The Korean drama market this year is overflowing with “ghost content.” From Yook Sung-jae’s The Mansion of Ghosts to Ma Dong-seok’s The Holy Night: Demon Hunters, spirits and demons are all the rage.
Now, joining the supernatural trend is The Labor Consultant Noh Moo-jin, starring Jung Kyung-ho, Seol In-ah, and Cha Hak-yeon. The show has aired its first two episodes and garnered a solid 7.2 rating. While it’s not groundbreaking, its quirky, comedic-fantasy tone has won over many viewers.
Plot Summary:
Jung Kyung-ho plays Noh Moo-jin, a former company employee whose life has taken a nosedive. After quitting his job and failing at cryptocurrency investments, he’s hit with personal tragedies: the death of a close friend and a painful separation from his wife.
Following a mentor’s advice, he earns a labor consultant license, but just as he begins working, that very mentor gets fired—leaving Moo-jin to fend for himself. He opens a solo labor consultancy office, focusing on wage claim disputes.
Eventually, he’s joined by his ex-wife’s younger sister, Na Hee-joo (played by Seol In-ah), and Go Kyun-woo (Cha Hak-yeon), a content creator turned accidental labor rights activist. Together, they visit shady factories, flag violations, and offer legal advice. If employers refuse to cooperate, they threaten to report them publicly, forcing quick payouts.
The Twist:
During an inspection at one factory, Moo-jin is caught in a serious accident. In a near-death moment, he meets an NPC-like deity and signs a mysterious contract: he must help the spirits of laborers who died unjustly find closure.
Why It’s Gaining Buzz:
- Unconventional blend of labor law + ghosts — unlike anything currently on air.
- Balances dark social issues (e.g., wage theft, workplace accidents) with offbeat comedy and fantasy elements.
- Strong performances by Jung Kyung-ho, who brings charm and desperation in equal measure.
- Ghosts aren’t just for scares — they’re used to critique societal neglect and exploitation.
It may not be a ratings juggernaut yet, but The Labor Consultant Noh Moo-jin is carving out a unique space in the K-drama landscape—and it might just become the next cult favorite.