Unraveling Patriarchy in “Cold Blooded Intern”: A Tale of Workplace Realities

South Korean workplaces have been historically known for their unwelcoming nature towards women. While there might seem to be progress in areas like maternity leave, companies ingeniously find loopholes that perpetuate gender-based biases. This societal backdrop serves as a canvas for the workplace comedy “Cold Blooded Intern,” which delves into the clutches of patriarchy in contemporary office culture and its sinister effects on female camaraderie.

The narrative pivots around Go Hae-ra, portrayed brilliantly by Ra Mi-ran, best known for her role in “The Good Bad Mother“. Hae-ra, a dedicated mother and wife, decides to re-enter the professional world after a seven-year hiatus. Her determination to find a job is palpable, but despite her impeccable credentials, she faces rejection after rejection, often on the pretext of age and assumed obsolescence.

A ray of hope emerges when Hae-ra interviews at the Market House firm and encounters her former colleague, Choi Ji-won, played by Uhm Ji-won of “Little Women” fame. Ji-won, a talented director under the product planning team, navigates her own challenges within the company. Despite her expertise, she constantly grapples with male-dominated hierarchies, epitomized by Joo Gwang-soo, a superior who routinely undermines her.

The storyline intensifies when a rival company faces backlash for mandating “no-pregnancy contracts” for its female staff. Sensing an opportunity, Market House’s leadership aspires to capitalize on the controversy. Amidst this, Ji-won presents Hae-ra with a daunting question during her interview – would she commit illicit acts if instructed by her superiors? Unlike other candidates, Hae-ra’s determination to please her employers is evident. However, Ji-won’s colleagues, with their prejudiced inclinations, deprive Hae-ra of the job she seeks. In a surprising twist, Ji-won offers Hae-ra an internship instead. Despite initial reluctance, Hae-ra, realizing her limited options, accepts the position.

Although Hae-ra’s prowess exceeds many of her superiors, she humbly assumes her intern role. Her past relationship with her now-boss So Jae-seob, who was once her junior, becomes a focal point. Building alliances becomes critical, and she identifies two colleagues, Geum So-jin and Lee Moon-jung, as prospective allies. Both women, in critical stages of motherhood, seem like easy targets to Hae-ra.

However, the plot thickens as Ji-won reveals a daunting proposition to Hae-ra. She can ascend to a managerial role only if she manipulates situations leading to So-jin and Moon-jung’s resignations. This is Ji-won’s ploy to clandestinely save costs and outdo competitors by preventing maternity leaves. Hae-ra’s personal and professional past, including her own neglect of family for work, and her previous association with Ji-won, becomes pivotal in navigating this moral quandary.

While the central tension between Hae-ra and Ji-won forms the heart of “Cold Blooded Intern”, the show oscillates in its narrative grip. Some workplace humor resonates, while other attempts fall flat, and many supporting characters fade into the background.

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