Lead Your Team Like a K-Drama CEO: Mastering Delegation in Korean
Hello! This is Maeil Hangul, here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Today, we’re stepping into the fast-paced world of the Korean office. Have you ever wondered how to assign tasks or take charge of a project like a true leader? We’ll learn the essential phrases for delegating tasks and taking responsibility. These expressions are super useful whether you’re leading a project or want to show your boss you’re a reliable team player.
These days in Korea, the work culture in many companies, especially startups, is becoming more collaborative. This means clear communication about who is responsible for what is more important than ever. Let’s learn how to do it with confidence!
Key Expressions for Leaders
Here are three powerful phrases that will make you sound capable and trustworthy at work.
1. (이 일은) ~에게 맡기다 [(i ireun) ~ege matgida]
- English Meaning: To entrust (this task) to (someone) / To delegate to (someone)
- Detailed Explanation: This is the classic phrase for delegation.
맡기다(matgida) means “to entrust” or “to leave something in someone’s care.” It’s typically used by a person in a position of authority, like a team leader (팀장님) or manager (부장님), when assigning a task. Using this phrase shows that you have trust and confidence in your team member’s abilities. It’s a formal and respectful way to delegate.
2. 제가 책임지겠습니다 [Jega chaegimjigetseumnida]
- English Meaning: I will take responsibility.
- Detailed Explanation: This is a very strong and impressive phrase.
책임(chaegim) means “responsibility,” and지다(jida) means “to carry” or “to bear.” So you are literally saying, “I will carry the responsibility.” This is something a true leader says to reassure their team, especially when a project is challenging or risky. It shows great leadership and accountability. You’ll hear this a lot in K-dramas when a cool CEO makes a bold decision!
3. 믿고 맡겨 주세요 [Mitgo matgyeo juseyo]
- English Meaning: Please trust me and leave it to me.
- Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect response when you are given an important task.
믿다(mitda) means “to trust” or “to believe.” By saying this, you are confidently telling your boss or senior colleague that you are capable and they don’t need to worry. It’s polite, proactive, and shows your enthusiasm for the work.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation at a Korean startup company.
- A: 팀장님 (Team Leader):
민준 씨, 이번 신제품 SNS 마케팅 기획은 민준 씨에게 맡기겠습니다.
[Minjun-ssi, ibeon sinjepum SNS marketing gihoegeun Minjun-ssi-ege matgigetseumnida.]
(Minjun, I’m delegating the social media marketing plan for the new product to you.) -
B: 민준 (Minjun):
네? 정말 저를 믿고 맡기시는 건가요?
[Ne? Jeongmal jeoreul mitgo matgisineun geongayo?]
(Oh? Are you really entrusting it to me?) -
A: 팀장님 (Team Leader):
네. 민준 씨의 아이디어가 좋았어요. 어려울 수 있지만 잘 할 거라고 믿어요.
[Ne. Minjun-ssi-ui aidieoga joasseoyo. Eoryeoul su itjiman jal hal georago mideoyo.]
(Yes. I liked your ideas. It might be difficult, but I believe you’ll do a great job.) -
B: 민준 (Minjun):
감사합니다, 팀장님! 믿고 맡겨 주세요. 제가 확실히 책임지겠습니다!
[Gamsahamnida, timjangnim! Mitgo matgyeo juseyo. Jega hwaksilhi chaegimjigetseumnida!]
(Thank you, Team Leader! Please trust me and leave it to me. I will definitely take responsibility!)
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
In Korean work culture, the concept of 눈치 (nunchi) is incredibly important. Nunchi is the subtle art of understanding a situation and knowing what is expected of you without being told directly.
- How it connects: When a leader delegates a task using “~에게 맡기겠습니다,” they are not just giving work; they are showing trust. A team member with good nunchi understands this.
- Responding with “믿고 맡겨 주세요” is a perfect example of showing good nunchi. You are acknowledging the trust placed in you and actively promising a good result. It shows you are not just a passive worker but an engaged and reliable team member.
- Furthermore, a leader who says “제가 책임지겠습니다” is highly respected. In a culture that can sometimes be very hierarchical, a leader who protects their team by taking ultimate responsibility is seen as a true and modern leader, much like the charismatic CEOs in popular K-dramas like “Start-Up” or “Itaewon Class.”
Let’s Practice!
Time to check what you’ve learned!
- Fill in the blank: Your boss has assigned you a very important presentation. You want to show your confidence. What do you say?
네, 팀장님. ( _______ ) 맡겨 주세요!
- Sentence Making: You are a team leader. How would you delegate the “market research” (시장 조사) task to your team member, “Sujin” (수진 씨)?
Great job today! You’re now one step closer to communicating like a pro in a Korean workplace.
Try using one of today’s expressions to make your own sentence in the comments below!
