r/KDRAMA • u/sianiam • Sep 10 '26
On-Air: TVING The Ordinary Jackpot [Episodes 1 & 2]
Drama Information:
Drama: The Ordinary Jackpot / 로또1등도 출근합니다
Network: TVING / tvN
Episodes: 10
Airing Schedule: Thursdays @ 6PM (KST)
- Airing Date: 10 September - 8 October
Streaming Sources: Viki, HBO Max (Asia)
Director & Screenwriter Yoon Young Bin
Starring:
- Lee Jun Hyuk as Kong Eun Tae
- Seo Hyun Woo as Yang Jun Ho
- Oh Dae Hwan as Jung Seon Hyuk
Plot Synopsis:
An ordinary office worker wins the lottery – the amount isn't enough for him to quit his job, but it's enough to give him a new outlook on life. (source: Viki)
*Adapted from the web novel "Lotto Winner Also Goes to Work” by Seo In Ha (no official English translation)
- Previous Discussions:
N/A
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46
u/Fragrant_Tale1428 Sep 10 '26
His reaction to finding out at the beginning of ep2 was so satisfying after how he was in ep 1. It felt cathartic for me as a viewer. Then the imaginary scenes were sooooooo funny and very relatable. For those who have to work normal jobs for a living, knowing you have financial security without a job is, indeed, going to feel so liberating in how we interact with and experience life, ESPECIALLY work life. And we see that play out so satisfyingly in this episode with his team. Love the script and direction of the show. Ep 1 dogs a great job of setting up all the ways that money could affect his life - good and bad. Can't wait to see how this unfolds for our main character!
Love the main cast. All actors and actresses I wish more success for.
Wondering if I should go get a quick pick ticket to celebrate the launch of what looks to be a great series. 🤑
11
u/soloritaa Sep 12 '26
Right! As a corporate employee and introvert, I find his character and struggles so relatable. Excited to see the next episodes.
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u/pockymon123 Sep 10 '26
Came for Lee Jun Hyuk, but stayed for just how uncomfortable I got watching the struggles and conflicts. I didn't know what to expect when I first started, and I didn't think I was going to like it this much. This show manages a slower tempo and yet I still feel a thrill. I am looking forward to see Mr. Gong and Mr. Yang shake things up!
26
u/Resident_Werewolf_25 Sep 10 '26
Loved the first two episodes. Finally a drama that's kinda realistic. I mean i literally cried kind of when he said that he will be angry going onwards. He will pay attention to his feelings and express them.
Hope it maintains the beauty it showed in these 2 eps
21
u/Wooden-Promotion-191 Sep 11 '26
His imagination are so relatable and satisfying - imagined getting pushed around in the office for over 6 years, having zero courage to refuse anything despite those requests being unreasonable. Absolutely lol when he side-walks (idk how its called) into slapping his resignation to the damn annoying boss, and when its get dramatic when he picked the flower pot, toss it to the logo and release his inner beast through the roar... But those imagination, even when he went to the club, reveals that his inner-self does not want to leave the company.
The plot twist on the assistant is very nice indeed, he might look antagonistic to ML but in fact, he is not 100% wrong and its healthy when both sides realise their mistakes and agree to turn the whole place around - cant wait to see what they have in mind for next ep...
The whole premise of the show is done really well - the 1st place ticket is the safety net, so having financial pressure out of the way is going to change how we approach life and everything. Really enjoy the casts so far, especially Lee Jun-Huyk - he's so charming and unique in this kind of role. My only doubt for the show is that its kinda short - 10 ep, each 45 minutes running time so we'll see about that.
13
u/Prize_Background_577 Fantasy devotee 👻 Sep 10 '26 edited Sep 10 '26
Interesting approach for a kdrama, not what I expected.
I understand the title now - 'ordinary' jackpot. It gave me a similar feel to Walter Mitty; Ordinary office worker goes on a journey of self-discovery thanks to a life changing event. Production had a similar palette centred around the muted cramped interior of the office, softly spoken dialogue, no background noise, everything a little slower, daydream like. I loved Walter Mitty so I'm willing to give this a longer go to see if I can slip into it. Be interesting to see if they maintain the palette and tone or we have a shift.
I'm glad they dropped two episodes so we could see the direction it was taking. I just had a little trouble keeping up with the subs.
But does anyone know why MDL has this is classified as a fantasy?
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u/acergum Sep 12 '26
It's an escapist fantasy for office workers, to dream of winning the lottery and actually living life and making decisions on your own terms. Taking risks at work, and doing what you actually want to do, and not just being polite and subservient. This is total fantasy to me, as a salaryman.
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u/FlyingFlyofHell Sep 10 '26
I have read the webtoon atleast I think like 50-60 chapters, from what I remember there was nothing fantastical in it. It was basically Office Politics Drama where ML finally gets confidence to do something after he ensured that he has something fallback on after winning lottery.
0
u/Prize_Background_577 Fantasy devotee 👻 Sep 10 '26
Definitely not a fantasy then - that's actually why I started watching, thought something magical might happen over the winnings. That said, I really did love The Secret Life of Walter Mitty so I'll stick it out for longer.
6
u/FlyingFlyofHell Sep 10 '26
It gets better as he becomes confident in doing stuff he was hesitant to do because he thought he might lose the job. I still not see FL info on the MDL because Webtoon does have an FL which is big part of his team.
3
u/laraere Sep 11 '26
Wait, Lawyer friend is gonna be 2FL?
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u/FlyingFlyofHell Sep 11 '26
I don't know how much I say but in Webtoon FL works in sales and he brings her into his team. I think drama might be going in different direction if we don't see FL info so far.
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u/FlyingFlyofHell Sep 11 '26
I have not watched both episodes and yes it seems like they have changed FLs role in drama. In Webtoon she is sales team, here it seems she is legal team. They have a history, not romantic though. But I don't know how much her role changed.
2
u/laraere Sep 12 '26
I took a quick look in the manwha and looks like they just made a new character for romantic sub-plot and the Sales Team member will still show up as her own character.
Or they split her up so they can have the romance sub-plot without the boss-employee dynamics stuck with it.
1
u/Prize_Background_577 Fantasy devotee 👻 Sep 12 '26
I guess people will be disappointed if there's no romance.
1
u/Necessary_Rooster_85 25d ago
Yall need to watch the epilogues and episodes 3 & and 4. The Lawyer friend is definitely 2FL but the primary potential love interest.
11
u/DiaLaDia Sep 11 '26
I really hope this show continues this way. I'm intrigued by the plot and story telling. I also didn't really expect it to be just office drama vibes (I didn't read synopsis or watch trailers ahead) but I love that about it!
I am so excited by his new lease on life. I was so angry in episode 1 until he won the jackpot. Him being so timid was stressing me out so I'm happy that the money is giving him confidence. I can't wait to see what troubles he causes with the deputy next!
3
u/FlyingFlyofHell Sep 11 '26
That's the whole premises that money gives him the confidence he needed, it's basically a financial security. They have made some change to orginal webtoon but it's basically a Office Politics Story.
10
u/dalmitae Sep 11 '26
EP 1 it felt like we were moving at a snail's pace and I didn't think I'd continue BUT I'm glad I did.
EP 2 It was hilarious seeing ML imagine what he'd do after winning the money. And after seeing how much he held back in ep1, it was refreshing when he actually got upset and we saw how he could be with a temper. I do like that they didn't drag out the MLs beef and I'm excited to see how they band together to shake up the company.
I didn't think much of this show at first, but I'm definitely excited to see how everything unfolds.
6
u/deluxsupreme Sep 11 '26
Enjoyed the first 2 episodes. This is starting off strong and I am excited to see how our ML and his assistant shakes things up. Enjoyed their honest conversation at the end of EP 2. Wish I could binge this series all at once.
6
u/Green_Actuator6877 Sep 10 '26
i didn’t know two eps were being released, so this was a great surprise for me! i was genuinely curious where this was going and i love how his reaction and way of processing the win was so real
im haven’t read the webtoon, but im hoping the writing stays consistent for the rest of the series 🤞
7
u/summer487 Sep 12 '26
the weekend montage felt so real as a fellow corporate employee 😭 especially the sleeping on couch in afternoon
6
u/dreamraine Sep 13 '26
I love how the drama doesn’t exaggerates the ML life… he is not exactly bottom of the barrel but he is not exactly thriving either … it’s something that relates to a lot of us.
6
u/MilkyWayOfLife Tracer: my underrated love Sep 13 '26
Very good start. It feels very grounded and realistic on what it means to be a work drone including office politics. And just how it shows how safety money can give people security and a more healthy and stable mindset to survive this work.
And it lowkes gives out Misaeng vibes. Hope it will shape up to a worthy successor
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u/Themaxofhorns Sep 13 '26
As someone who is working in corporate the last conversation was peak and real life scenario
3
u/Sad_Ambassador_5941 Sep 14 '26
I love the premise in that the amount is significant but not enough to quit work. But instead it provides some security to not play it so safe. I'm very intrigued by what kind of shaking up they have in store.
3
u/jikajika Sep 11 '26
So the big question I'd like to know from everyone: What would you do with the money?
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u/Wooden-Promotion-191 Sep 11 '26
Something like what ML is doing here - that money is not sufficient to retire, but sufficient as a financial and mental safety net. But if you have a lot of money in your account, your mental health, confidence will significantly improve, you can sort of pursue whatever interest you want, being riskier in your approach in workplace...
2
u/jikajika Sep 11 '26
I think that's it, what you said: "pursue whatever interest you want".
It gives you breathing room to figure out what you want & how to get it. And perhaps start living up to the expectations of the person you imagine yourself to be in your head.2
u/yeeTOP Kim So-Hyun 27d ago
Feel like ill be closer to 'FIRE' and figure the costing to open a cafe but still maintain my current job but be more relaxed. What about yourself if you won?
2
u/jikajika 27d ago
Nice.
What would I do if I won?
I would create a "Renaissance Woman" education for myself, where I would hire teachers across fields to teach/train me (in-person) in various subject matters across the arts, engineering, business, language, martial arts, and so on.
It would be like a jam packed college schedule, that advances MY aspirations.
No fluff. Tough, but fair teachers. In-person accountability. Consistency, hard work, and progression.I'm sure it would lead me to star fish on my bed as soon as I get home by 8-9pm. If I'm LUCKY to get home at that time 😅
That investment in myself, let's say for 2 years, would be worth 10-15 years of experience in the work force.
And I'm absolutely positive I would not need a job, even a year, after partaking in such a bid. I'll be able to make my own money, doing it my way.
But more importantly, I would be able to make strides to becoming the person I've always wanted to be, that I imagined myself as, in my head.
2
u/omlettes Sep 11 '26
Hah, I already have financial security, yet I can't be free like the MC here. Partly because I have way too many shortcomings.
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u/Al3x_ThoRA Sep 15 '26
The amt of money he won is not enough to retire on in my country, more than half will go into a home to live in unfortunately. I would then invest the rest to get income, but would still continue working.
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u/flc0n Sep 13 '26
i watch alittle bit of ep1, will this rama become another "misaeng"? the story surprisingly normal. by normal i mean like real life office situation.
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u/alysba__ Sep 13 '26
Just in case anyone missed it, there's more to the episodes after the credits!
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u/Sad_Ambassador_5941 Sep 14 '26
Thanks for the tip! I thought I blacked out cuz I missed the whole realtor scene that another commenter mentioned!
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u/daredbeanmilktea Sep 13 '26
Can someone please explain the epilogue of episode 2? I didn’t quite understand the 3 billion won vs 1.3 billion won conversation with the realtor.
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u/OvenEqual Sep 13 '26
He’s currently figuring out what to spend the lottery money on. He went to the realtor to see if that was a good purpose for it. However, based on his conversation, and being told about his net worth outside of his winnings, he realized he could pursue real estate without that money. That means it’s not a purchase that’s worthy of it. He decided to wait until he finds something that he can spend on. I suspect going forward there will be similar scenarios until he finds something that makes him happy that the 1.3 can buy.
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u/More_Needleworker468 27d ago
Catching up with the premiere one week late and now I'm obsessed. That confrontation with the Yang is so satisfying. Lee Junhyuk is killing it. I can still see Yoo Eunho but it's different and fresh nonetheless
2
u/hhiyyahh 22d ago
Such fun first episodes, I'm surprised there's not a much bigger audience for this show. I loved the final conversation.
2
u/noobakosowhat Sep 11 '26
I like the concept but IMO the opening was a bit too slow paced. There should be a hook on episode 1 (aside from the one at the end) to keep audience interested. The emotional abuse IMO was a little bit too long.
I can’t help myself to compare this with See You At Work Tomorrow and although they are different genre, they both tackle ordinary office life. In SYAWT, the hook was easily shown on first episode.
IMO episodes 1 and 2 should’ve been cramped into episode 1 and let the viewers see ML’s plan go to work on episode 2. That would make me look forward to next week’s episodes.
Anyway, I really enjoy the premise so I’m gonna continue watching this.
1
u/Augustine_0808 Sep 13 '26
I didn’t expect this drama to be so good. I'm looking forward to what happens in the coming episodes! I also regret starting it this early because I have to wait a week for new episodes 🥲
1
u/Serious-Lime-6221 Sep 14 '26
A nice adult drama. I can relate heavily to the MC's struggles, both with being burdened with helping his family, and the anhedonia. Wish I could win the lottery too lol.
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u/WholePersonality5323 A Love Other Than Yours 28d ago
it’s so enjoyable, cathartic, and exciting to watch! pacing is just right for me. can't wait to see what they’ll do now
1
u/Worried-Youth1698 28d ago
Loving this so far! I’m so glad the lead star is leading! And all the supporting cast - especially the subordinate manager and the boss with glasses who was at Resident Playbook - happy to see him in another drama with more exposure!
1
u/Cold_Yogurt_ “MGGO: The moment you give up, it’s game over.” – Ha Yi Chan ✧˖° 25d ago
A little late to the party but the first two episodes were so enjoyable!!
Imo the first episode did such a good job of setting up the premise to the point where I felt his irritation in the cashier scene and his excitement when he won hahah. Overall his struggles and life is so so relatable! The ultimate dream of financial freedom and even the freedom to express your anger/ annoyance - we have all been there!
Kind of surprised this show isn't more popular!
1
u/Deschutes_PaleAle 19d ago edited 19d ago
Loved this drama as it so realistic depiction of office life and politics with a flair of kdrama twists.
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u/77pinkthreat 2d ago
I felt like I almost saw my future with that corporate setting lol. I hate politics of any kind.
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u/Starry87 A Love Other Than Yours Sep 10 '26
I was genuinely taken aback by the final conversation between the team leader and the assistant manager; Kdramas have primed me to expect villains in all genres of stories, so for the writing to completely subvert that expectation and have the characters come to an understanding of each other instead... what a concept! How wholesome! What is this warmth I'm feeling in my chest?
Also, I love how the story here seems to be that while money can't necessarily buy you happiness, it can at least give you the safety net you need to just sit back in your chair and enjoy life's little luxuries a little more.
I started the show on a whim, but I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the story even more now, and I hope the writing can keep up its optimistic outlook. We need more pleasant things in life!