Read the passage and complete tasks 16 - 18.
A South Korean TV drama series are among the most popular in the world. They come in a variety of
formats, including period pieces, crime shows, and romance. Millions of people in the East Asian region
watch them – online, on pirate DVDs, and on TV channels in their own countries. Outside Korea, the
countries with the biggest numbers of consumers of K-drama, as these TV shows are called, are China,
Taiwan, Indonesia, and Japan.
B One of the most popular of these series is Misaeng, which means Incomplete Life. The 20-episode
series has recently been climbing the ratings. It started at 1.6 percent and has risen to 5.15 percent. Every
Friday night, instead of going out with friends to celebrate the weekend, millions of office workers rush
home to watch Misaeng. People talk about K-dramas at work and on social media. If you haven’t been
watching, it’s easy to feel left out!
C The story of Misaeng is about Jang Geu-rae, an office worker in a large company. Jang used to be a
professional baduk player (baduk is a board game, a bit like chess, or Japanese Go), but he doesn’t have a
college degree, or impressive work experience, and cannot speak any foreign languages. But he works hard
and never gives up, and has been lucky to get a job in a company on a two-year contract.
D Misaeng is not the first K-drama to focus on office life, but it has become the most popular. It reflects
the reality of office life for many South Koreans, who struggle with short term contracts. These kind of office
workers are the main audience for Misaeng. They never know if they will be in the same company next year,
or even if they will have a job next year. They see themselves and their lives in the on-screen life of Jang
and his co-workers.
E Another very popular show, but very different, is the period piece Dae Jang Geum. This show is set
in the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1897) and it tells the story of a kitchen hand who becomes the first woman
doctor to the king in Korean history. The show gives accurate details of Korean cooking, traditional
medicine, costume, and other aspects of Korean history. The show has become the highest rated K-drama of
all time and is also hugely popular outside Korea. After the series, the number of Japanese and Taiwanese
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traveling to historical sites in South Korea rose by 73%! There is even a website where people can get more
information about the food, the costumes, and the historical sites shown on the show.
Task 16: Choose the best answer for each question. Write A, B, C or D on the answer sheet. (0.4pt)
1. What is true about Misaeng?
A. Misaeng is the name of the main actor.
B. Misaeng has been shown for 20 years.
C. Misaeng is popular with temporarily-contracted office workers.
D. Misaeng has always been struggling with its reducing ratings.
2. What is not true about Dae Jang Geum?
A. Dae Jang Geum takes place outside Korea.
B. Dae Jang Geum is about the first woman royal doctor in Korea.
C. Dae Jang Geum is a period drama.
D. Dae Jang Geum is popular in Japan and Taiwan.
Task 17: Choose the phrases that best explain the underlined words in the passage. Write A, B, C or
D on the answer sheet. (0.4pt)
1. pirate
A. someone who sails in a ship B. illegally copied
C. someone who attacks ships D. officially broadcast
2. feel left out
A. feel one is not part of the group B. not understand the story
C. feel depressed D. not feel well
Task 18: Answer the following questions. Write your answers on the answer sheet. (0.4pt)
1. What are different types of Korean TV drama series?
2. According to the passage, when was the Joseon Dynasty founded?
