Kang Ho (Eric), a graduate of a provincial university; Lee Mi-ok (Han Ga-in), a female contract worker; Lee Bong-sam (Oh Ji-ho), the stereotypical elite professional; and Seo Hyeon-a (Lee So-yeon), the privileged child from an impressive family background. These are the four “rookie” employees of the fictional LK group whose struggles for survival are the subject of MBC’s hit show “Super Rookie.” The drama, which has recently recorded ratings in the 20% range, is a brisk, lighthearted satire on corporate culture and unemployment among the younger generation. It is eliciting varying responses from professionals in their 20s and 30s, sometimes offering catharsis through identification (“That’s exactly what I went through!”) and at others receiving criticism for unreality (“There’s no way that sort of thing could happen!”). So how do real “rookies” in large corporations view the show? Three new employees from Samsung, LG, and SK engaged in a free discussion on the MBC drama.

Lucky Kang Ho Can Be Annoying-


Cho Dae-gon: Every time I watch “Super Rookie,” I feel like it’s my own story. Even my boss asks, “Did you see yesterday’s episode?” and says half-jokingly, “Although you don’t have Kang Ho’s looks, you should at least try to take after his spirit and ambition!”


Lee Eun-ho: But sometimes Kang Ho seems to lack an intellectual side or even basic etiquette. Sleeping until 10:00 a.m. in the conference room, or impulsive actions like putting makeup on his own face at his desk in order to research the product—that sort of thing is unrealistic.


Kim Hyeon-jin: On the show, Kang Ho always emphasizes the fact that he graduated from a provincial university. But in real companies, not all graduates from universities outside of Seoul act like Kang and broadcast their academic background. On the contrary, most of them quietly go about their work.


Mi-ok Lacks Professionalism-


Lee: Kang Ho once joined Mi-ok, who is a contract employee, in a rally to “abolish discrimination against contract workers” at the front entrance to the company building. I was really impressed by that. In fact, I wish Mi-ok could be portrayed not simply as a contract worker, but a professional career woman who is an equal to the regular employees.


Kim: Maybe it’s because I’m a woman, but I view the character of Lee Mi-ok as representing female culture within large corporations. She didn’t draw much attention when she was in a uniform hidden behind horn-rimmed glasses, but when she appeared in regular clothes with makeup on, a lot of men began drooling over her. And after that, she’s been regarded not as a contract employee, but an ordinary woman who occupies one end of a romantic triangle.


Hyeon-a Needs to Be More Ruthless-


Cho: I think Seo Hyeon-a, the show’s villainess, is the least realistic character of all. Who nowadays brags about being an executive’s daughter in a professional environment? It’s more likely that such a person would try to hide that fact as much as possible. If an executive’s daughter were to receive special treatment, the organization would be in shambles. In this age of cutthroat corporate competition, a company that engages in such behavior would fall behind.


Kim: If Hyeon-a concealed her family background and became more ruthless, she would be quite an arresting female character. As she is, Hyeon-a is rather lukewarm. And Lee Bong-sam isn’t a 100 percent villain either. He experiences his own tears and frustrations, and we see a lot of his human side.


Lee: On the show, Director Song criticizes Bong-sam by saying, “The problem with kids like you is your textbook way of thinking. You always come up with the same answers.” Lee Bong-sam is portrayed as the victim of Korea’s standardized education. The amazing thing is that he always feels jealous of Kang Ho, who’s from a provincial university.


Wishing Bong-sam Would Be Rewarded for His Efforts-


Kim: I guess that’s more apparent because Kang Ho and Bong-sam are on the same team. I have a colleague at work who began the same year as I did, and I feel a sense of competition as well. My desire to do better fuels that feeling. But I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. Rather, I’m annoyed from time to time to see Kang Ho have all the good luck. Bong-sam’s unfaltering pursuit of his goal appeals to me more.


Lee: I believe that Bong-sam has a higher chance of surviving at his company. Kang Ho has a lot of lightning-flash ideas that seem attractive for the moment. But someone like that tends to show his limits the higher he climbs up the corporate ladder. I feel like Bong-sam, who is consistent in his efforts, will come out on top in the end.


Cho: It would be great if “Super Rookie” ended with the message that a person who works steadily toward his or her goal, rather than someone who has good luck or gets chance opportunities, will eventually succeed. Because that’s the hope of all of us real “rookies.”

He's really cute in this one. He acts really funny and well. I like this show. It's not too weepy and Eric is hilarious.

this series is so hilarious... ERic kill it... he's so funny... i love his character in there. i'm still watching it...

I saw the first ep. of this. It really funny. I love eirc so much in this...eventhough he look like a bump he still look hot. Cant resist his hotness.

I just fisinh watching "Super Rookie" I love this drama this drama is one of my fav. korean drama in 2005.

I very like Eric a lot.When hear that Eric going be a new drama i kinda scary that the main girl might be ugly she might not match Eric but i was wrong she (Han Ga In) is so pretty and she very match Eric but sad she marry oh well





Oh this drama is a happy end dont need to worry.

eric is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but OMG that other male lead ... #&%#*%&#(*&%*(#& IS stunning! hehe yeah man ... he's evil, but i dig him!

This drama is completely wicked awesome! Eric nailed the thing flat out. He was completely the best thing to watch on screen, so adorable and funny.
Gosh.
I'm going to watch it again.... and again...
and again i suppose

Eric was better in super rookie than phoenix. I like episode 14 when he started to dance...that was cool. I think Eric looks best with Lee Hyori.

keke i loved Super Rookie! Eric was so adorable in it...he made me crack up alot
Even though there are loopholes to the plot and such and its sorta unbelievable, its still great fun to watch!

yup eric ends up with the lead actress!!!

i LUB eric, but gosh ur right ... that other dude was some mega chunk of eye candy alright! n i do still prefer erics role in the 1st half of phoenix. what a cassonova!

Yay so happy that the ending is good. I'm so tired of all those usual Korean endings where some one has to have some kind of uncurable disease and die! so depressing i've just been wondering what to start watching too. After reading the posts and discussion on this forum, i think i'm gona give this series a try. thx everyone

I've just started watching the first few episodes of this series.
It's a pretty funny series to see how the main character managed to get into a top company due to a machine failure.

hmmm... is this really a good series?? because now i'm thinking of wat korean series to watch next...i just have finished my name is kim sam soon...really great serires...

hmm..since there are also good comments bout this one...seems like im gonna buy it then...

just hope i'm not gonna be disappointed with this one.. '

This series is soo funny. It made me laugh the whole time. I've already watched it once and now I'm watching it over again. Eric and Han Ga-in is a perfect match!! Why did she married to Yeon Jung Hoon ??? (
To chubbiiazn, on soompi.com they have super rookie available for download but with no eng subtitles. U should buy it. This one's worth buying!!! Eric ROCKS!!

Oh yea and Oh Ji Ho who plays Lee Bong Sam is one hottie too. ^.^

of course she will on episode 10 I think. She'll look super gorgeous then!!! Every guys in the office just stare at her

The ending was good n btw the sad thing is the main artress(Han Ga In) is married '

I've watched up to Chap 8 and it's way good. D-addict haven't got all the subtitles so I've ordered the series...I highly recommend this series. so unlike other korean series I've watched.

Does anyone have the lyrics for the songs in the OST?
Konglish and translations.

totally agree with u!! Eric is sooo adorable here!! and he's really funny!! Han Ga In is so preety especially without glasses!!

Yea...that's just what i thought when i saw the trailer from goodenter! LOL!
Eric is such a sexy guy rite now! that is a lodo sad that they aren't really a couple.
but you know she's got a husband and he's got a girlfran.....but yea...lol i wanna see the movie so bad!!!!!

True k-drama mostly have a stupid ill i get tire watching k-drama like that.
Oh u sure get this drama a try i love it.

very good drama...very hilarious!!! eric is so funny...his brother is the funniest... recommend this to everyone... go watch this!!

YAY! finished watching super rookie. i thought it was pretty good... the brother character in the series made me laugh so much. but otherwise i didn't think it was as funny as some other people said it was. i duno, maybe some of the humour got lost in translation??? but i really liked the story because it's not one of those typical k-drama endings. i hope more k-dramas come out that are funny like super rookie... hhahah hopefully with other good looking and good actors like in this drama. any recommendations? on another note, after watching the drama, i've been looking like mad for the lyrics for the OST. Anyone know where i can find?

Thx!

halfway through this drama, its ok... moves pretty slow. There are some funny moments, but not enough!! It doesnt make me sit there and wanna continue watching.. but i'm watching for the sake of finishing it

I'm in the middle of this drama and it's very nice to watch. Eric is really cute in this one and that other guy is good looking too dl it right now so I have to waith before I can watch the rest of the serie.
The songs in this serie are nice too.

this was the first series i have seen with eric n he was hilarious, he's reallly cute n he's really good portraying this character... n i can't wait to watch his new movie june's diary Right? n i hope to watch phoenix too luved the part when he was daydreaming about how he knew how to speak english heheheh...

I;m only up to eps 14, but so far so good. Eric is extremely funny in it. I luv the way he portrays Kang Ho. Also how he just likes to go over to his friends place and eat the noodles his friend was cooking for himself. hahaha ^^

I have to admit that I wasn't expecting too much from this drama but it ended up being pretty good...haha It was really funny... eric mun "kang Ho" did a really good job in this drama...it's a must watch in my books

i can't say that this was a GREAT series.. but it was good n funny 2 watch! cos Eric was absolutely cute n adorable inside!! i was laughing like mad when he was imagining tht he could speak english really well.. YOUR EYES...hahahahhaa... that was darn funny!!!

I like this series, it's funny. I think Ha Ga In looked absolutely adorable in this.
Even with that glasses on

WOW... This serie "Super Rookie" sounds interesting and hopefully there is a Cantonese Version for this serie!!!! The main characters in this Serie look awesome!!!! I love the themesong... even though i dont uinderstand Korean...

you will really enjoy Super Rookie. eric mun is good here. out of the
3 series mentioned above, Super Rookie gets my nod. Princess Lulu
isn't so much fun as Super Rookie. although these two series' have
happy endings. Forbidden Love has a sad ending.

really good drama! i like eric´s role in the drama.. so fun to watch him..

Yeah, Now this series onair in Thailand.I think Eric have a good job in thsi drama.

I just finished the drama last week. Here is my 2 cents.

I was quite annoyed with Kang Ho for the first few episodes. I mean he is kind of person doing nothing and....seriously his brain was not working at all in the beginning. But after many many down times he started to chang himself alot. I also was very impress with his hidden brilliant. Great drama and the main actress is so pretty.

very very cool, Eric in here is like Sorimachi in GTO.. rookie style XD

this drama is really special from the other i have watched. It just made me stayed up whole night watching it. So much funny scene which made me laugh so much. Eric Mun is really good!!! GOGOGO ERIC!

I don't know..I wish Eric wasn't the main character. I couldn't get into it cause he was the male lead.

Is Jung Ryeo Won in this series? 'Cause I think she has one series w/ Oh Ji Ho, not sure if it's this series

Hi!

Shinhwa doesn't act in Love Letter and Xman.... Those are game shows, they play games against each other. The same goes for DBSK when they appear in the shows. Each week they have different guests in Love Letter and Xman so only some episodes have Shinhwa and DBSK.


I love this series. It's light-hearted with a comedic sense. I had fun watching Eric in here. He did a good job playing Kang Ho. I laughed a lot watching this series. Oh Ji Ho wasn't that evil so it's okay. Nobody is evil in here, I think. I love it when Eric and Oh Ji Ho had fights, they're so funny

You can't forget KangHo's brother, he's hilarious

it doesn't have a sad ending...actually even the ending is somehow funny...I like this drama even though it's not one of my favorites...a really good drama!

waaaa...i cant watch it.. i just started having a crush on eric when i saw shinhwa last week.,,now im so crazy that i wanna watch all his drama that i didnt pay attention last year because of my obsession towards jo in sung! lol, anyways, he is damn hawt! and he doesnt look like korean he has fine eyes!! i like his mouth, ahaha! sexxy!! but when i was looking for the episodes in you tube.. all of em where deleted and i was like NooOOOO!!! do you guys kno any site where i can i watch it?.. pls pls pls im dying to watch this,, (

Yeah totally agree... except for all the pretty casts this is a very boring drama.
It got some funny moments which is kinda hilarious but overall nothing worth watching. I think the storyline is pretty weak. I don't see the main focus of drama either except for Eric being the main character...
It wasn't even his best performance, i like Eric better in the Phoenix (Firebird).

Just started watching last Friday and only up four episodes, it isn't that intriguing, but I wanna finish it cuz it jsut started getting interesting. At first, I was like how did Han Ga In nab two guys who looked like that?! But after I some pix of her, without the glasses adn all glammed up, I was like, damn, she is pretty! I already have a minicrush on her...I want to marry Song Hye Kyo and Yoon Eun Hye more still.

I finally finished this show about two weeks ago, and i have to say that it wasn't as good as I was expecting. It was a little too long, and it didn't get really interesting until Han Ga in got her makeover. Although I realise why I probably didn't enjoy it that much, and it was because i was just watching this to pass time as I was downloading and also watching MISA and My Lovely Sam-Soon. For those who have seen those two dramams, you know what I mean, they're a whole lot more enjoyable than Super Rookie. Also the ending wasn't very realistic to me. Eric had been working for the company for a year and was one of the top workers and he was still living at home?! How is that possible! Oh well, I wasn't expecting too much from this show, it was a good show, but don't expect me to watch it again anytime soon...

wow
by the sounds of it
im missing something cause i havent watched it
im planning to but i there are others im tryin to get
coud someone please tell me if there is a dvd with english subtitles for this i mean realy good ones
cause i hate buyin dvds when there is much poor subtitles
anyways i think i will give his a try

^^ You can get the dvd set one ebay. The subtitles are surprisingly good, there are hardly even any typos, and there are even subtitles on the special features! Just make sure you watch this drama, and only this drama and not while watching one or two other dramas or else you will experience what I did. Yeah, just go on ebay and you should find it for about $25-30, which is pretty good considering the set is very good quality.

Can anyone please tell me who the guy is at the ending? (the one who got the perfect score in the new exam?) He looks familiar but I cant recall where i saw him so I didint get the punchline..

thanks!

rain_iluvia: omg ur drawing is so cute! i appreciate it. u must have use a lot of time to draw it. i like it a lot.

katherinekwokhk: thanks for the stories!!
It is reaaalllly interesting .. thanks...

[size=2]Deppstar:[/size] thanks for the info.. Oh really. So fast out of stock.
Definitely , I will keep u updated.
Oh ya have u bought the mei stick that DBSK is promoting ? It taste really nice..
Also, I did not throw away the box ..a nd now is my room decoration.

Blueskiez: I have voted a lot of times. Hope they will win.


Miieps : thanks for the info. They are cute and funny.


cynergy: 3 and a half thumbs up? I have listened to their album and it should deserve more than that! they are really talent. their songs make me listen everyday . but no choice that is the editor's view. anyway, thanks a lot.

thanks to all of you.


so is there any latest news?

I really love this series!!! Everything is great. Story, Characters, etc. xDDD

its just the ending made me surprised >.>

Hope they make a continuation