'I'm Working On It' (Jageop Jungiya)
Original Korean title
작업 중이야
'I'm Working On It' is a catchphrase from a 2003 Samsung Anycall ad, used to describe making a romantic move on someone.
Originated around 2003Last updated: August 4, 2026
What does it mean?
The line '작업 중이야' ('I'm working on it') from Samsung Anycall's 2003 phone commercial series became a popular way to describe pursuing someone romantically. At the time, the word '작업' (jageop, literally 'work') itself was already a widely used slang term for making a romantic advance.
Where did it start?
The line was delivered by actor Lee Seo-jin in a 2003 Samsung Anycall TV commercial. The ad, promoting a 1.3-megapixel camera phone, starred Lee Hyori just after her solo debut and rode the wave of her so-called 'Hyori Syndrome' popularity to major buzz. The short line 'I'm working on it' went on to be parodied across shows and ads for years, and even two decades later it continues to be revisited as a nostalgic commercial.
How is it used?
Used casually to describe someone making a move to show romantic interest.
By context
- On public social media
- Context matters
- At work
- Context matters
- With family
- Context matters
- With friends
- Generally safe to use