KBS has this penchant for romantic comedy set in the backdrop of government workers, just like its newest series, Into The Ring.
The newest addition is the quirky story of a woman dubbed as “queen of complaints”, who interestingly sets her compass to a job that is designed specifically for her. Nana takes the role of community whiner, Koo Se Ra, who needs money and can’t hold herself to any lawless activities and district rules defied mindlessly.
Set in the fictional district of Mawon, two childhood friends reunite to chase impossible career dreams in the backdrop of the district’s government office.
abbyinhallyuland watches Into The Ring on Viu
Into The Ring‘s Opening Week Story
Switching jobs has been a constant situation for Koo Se Ra (Nana). Aside from her usual fault-finding attitude that can’t stand injustice, she also needs money because her mom is in trouble.
Her dad who has old connections was able to secure her a job, but she eventually lost it and tries her luck as an assistant to the district’s service center. She gets the job to the office that her presence is always felt as she tops the list of complainants the service center monitors.
Her superior Seo Gong Myung (Park Sung Hoon) recognizes her as his childhood friend. He was transferred to the service center from budget team because of his inflexibility. But he hopes of getting the job post that a level 5 civil servant officer like him deserves.
Giving Se Ra an idea of how the job of district representative gets plenty of money in a not so long tenure, Se Ra pushes for an impossible dream especially since she lost her new job again after pointing out in an assembly meeting that the establishment of a supermarket near a school is preposterous.
At first, her campaign is not moving forward, but after speaking to the audience supporting the cancellation of the supermarket project, she gains recognition and fame. However, Gong Myung’s estranged father and her father’s old friend just know what ploys to pull to push back her effort. Because he needs another candidate to win, Se Ra as a threat needs to be out of the race.
In the brink of resigning from her candidacy, Gong Myung stops her as he finds a way to make everything work for her.
Premiere Week Peak Points + Musings
Into the Ring is surprisingly engaging for dramas taking politics and public service as themes. Its main leads are so far showing synergy the way their character sketches have similarities and differences complementing each other.
Dealing with societal issues, the series has provided a glimpse to perspective of a character we all can relate to. Especially in our culture these days, when we are all particular to the benefits and service our local government has in store for us. It is also partly because of how we have been empowered to be vigilant in making small ripples of change to the community we belong.
Rooting for Se Ra as the focal character of the series is as strong as understanding to his unresolved issue with his father. Moreover, betting on the small stories touching prevalent issues in the society that calls for citizen awareness would surely decorate the narrative.
I particularly look forward to what issues will be tackled in the series, may it be petty or big. It is also worth noting how Nana and Park Sung Hoo are owning their characters to bits.
Photos: KBS2
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