We’ve all cried over a slow-motion hug in the rain, paused an episode just to emotionally prepare for the next heartbreak, or screamed at our screen because Oppa is clearly making the wrong decision again, and that means only one thing, we are not just K-Drama fans. We are emotionally intelligent, mentally resilient multitaskers with elite comprehension skills.

And yes, I will need HR to acknowledge that on my CV.

Just in case HR might be doubting this claim, here are some soft skills I have (we’ve all) definitely gained thanks to K-dramas.

Emotional Intelligence? I Eat That Up.  

Do you know how many emotions I go through in one episode of a melodrama? I have felt the entire grief cycle, fallen in love three times, and forgiven a cheating CEO, all in under 60 minutes. If that’s not emotional intelligence, what is? Watching K-dramas has taught me to read the room without anyone saying a word. Just one glance from a character and I already know if it’s a betrayal arc or a love confession. Try applying that to real life and see how sharp my people-reading radar is. I am basically the human lie detector of my group. HR, are you seeing this?

Crisis Management   

The male lead just found out his secretary is his long-lost childhood friend (and first love), and they’re locked in an elevator? Guess who’s calm under pressure? Me. Because I’ve seen worse. From birth secrets to fake dating disasters, K-dramas have prepared me to handle chaos with poise. You think workplace drama has something on me? Please, unless someone’s pulling a full chaebol family scandal (even at that), I am unshaken.

Adaptability and Time Management  

Imagine watching 16 episodes of a drama in three days while balancing adult responsibilities. If that is not Olympic-level time management, what is? I can cry at 1:00 AM, sleep at 2:00 AM, and still show up for an 8:00 AM Zoom call with my camera on. And let’s not forget the subtitle speed-reading. You think I don’t have quick processing skills? I’ve read subtitles, analyzed facial expressions, and caught product placements at the same time. I’m a walking multitask queen (my crown, please).

Communication Skills   

Nobody says “I like you” with the intensity of a K-Drama's second lead. Watching K-dramas has turned me into a certified expert in subtle communication. One slow blink? I know what that means. Silent stare for three seconds? Someone is about to die or kiss. Now imagine me in your team meeting, picking up passive-aggressive undertones like a pro. Emotional fluency, check.  

Empathy  

From poverty plots to mother-in-law evil arcs, from found families to characters healing their trauma, K-dramas constantly stretch your empathy muscles. I have cried for fictional people I met two hours ago. I have forgiven villains because of one redemption scene. I have felt seen by monologues written by screenwriters who don’t even know I exist. So yes, when a colleague messes up a project or someone’s having a rough day, I understand. K-dramas taught me how to hold space for people, even when they are a walking red flag.

So, Dear HR, when you see “Soft Skills: Critical thinking, empathy, multitasking, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution,” just know that behind that is 500 hours of K-Drama excellence. Respectfully, that’s my training. And it’s not over yet (It can only get better).

Now tell me, what K-Drama skills are you putting on your CV?