8 Creative Career Ideas Inspired By K-Dramas
“What’s your dream?”
It’s a question people ask each other a lot in K-dramas. For many of our beloved characters, the dream is to become a hotshot lawyer, doctor, Hallyu star, or a CEO. But what about us average potatoes who don’t have genius talent, idol looks, or a huge trust fund? How do we even start figuring out who we want to be?
When you look a little closer, you’ll find plenty of K-drama characters with fun, exciting jobs that don’t conform to cliches. The best part is, these careers can be achieved by anyone who’s willing to learn. Check out our list of creative K-drama career paths and see if you find a new dream of your own!
Warning: minor spoilers ahead!
Career idea: Musical Instrument Maker
Inspired by Jung Hee Joo (Park Shin Hye) in “Memories of the Alhambra”
If you love playing music but don’t have orchestra-worthy talent, you might love crafting the instruments themselves. That’s what Hee Joo started doing when she realized she wasn’t exactly a guitar prodigy. If you know how to play an instrument then you’re already good with your hands, which is a great step in the right direction. Bonus perk: the sweet, soothing smell of wood shavings and resin.
Career idea: Set Designer
Inspired by Gong Woo Jin (Yang Se Jong) in “30 But 17”
In “30 But 17,” our hero Woo Jin spends a lot of time with his tape measure out, randomly measuring bits of the world around him so he can recreate them on set. He comes off a bit strange, that’s for sure, but it’s cute how devoted he is to his craft. Set designers like Woo Jin have the fun job of making fake worlds look real and putting their own unique spin on them. If you’re always window-shopping for your imaginary apartment, this is the job for you.
Check out the first episode of “30 But 17”:
Career idea: Barista
Inspired by Go Eun Chan (Yoon Eun Hye) in “Coffee Prince”
Go Eun Chan started working at the Coffee Prince cafe because she needed the money, but she soon discovered her passion for the art of coffee-making. That’s one of the great things about this classic drama: it’s not just about a girl falling in love with a guy, it’s about a girl finding herself and realizing her worth. Her work becomes just as important to her as her relationship. Isn’t that what we all want – a job that’s so good it’s worth missing bae for?
Check out the first episode of “Coffee Prince”:
Career idea: Sound Director
Inspired by Park Do Kyung (Eric Mun) in “Another Oh Hae Young”
A sound director’s job is to provide sound effects for movies and TV shows. That’s everything from footsteps to blowing wind, from traffic noise to explosions. If like broody Park Do Kyung, you’re sensitive to all the tiny noises in your environment, this could be the perfect job for you. It’s fun because you have to be really inventive. For example, using celery to mimic the sound of a broken bone *shudder*.
Check out the first episode of “Another Oh Hae Young”:
Career idea: Tech Startup Founder
Inspired by Go Bok Shil (Nam Ji Hyun) in “Shopping King Louie”
Are you the type who keeps coming up with million-dollar ideas? Maybe you’re always thinking, “There should be an app for that,” or maybe you’ve invented something that people would go crazy for. Bring your idea to life like former farm girl Bok Shil, who launched her own web-shop for organic fruits and veggies. Don’t know how to build a website? No problem. Find skilled partners who can help you and put your heads together to secure an investor!
Check out the first episode of “Shopping King Louie”:
Career idea: Stunt Artist
Inspired by Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won) in “Secret Garden”
Raise your hand if you ever wanted to be a badass action star! It’s not exactly easy to get your name in lights, but you might just have even more fun behind the scenes. If you’re an athletic type with a daredevil streak, consider a career as a stunt artist. You’ll get to drive cool cars and jump off huge cliffs but in a safe, controlled environment. If you join an action school like Gil Ra Im’s, you’ll make some lifelong friends while you’re at it.
Check out the first episode of “Secret Garden”:
Career idea: Architectural Model Maker
Inspired by Ha Moon Soo (Won Jin Ah) in “Just Between Lovers”
Architectural model making is the perfect career for crafty people with strong attention to detail. If you’ve thought about becoming an architect but it all sounds a bit overwhelming (or a bit expensive to study!) then this could be a great option. It could also be the perfect first step if you’re not sure whether architecture is right for you. For Moon Soo, making models is a way to live in a quiet little world of her own, without the stress of a more fast-paced job. Introverts, take note!
Check out the first episode of “Just Between Lovers”:
Career idea: Video Game Designer
Inspired by Do Bong Soon (Park Bo Young) in “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon”
If you’re a major gaming nerd, why not become a game designer? Like Bong Soon, you could make a game inspired by your own life. Or if you don’t happen to have superhuman strength, you can use your imagination a little! Modern games take all shapes and forms, from classic shoot ‘em ups to poetic choose-your-own-adventure stories. Maybe you’ll dream up the next hit game that takes the world by storm?
Check out the first episode of “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon”:
Which career idea are you most inspired by? Or is your dream something completely different? Let us know in the comments below!
Azra_A spends most of her waking hours waiting patiently for 2PM’s next comeback (roll on 2021!). She relies on sheet masks and weird ice cream flavors to help her endure (cucumber is great, ceylon is better). When she’s not watching the comeback clock, you’ll find her on Instagram.
Currently watching: “Romance Is A Bonus Book,” “The Crowned Clown”
All-time favorite dramas: “My Love From the Star,” “Healer”
Looking forward to: “Touch Your Heart,” “Confession” with 2PM’s Junho
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