Incomplete Life (2014)
A failed baduk prodigy trades the game board for the corporate ladder in this deeply human Korean workplace drama.
Incomplete Life - Series Information
- Original Title: 미생
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Created by: Kim Won-suk, Yoon Tae-ho
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (75 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: October 17, 2014 (United States - TV-MA), October 17, 2014 (Canada - 18+), October 17, 2014 (Brazil - 12), October 17, 2014 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Alternative Titles: ミセン 未生 (JP), Misaeng: Incomplete Life (US), Misaeng (KR)
- Production Companies: No.3 Pictures, CJ ENM, Studio Dragon
- Production Countries: South Korea
Incomplete Life - Plot
Since he was a child, the board game baduk has been everything to Jang Geu-rae. But when he fails at achieving his dream of becoming a professional baduk player, Geu-rae must leave his isolated existence and enter the real world armed with nothing but a high school equivalency exam on his resume.
Incomplete Life - Trailer
See the world of Incomplete Life come to life in the official trailer below.
Sweat, tears, and frustration. How much more I should shed?
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Incomplete Life - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kim Won-suk
- Yoon Tae-ho
Main Cast
- Yim Si-wan
- Lee Sung-min
- Kang So-ra
- Kang Ha-neul
- Byun Yo-han
- Kim Dae-myung
- Park Hae-joon
- Lee Kyung-young
- Shin Eun-jung
- Tae In-ho
Writers
- Jung Yoon-jung
Executive Producers
- Jinnie Choi
Incomplete Life - FAQs
Is Incomplete Life based on a true story?
Incomplete Life is adapted from Yoon Tae-ho's acclaimed Korean webtoon (manhwa) of the same name, serialized on Daum from 2012 to 2014. While fictional, the story draws heavily on the lived realities of South Korean office culture, resonating deeply with viewers who recognized their own workplace struggles in Jang Geu-rae's journey.
Is Incomplete Life worth watching?
Absolutely essential viewing for fans of grounded, emotionally intelligent drama. Incomplete Life earned widespread critical praise and a devoted audience for its unflinching portrayal of corporate life in South Korea. Yim Si-wan's quietly powerful performance and the show's deeply human writing make it one of the most celebrated Korean dramas of the 2010s.
What is the significance of baduk in Incomplete Life?
Baduk — the ancient Korean board game known internationally as Go or Weiqi — serves as the show's central metaphor. Protagonist Jang Geu-rae spent his entire childhood training to become a professional player. His strategic mindset from the game becomes both his greatest asset and a source of alienation as he navigates the unwritten rules of corporate survival.
Where can you stream Incomplete Life?
You can stream Incomplete Life on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Free ad-supported viewing is also available on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local version of these platforms for the most current options.
Who plays Jang Geu-rae in Incomplete Life?
Jang Geu-rae is played by Yim Si-wan, a member of the K-pop group ZE:A who had already begun building an acting career before this role. His portrayal of the socially inexperienced but quietly determined intern earned him widespread critical recognition and is widely considered the performance that cemented his reputation as a serious dramatic actor.
How was Incomplete Life received by critics and audiences?
The series was a major critical and commercial success in South Korea, praised for its realistic depiction of office life and its emotionally nuanced characters. It became a cultural touchstone for young Korean workers and swept multiple awards ceremonies, including wins at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Grand Bell Awards.
Did Incomplete Life win any major awards?
Incomplete Life swept the awards circuit in South Korea. Lee Sung-min won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2015 Baeksang Arts Awards for Television, while Yim Si-wan took home Best New Actor honors at multiple ceremonies. The series also won Best Drama at the Korea Drama Awards and earned numerous additional acting and production prizes.
What are similar shows to Incomplete Life?
If Incomplete Life resonated with you, try Itaewon Class for another story of an underdog fighting the corporate world, or Reply 1988 for warm ensemble storytelling rooted in everyday Korean life. Gaus Electronics offers a sharper comedic take on office absurdity, while What's Wrong with Secretary Kim delivers lighter workplace romance.
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