He’s on Duty 2010

Tae-sik is perpetually unemployed, drifting from one temp job to the next—manual labor, coffee service, you name it. His distinct appearance—dark skin and a shorter frame—marks him as an outsider in a society that biases him, but his best friend Yong-cheol urges him to translate these challenges into something he can own. In search of a fresh start, Tae-sik adopts a new persona: an accent and an ethnic hat accompany his rebirth as Bang-ga (Kim In-kwon) from Bhutan, and he lands a job at a chair manufacturing factory.

Despite a rocky start marked by clumsiness, Tae-sik slowly earns the trust and camaraderie of his co-workers. He forges a connection with Jang-mi from Vietnam, a relationship that begins warmly and grows into something more meaningful. Jang-mi is portrayed by Shin Hyun-been, and through her friendship Tae-sik starts to see a path where his differences can become strengths rather than barriers. As his integration deepens, Tae-sik is chosen to lead a migrant workers’ labor union and takes on the role of a competent Korean language instructor, guiding others who share his journey. Together with his colleagues, he also pursues a shared dream: winning a local singing competition for foreigners, a moment of celebration that brings their community into the spotlight.

As bonds strengthen and a sense of belonging grows, Tae-sik’s loyalties are put to the test. Yong-cheol discovers a way to swindle the group’s funds, threatening everything Tae-sik has built and forcing him to decide where his true loyalties lie. The story unfolds with warmth and humor, painting a portrait of resilience, adaptation, and solidarity among a group of workers navigating identity, belonging, and the promise of a better future.