Kang Han Na made a comeback to acting after “Bloody Heart” (2022). She starred in a new TV show, a mix of office drama and romantic comedy, called Frankly Speaking. In this series, she portrays On Woo Joo, a writer for entertainment programs.
After two episodes, viewers witnessed the complexities of On Woo Joo’s job. The toughest part is handling diverse personalities from various fields invited to the show. So, what are the issues On Woo Joo encounters as a scriptwriter on Frankly Speaking? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Limited Facilities:
On Woo Joo, along with her team, operates from an old, unused room rather than a lavish studio.
2. Hectic Schedule:
Due to her busy schedule, On Woo Joo often eats while standing, lacking time to sit down and relax.
3. Capturing Audience Attention:
On Woo Joo puts in immense effort to craft scripts that captivate viewers, aiming to boost the show’s ratings.
4. Low Social Status:
On Woo Joo feels undervalued in her profession, often assigned menial tasks that are beneath her skills.
5. Comprehensive Duties:
Apart from writing, On Woo Joo is involved in planning, casting, location scouting, editing, and managing unruly guests.
6. Sacrifices and Hardships:
Despite her 12 years of experience, On Woo Joo struggles with financial instability, lack of sleep, social isolation, and emotional numbness.
7. Pressure from Superiors:
On Woo Joo faces criticism and threats from her bosses, especially when the show’s ratings drop, leading to the cancellation of her previous project, Men on the Run.
8. Comparison with Peers:
On Woo Joo’s work is unfavorably compared to that of writers from other networks, leading to a sense of inadequacy.
On Woo Joo’s journey to becoming a variety show writer is fraught with challenges. However, she remains grateful to her supportive team members and often treats them as a token of appreciation. For those interested, Frankly Speaking is available for streaming on Netflix.