5 Korean Dramas That’ll Make You Want to Pursue an MBA

If you’re a Gen Z student in India and if you’re into binge watching K-dramas and want to climb the corporate ladder, or you find yourself constantly asking, “should I do an MBA?” then K-dramas can help!

Korean dramas aren’t just about romance, CEO, and heartbreaks; they’re filled with business brains, power struggles and characters who give a new meaning to the term leadership. In truth, some of the most watched K-dramas can fill you with enough MBA-level inspiration so that you would like acing your CAT, GMAT, GMCAT or any other business entrance paper!

Here is the list of the top 5 shows to watch for every future business leader.

1. Itaewon Class

This drama is a crash course in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and hardiness. Park Sae-ro-yi, a dark-horse coming from a sordid background, opens a tiny bar in Itaewon and confronts a great food conglomerate. Brilliantly, the show displays business planning, branding, team management, and the value of ethics in business.

Do not ever underestimate a fresh idea and a determined heart. And if you ever dreamed of starting your own startup, this show is your blue print!

2. Start-Up

This series takes place in South Korea’s Silicon Valley and documents young entrepreneurs striving to make their dream of starting the next big tech company a reality. It’s full of startup pitches, drama of venture capital, and leadership, innovation, and teamwork lessons.

You’ll learn how to pitch, pivot, and persevere, skills which every MBA aspirant needs. In addition, the love triangle enhances spiciness.

3. Misaeng: Incomplete Life

This slice-of-life drama is a clear depiction of the corporate culture in this country (Korea). It follows Jang Geu-rae, a former baduk (Go) player, who tries to find his place in the world of cutthroat characteristics belonging to the trading companies. The show goes deep into office politics, negotiation, and relevance of soft skills.

From Misaeng, you learn that success is also not all about the technical information; It’s about flexibility, creating networks, and emotional intelligence – all central MBA lessons.

4. Vincenzo

Even though this is a legal thriller at its core, Vincenzo Cassano’s sharp brain and strategic planning would make him an ideal MBA student. See the way he employs negotiation, risk management, and out-of-the-box solutions to be one step ahead in defeating corporate villains.

This show is evidence that sometimes non-traditional way of thinking and a bit of “mafia” attitude could take you to victory in business.

5. Chief of Staff

If you are a person who is interested in the intersection of politics and business, this drama is for you. Following political aides, the Chief of Staff shapes policies and powers using their business acumen and negotiating skills.

You’ll learn about the real life of leadership, lobbying, and strategic alliances, ideal for those who are considering to take an MBA in Public Policy or Management.

Why are Gen Z obsessed with these K-Dramas?

• Relatable Struggles: The characters deal with real-world issues like job hunting, startup failures, workplace politics, that Indian youth can relate with.
• Business Lessons in Every Episode: From pitching to crisis management, these shows provide MBA-caliber insights in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re working your way through a textbook.
• Global Perspective: Korean dramas explain how the world of business functions in a globalized world and help you to have an altogether broad perspective which every MBA student requires.

They are not just entertaining shows but truly inspiring for a person who is passionate about business and obsessed with K-dramas’ drama. Therefore, next time when your parents ask you why you’re watching “one more episode”, simply tell them you’re doing preparation for your future to become a business leader with an MBA degree!