This review may contain spoilers
The Best Series Ever!!!
This is the best Korean Series I have ever watched -- it has everything -- family infidelity little violence unrequited love true love forgiveness redemption -- I think the very best thing about this drama is IU's character listening toLee Sun Kyun character walking all throughout the series -- there is so much happening in this series and so many forms of broken people but yet they all find a way to mend the piesces -- Jang Ki Yong plays an unforgetable character in this series he is a bully that beats IU's character throughout -- You can't possibly go into this because there is just too much and the story is woven together with Oscar Winning skill - Love this series just too sad that Lee Sun Kyun is no longer with us he was such an amazing talented actor
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Overrated but only to a certain group of people
I can definitely see and understand why this drama is considered a masterpiece as it moves the hearts and shifts the minds. However, I personally haven't experienced much misery in my life, fortunately, and watching this simply didn't resonate with me as much as I would have liked. Overall, it is still great and a good change of pace if you're watching the usual over-the-top dramas. What this drama does do well is the friendly neighbourhood vibe greatly reminiscent of the reply series and whenever those scenes were shown, it truly comforted me. Mashallah, 8.5/10Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Masterpiece of Emotional Depth and Human Connection
"My Ajusshi" is a drama that stands out for its profound exploration of human relationships, the burden of past traumas, and the potential for redemption through empathy and understanding. Park Dong-hoon is a middle-aged engineer living a life filled with silent suffering, while Lee Ji-an is a young woman burdened by debt and a traumatic past. Their unlikely bond becomes the catalyst for mutual healing and growth.Character Analysis:
Park Dong-hoon is a character who epitomizes quiet suffering. Despite his outwardly stable life—a steady job, a family, and a home—he is internally tormented by a sense of inadequacy and disillusionment. Lee Sun-kyun masterfully portrays Dong-hoon’s stoic demeanor, which masks a deep well of pain and regret. Dong-hoon’s journey is one of self-discovery and emotional awakening. His interactions with Ji-an force him to confront his own unhappiness and to reconsider what truly matters in life. Dong-hoon’s development from a man resigned to his fate to someone who actively seeks happiness and fulfillment is deeply moving. His quiet strength and inherent goodness make him a profoundly relatable and admirable character.
Lee Ji-an is a stark contrast to Dong-hoon’s. Where Dong-hoon is silently suffering, Ji-an’s life is a constant battle for survival. IU’s portrayal of Ji-an is nothing short of extraordinary. She captures the essence of a young woman hardened by life’s cruelties yet yearning for kindness and acceptance. Ji-an’s transformation throughout the series is significant. She evolves from a distrustful, guarded individual into someone who learns to trust and find solace in others. Her relationship with Dong-hoon is the cornerstone of this transformation. It is through his unwavering support and understanding that Ji-an begins to believe in the possibility of a better life.
Yoon-hee, Dong-hoon’s wife, is initially portrayed as a character driven by her own desires, resulting in her infidelity. However, as the series progresses, her character is explored with greater depth. She is not just a villain but a deeply flawed human being struggling with her own guilt and seeking redemption. Yoon-hee’s journey is one of self-awareness and repentance. Her interactions with Ji-an and her attempts to make amends with Dong-hoon add layers to her character, making her a more empathetic figure.
Dong-hoon’s brothers add a layer of warmth and complexity to the narrative. Sang-hoon, the eldest, is a man grappling with his own failures and insecurities, yet he remains a source of comic relief and emotional support. Ki-hoon, the youngest, is a dreamer whose career in filmmaking is a source of both pride and pain. Their sibling dynamics highlight the importance of family, and their personal struggles reflect the different ways individuals cope with their own shortcomings.
Themes:
Redemption and Forgiveness: One of the most compelling themes of "My Ajusshi" is the possibility of redemption and forgiveness. Each character, in their own way, is seeking forgiveness—whether from others or from themselves. Dong-hoon’s journey is about forgiving himself for perceived failures and finding a way to move forward. Ji-an’s path is about seeking redemption from a life of hardship and finding a way to trust and be trusted. Yoon-hee’s story is one of seeking forgiveness for her betrayal and striving to become a better person. The series beautifully portrays that forgiveness is not about erasing the past but about accepting it and finding a way to live with it.
Empathy and Human Connection: "My Ajusshi" is a profound exploration of empathy and the human connection. The bond between Dong-hoon and Ji-an is the heart of the series, illustrating how two seemingly different people can profoundly impact each other’s lives. Their relationship is not based on romantic love but on a deep, empathetic understanding of each other’s pain. This connection becomes a source of healing and strength for both. The series emphasizes that true empathy involves seeing the world through another’s eyes and being present for them in their time of need.
The Burden of Past Traumas: The series delves deep into how past traumas shape the present. Dong-hoon’s quiet suffering is rooted in his past experiences and the unspoken expectations placed upon him. Ji-an’s guarded nature is a direct result of her traumatic past and the constant struggle for survival. "My Ajusshi" portrays how these traumas can become burdens that weigh heavily on individuals, but it also shows that confronting these pasts is essential for healing and growth.
Societal Expectations and Personal Fulfillment: The series also tackles the theme of societal expectations versus personal fulfillment. Dong-hoon is a man who has lived his life according to societal expectations, prioritizing stability and responsibility over personal happiness. Ji-an, on the other hand, has been forced to forego her own dreams in the face of overwhelming challenges. "My Ajusshi" explores how these expectations can suffocate personal desires and the courage it takes to break free from them in pursuit of true fulfillment.
Visual Storytelling:
The cinematography of "My Ajusshi" is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The use of lighting and color is particularly noteworthy. Early episodes are often shrouded in darkness and muted tones, reflecting the emotional states of the characters. As Dong-hoon and Ji-an begin to heal and find hope, the scenes gradually become brighter and more vibrant. This visual transformation mirrors their emotional journeys, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
The series also excels in its use of silence and unspoken moments. Some of the most powerful scenes are those where nothing is said, but everything is conveyed through expressions, body language, and the spaces between words. This understated approach allows the viewer to feel the characters’ emotions more deeply and connect with their experiences on a visceral level.
Impact and Legacy:
"My Ajusshi" is more than just a drama; it is a profound meditation on the human condition. It reminds us that what truly matters in life are the relationships we build and the empathy we show towards others. The series has left an indelible mark on its viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Lee Sun-kyun’s portrayal of Park Dong-hoon is a performance of a lifetime. His ability to convey deep emotions with subtlety and authenticity is a testament to his extraordinary talent. His passing is a great loss to the world of entertainment, but his legacy will live on through his remarkable body of work. IU’s performance as Ji-an is equally commendable. The entire cast, from main characters to supporting roles, delivered performances that brought the story to life in the most compelling way.
Conclusion:
"My Ajusshi" is a drama that stands out for its exceptional storytelling, complex characters, and deep emotional resonance. It is a series that invites viewers to look beyond the surface and appreciate the beauty of human connections and the strength of the human spirit. This is a must watch for anyone seeking a drama that not only entertains but also enriches the soul. It is a poignant reminder of the power of empathy, the importance of personal growth, and the transformative nature of unconditional support.
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A slow-burn masterpiece that leaves you emotionally scorched
A Deep Dive into Human Struggles and Unlikely Connections✨ THE GOOD:
Lee Sun-kyun & IU: Their performances are nothing short of mesmerizing. Lee Sun-kyun brings a quiet intensity as Park Dong-hoon, while IU delivers a raw, vulnerable portrayal of Lee Ji-an.
Realistic storytelling: Tackles themes like debt, betrayal, and loneliness with unflinching honesty.
Cinematography: The subdued color palette and intimate close-ups enhance the emotional depth of the narrative.
Soundtrack: The hauntingly beautiful OST complements the mood perfectly, adding another layer to the storytelling.
🐢 THE "SLOW BURN" MOMENTS:
Pacing: The series takes its time, allowing characters to develop and relationships to evolve naturally. Some might find the slow pace challenging, but it's worth the wait.
Emotional weight: The heavy themes can be overwhelming, but they add to the authenticity of the story.
💔 THE "HEART-WRENCHING" FACTOR:
The bond between Park Dong-hoon and Lee Ji-an is built on mutual understanding and unspoken support, making their connection all the more poignant.
The series doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of life, but it also offers moments of hope and redemption.
🎯 VERDICT:
"Like a quiet storm that leaves you drenched in emotion."
Watch if: You appreciate character-driven stories that explore the complexities of human relationships.
Skip if: You prefer fast-paced plots or light-hearted fare.
Best paired with: 🍷 A glass of red wine, a cozy blanket, and a box of tissues.
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beautiful acting
I almost gave up on this after a few episodes. the acting was amazing but the story was slow. I didn’t give up and I’m glad I didn’t. the acting from the main characters especially was some of the best I have seen. IU blew me away. the writing really let the complexity of the characters shine through and the morality was complex and thought provoking. it was sad to watch it for the first time after the death of the lead actor. he was really so good. all in all this was slow but beautiful.Was this review helpful to you?
"나 좀 싫어해줄래요? 엄청나게 끝간데없이. 아주아주 열심히."
It'll soon be a whole year since Lee Seon Gyun's tragic suicide. He is a great loss for the Korean and global film industries. As I watched the drama I couldn't help but realise that a person completely rotten from the inside, as he was portrayed by the journalists and haters, would never be able to emit that warmth and kindness he put into his most memorable role. I long hesitated to write any review at all for this drama because it didn't seem like it would be any kind of revelation to the viewers and its fans. But it just feels so unfair that the death of such a great actor is now forgotten and the world has moved on with all the horrible things that happen all the time. I am going to remember Lee Seon Gyun through this drama and I will have to rewatch it again someday because I feel like I should grow into it a bit.Recently I've met a person whose warmth and character reminds me a lot of "ajeossi" Park Dong Hoon, and my mind returned to this drama again. May he overcome his struggles and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Also, a sunny summer is probably a bad time to watch this K-drama. It's not easy on you, so avoid watching it in distress, but the late fall approaching Thanksgiving will do.
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The sublime context of emotions throuht the show is heavy and weary
My Mister is not your typical K-drama. Instead of romance and high glamour, it offers a deeply moving, raw, and realistic portrait of human suffering and eventual healing. The series follows two individuals burdened by life: Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun, in an unforgettable performance), a weary, middle-aged engineer grappling with family and workplace woes, and Lee Ji-an (IU), a young, cold, and quiet woman crushed by debt and violence.Their relationship begins through mutual antagonism and dark circumstances, but it blossoms into a profound, platonic connection built on empathy and protection. The show excels in its writing and direction, using subtle, quiet moments to convey overwhelming emotion. It’s dark and often heavy, exploring themes of poverty, depression, and the crushing weight of societal expectations, yet it is ultimately an incredibly heartwarming story about finding solace and humanity in the kindness of a single person.
The supporting cast, particularly the three Park brothers and their neighborhood friends, adds layers of genuine warmth and humor to the melancholic narrative. While it’s slow-paced and requires emotional investment, My Mister is widely regarded as a masterpiece for its superb acting, thoughtful script, and beautifully realistic depiction of life's struggles. It is a must-watch if you are looking for meaningful drama over simple entertainment.
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Good, but very serious
It was definitely a good watch, but it's pretty serious (& sometimes depressing). I will say there were some moments where it was challenging for me to watch relating to the ideas based on values & traditions. There were also times were I found the brothers and even the main character pretty annoying, but not detestable. I am glad that it didn't go down the route other shows go down with the ML & the FL. It also wrapped up nicely so that was another plus. While I did enjoy the show overall, I don't think there's much replay value. Also, they do a really good job of making the villains the most unlikeable people.Was this review helpful to you?
A profound experience that words fail to describe.
Watching this masterpiece leaves me at a frustrating loss for words to describe how deeply it moved and affected me, it's frustrating because no words adequately or even approximately convey the complexity of the feelings that it evokes at times and how the flavour of the feelings change with time.Others have written excellent reviews and I will keep this short and not rehash. I wanted to write a review because this is the first series that's remained in my memory and subconsciousness long after I've finished watching it. The flavours of feelings, thoughts and complex emotions that keep coming are a cathartic reminder of the difficulties that all of us face in life, and at the same time an invitation to live life more lightly, and let go more and more.
This masterpiece needs to be watched at a pace that it defines for itself. It needs time for the complex layers of feelings in the story to really be seen, felt, experienced and tasted for what they really are. Rushing through it or binge watching, just destroys all the subtleties that make it special like nothing else I've ever experienced.
Even in a single episode, I found myself rewinding to certain points in time to re-experience the events and finding newer layers of meaning, feeling and context each time I re-watch. Each episode is a complex and subtly woven tapestry that evoke mixed and often conflicting responses, there's no simplistic black and white good vs evil, we experience flavours of human nature that are absolutely real, often painful and deeply flawed. What's truly amazing is how this is all presented - in a way that we can relate to very deeply and yet retaining the character of a well narrated story that evokes our imagination and touches our creative side, leaving us longing for more. I just don't have the words to explain this in any way that will make sense to a reader unless (s)he actually goes through the experience of the journey through this piece of art.
The characters of Park Dong Hoon and Lee Ji An could not have been played by anyone more perfect for these roles. They are brilliant, and I have nothing but the highest respect for these amazing actors who played their roles so perfectly, that there is no acting any more, they are truly living their roles and their characters. This is what makes the loss of Lee Sun Kyun so painful, having to leave this world at such a young age of 48. We will cherish your work and celebrate your life sir, you were a true master of your art.
There are some moments in some episodes, you will know and feel them when they happen, that your mind goes blank, you have no words, there are just tears that you can't stop, and you know it has touched you in ways that you could not have imagined, you don't care who says what, you don't care who's looking at you, and you have no regrets. Again, these words hardly do any justice to the experience. At times, I just had to pause and sit there in quiet contemplation because I could not go ahead without experiencing the moment to the fullest. I could not do otherwise. And yet, all was well, it was all right, I was content, at peace.
I've truly never experienced a work of art like this. Not in my several decades in this short cycle of birth and death. This is art.
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My heart can't bear to finish it
This was one of the best drama I've ever watched in a while. This is why sometimes you need to get out of romance and watch some dramas like My Mister. The way Lee Sun kyun acted the way he carried himself he acted so well throughout the drama and I only heard his name once before so I wanted to search him up and shockingly found that he died exactly this day a year ago and I was genuinely so sad he plays such a pitiful role in the drama and i only had to watch 2 more eps of it but if I did I'd probably cry so my heart can't watch it. IU Also was excellent throughout and I came to watch this for her but ended up wondering about this middle aged man who acted so good and I really wanted to see some more of his drama or movies but *sigh*RIP Ahjussi :(
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This is for the people who didn’t enjoy My Mister
I write this review amongst the glowing 9's and 10’s. I really do come in peace to just say that this is a very strong cup of tea that may not be a preferred cup as I have unfortunately found myself.It is a hectic watch . It is a tough watch . It is also a pouty watch. All these attributes are also the charms of the drama but are also the aspects that make it a pungent tea to some. Two things can be true at the same time and that is okay too .
Unfortunately, the former overwhelmed the other . It truly is the drama I couldn’t love even though I wanted to . And I can see what everyone talks about , I’m sure it inspires personal healing and human warmth and everything a slice of life should be but it just was not a slice of life I wanted to have . The tea leaves of Lee Jee An with her pouty grimace and the dry lips of the male lead and the pitiful brothers and mother were not sifted through the drama sieve well enough .
And those are the redeeming charms to some but it’s a no from me .
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Slice of life at it's best
This title has been on my list to watch on Netflix since last year. It was only last week that I got to start it.Have you ever watched a drama wherein the summarized plot basically told you nothing about the story and you go in totally unprepared for it? Well, this is one such drama.
EP 1 didn't give me a hint on what this drama would be about although it did pique my interest. Sometimes you just want a drama about life and My Mister doesn't disappoint.
I loved the relationship of the 3 siblings. Middle-aged they may be, but they can still act like boys when they argue. They may not be rich and down on their luck (the 2 brothers at least); but they proved that you are never too old to learn something new. I myself had a 9 to 5 career before and now I am helping manage a business that is totally different from what I was used to.
I also like their mom. Moms will always be moms no matter what the age of their child. They are already nearing their 50's and yet, she still wakes up early to prepare their lunch boxes.
As to IU's performance, I was initially bored with her expression. But as the story progressed, you can understand the choices she made.
The drama itself is full of colorful characters and the story is refreshingly different from the rom-coms, adultery, chaebols, revenge stories I have been watching. Definitely recommending this if you want a realistic story about life.
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