move for both young men who flounder alone and seem more grounded with the support of friendship. In fact, friendship does seem to be the answer for all three formerly suicidal young workers -- the friendship is a joy to watch.

Another surprise is Woo-jin who knows when to admit his error and is even quicker to clean up situations by taking responsibility himself. So many of the tsundere types aren't so quick to action and that makes his Ha Seok-won character different from the others he has played. His willingness to let the temporary workers work hard and prove themselves is in fact molding them into the very workers he needs. The others in the office are noticing even if management does not -- yet.

I'm enjoying this drama a lot. It has heart. There are inconsistencies, especially in the interoffice dramatics and with Ho-won's illness. But it's good where it counts, and that's in building interpersonal relationship. I can get behind that.

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.