Hyper-realistic workplace comedies enjoy enduring popularity

As the clock strikes six, workers of DY Planning, a marketing agency, get ready to leave work in high spirits. Then, CEO Shin Dong-yup enters the office with actor and client Kang Ha-neul, who wants to have a meeting at this exact time. The employees' expressions turn cold. CEO Shin plays it cool, saying, "Those with prior engagements can go," but he adds, "Those who will save the company with me, let's stay and work." With forced smiles, the employees head to the meeting room, their lips smiling but not their eyes. This is a scene from the recently concluded Coupang Play comedy, "The White Collars," which gained huge popularity by delivering stories of life at a fictional small- and medium-sized enterprise in Korea. Based on a format where celebrity guest stars seek image consulting at the show's marketing company, the six-part comedy tackles aspects of office life such as the subtle battles over leaving work on time, company dinner culture, salary negotiations and corporate welfare. Examples include a subordinate who makes bold statements taking advantage of so-called "yaja time," a Ko