"This is just how life is..."
This drama is easy, slow-paced, heartwarming, and inspirational.I've seen this drama numerous times on my recommendations on Netflix.. but never clicked on it because I didn't feel like watching "sad-inspirational drama". After watching Son Suk-Ku in the drama 'A Paradox Killer', his aura motivated me to check his film history and I remembered that he did a drama with Kim Ji Won, which is this drama.
The way he portrayed his police officer character in the Killer Paradox and his side villain-nie... and of course, his handsome face. This made me have no choice but to check his other drama and watch 'My LiberationNotes'. Hahaha. But I do want to watch this drama so badly. I just used that as an excuse to watch it.
Anyways, in this drama... they truly demonstrated a lot of inspirational daily life choices.
The main one is alcoholism.
It's not easy to stop drinking.
It's an addiction.
But with Mi-Jeong's coping mechanism he managed not to drown himself with alcohol.
Instead of forcing him not to drink, the way she communicates with him helps him feel comfortable and allows him to trust her.
I don't really know how to explain but their relationship is so calming. I don't think their healthy relationship can be a reality in this generation as we tend to give up easily especially the more we get to know how addicted someone is to alcohol.
Yes. Love is love... but people tend to let go... because it might damage them in the future.
I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm saying.
The family issues have definitely hit me on the inside.
One being an immigrant... we may have jobs... but that's not enough to provide for ourselves and our family. I do want to help my family in my home country... but it's hard when inflations are fucked up.
Just watching the family members work hard has made me feel emotional.
The effort their parents put into providing for their children.
Lake of verbal affection; which is very normal in Asian cultures.
Asian parents tend to show affection through food and other household chores.
The struggles the siblings face every day just to survive hits me.
Life is hard.
But as they said... if you want to make a change in your life. You have to take action. But for me... how? Idk where to start or go...
Idek what I'm saying anymore.
I'm going out of topic.
In conclusion, this drama has made me emotional mentally and physically. But they inspired me.
The only brother with his change of career... im so shocked yet proud.
There are some unanswered scenes... but I love this drama.
Regardless of little skinship. I love their characters. This is probably my first drama with little to no kissing scene. And I'm totally okay with it. Tangina ang gwapo talaga ni MR. GU. AHHH.
ITS CRAZY how he's 41 years old.
At first.. im shocked about their 10-year age gap... and how Jiwon calls him Sunbaenim... but their chemistry in this drama is on point.
I LOVE IT. WOULD definitely rewatch some of their scenes together.
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Please. If you don't want spoilers stop. (It's for my future References)
I don't understand the older sisters' relationship... did they end up together or not-?
The best friend girl... who's somewhat seeing the brother.. what? I don't understand...
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The ending tho... why does it have to be like that... whats with the last-minute fighting scene? (Totally hot th0) but still.
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Anyway... this hit drama hit me from the bottom of my heart.
3/7/24 11:40 pm
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make sure that what kind of mindset in you are before waching this otherwise you find it boring
starting from the story it was a simple plot.three siblings having problems and problems. how they overcome their problems curiosity keep us waching this.cinematography: awesome you can't explain in words. director is a guru
Acting:every character performance was top notch.even the liberation clubs members were gave us heartwarming performance.
Music:also ost makes this drama more beautiful
if you on a clear mindset before waching this then you will enjoy this
especially I'm in love with this drama. every character was well written.
and it was one of the best slice of drama I ever watch
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Shattering the shackels around your heart
Were you searching for answers of questions you don't actually know but you always wonder?Does it sound vague? Are you wondering what i am talking about? Go on. Dig in.
Be ready to feel stuff that don't generally want to feel because you HAVE to go do you day job or morning studies. Be prepared to question Normalcy, is it really that different from ordinary? Since, everyone wants to be extraordinary, doesn't it make Ordinary the most special.
At a first glance, this is a Ordinary drama about ordinary people leading their ordinary live.
But oh wonder!
This drama will handle the mundane aspects of life and make them kind of easy and hard hitting.
The acting from all the actors, leads as well as subs are just amazing and every person stand on their own. This makes me really glad that such a drama is regular and people are actually watching.
P.s: I will probably add stuff when, this drama will be over.
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A Journey Through Quiet Lives
If you’ve seen and read my review on My Mister, this will feel familiar. My Liberation Notes is another masterpiece by Park Hae-young, the maestro who penned My Mister. Once again, she showcases the beauty of the mundane with her trademark slow and deliberate storytelling that still demands your full attention. It’s not a drama you merely watch; it’s one you experience, requiring your patience, focus, and willingness to find the extraordinary within the ordinary.This is a drama where the silence speaks louder than words, where the unspoken emotions carry the weight of the world, and where the slow unraveling of characters feels like peeling back layers of your own soul. It’s not just about the story of three siblings and a mysterious stranger; it’s about what it means to yearn, to struggle, and to find solace amidst the quiet chaos of life.
My Liberation Notes unfolds like a soft breeze on a quiet afternoon—unassuming yet deeply stirring. The drama thrives in its ability to make the mundane extraordinary. Every scene feels like a moment stolen from real life, with characters so authentic you forget they’re fictional. The setting of Sanpo Village, with its serene yet suffocating atmosphere, becomes more than a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character that mirrors the emotional states of its inhabitants.
Park Hae-young’s writing excels in subtext, inviting viewers to piece together what’s not shown on screen. Dialogue becomes a treasure trove of hidden meanings, and every pause, glance, or sigh feels loaded with significance. It’s a narrative style that rewards attentiveness, pulling you deeper into the lives of its characters. For those who can appreciate this meticulous approach, the payoff is immeasurable.
Kim Ji-won’s portrayal of Yeom Mi-jeong is nothing short of revelatory. As the introverted youngest sibling, she embodies the quiet desperation of someone yearning for more yet unsure of how to achieve it. Mi-jeong’s journey from timidity to self-awareness is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her realization that she’s battling depression and her tentative steps toward change serve as the emotional core of the drama.
Son Suk-ku’s performance as Mr. Gu is equally captivating. With his brooding presence and layers of mystery, he anchors the story without overshadowing it. Mr. Gu’s interactions with the Yeom siblings, especially Mi-jeong, are filled with unspoken tenderness and quiet revelations. His character’s slow unraveling mirrors the drama’s deliberate pace, making every moment of vulnerability feel earned.
The supporting cast shines just as brightly. Lee El and Lee Min-ki bring depth and nuance to the roles of the other Yeom siblings, each grappling with their own struggles and aspirations. Their performances ensure that every character’s story feels vital to the narrative’s tapestry. Among the side characters, Jeon Hye-jin’s Ji Hyun-ah stands out. Despite limited screen time, her portrayal of a bright yet heartbreakingly loyal friend leaves an indelible mark. Hyun-ah’s resilience and warmth are a testament to the drama’s ability to craft multidimensional characters.
The beauty of My Liberation Notes lies in its authenticity. Even at its most chaotic moments, the drama remains grounded and believable, thanks to its gentle storytelling and attention to detail. It’s a rare gem that trusts its audience to connect the dots and draw their own conclusions, making the viewing experience deeply personal.
However, this style may not be for everyone. The drama’s slow pacing and abundance of quiet moments might test the patience of viewers accustomed to more action-packed narratives. Additionally, the time skip in the latter half is addressed briefly and could confuse those who aren’t paying close attention. While I personally appreciated the open-ended conclusion, it may leave some viewers longing for closure. The OST, while fitting, lacks the memorability of My Mister and doesn’t evoke the same emotional resonance.
Despite these minor shortcomings, My Liberation Notes is a love letter to introverts and a celebration of life’s quiet moments. It’s a drama that asks you to sit with it, to reflect, and to find meaning in the spaces between words. For those willing to embrace its deliberate pace and introspective nature, it offers a narrative gem that lingers long after the final episode.
My Liberation Notes is a testament to the power of gentle storytelling and the beauty of quiet moments. While its slow pace and introspective nature may not suit everyone, those who embrace it will discover a deeply rewarding narrative. It’s a love letter to introverts and a poignant exploration of life’s complexities.
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A drama for grown-ups
Not a typical drama. So many will not like it as it will not be adjusted with their test. It has the "My Mister" drama vibe but with very slow pacing. It was my first Kim Ji Won drama. And I just love the character. As a slice of drama it shows the real vulnerable site very clearly. Even the Yeom Mi Jeong character is realistic. How she does not ride in the Royace to go to office not because of the lack of interest but for the traffic. It portraits the real human nature.The background score is decent. Even in the action scene it was being normal melody not to become any thriller drama like the other romantic drama.
The camera angle was awesome. I just can't hold myself to take screenshot of moat of the static scene.
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This review may contain spoilers
Struggles we all live with
STORY:This drama is interesting as it intersects the wholly real parts of everyday living with some of the less believable areas. I'm to assume this is to keep view entertainment for a fairly slow moving drama in terms of the amount that is happening. The FL is a very sweet and quiet girl and has two siblings one brother and a sister. We find that over time as the show progresses this isn't her character, she was born in a difficult period of her families life. She didn't know the love her siblings had she shut herself down, and it's hard to not look at her softly. She desperately seeks companionship in GU and we see a quiet and understanding develop between them. I found this part of the story to take the narrative elsewhere I found having GU lead this very outlandish life to take away from the show at times, but I also found it to be fun and yeah it is silly and there are charms to unrealistic plot events. I do wish it was a bit more restrained in that aspect. I found the plots of both siblings to be very well done and frankly I though they were done better than the FL and GU, they were more grounded and relatable, both struggling in their own ways that you could see them as a person you've known.
CHARACTERS:
FL:
It was very nice seeing her grow into herself, taking up more space with the confidence she has
BIG SIS:
The funniest character and most relatable, I love the way she expresses herself
BIG BRO:
Similar to big sis, he's super relatable, i think a bit less funny and his humorous manner is so catchy
GU:
I found his character to be interesting in it I wish it was done with more subtlety but I thoroughly enjoyed his time with the FL it was very touching.
MY FEELINGS:
Really amazing show, that show how life is lived and how we come into our own selves and learn to pursue love, our own personalities and to move into your own being rather than what pain has made you become.
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Slice of life with no easy answers to life's questions
This slice-of-life style drama feels very real. The three siblings approaching middle-age, disenchanted with their careers and love lives, feel stuck in their small town and want to break free, so "liberation" is a personal goal for each of them. Bittersweet in many ways, with hints of happiness throughout, even in the tiniest doses. I enjoyed the brother's story-line the most, his highly-strung philosophical rants about life and love are truly insightful. Learning to accept one's fate and realizing that there is a good reason, or at least an important reason, for you to be where you are right now struck a chord with me.My complaints involve the story structure, but I think that was the main idea of the entire drama - that life can happen in bursts, and not necessarily with any reason to back it up. Great acting and a mostly quiet tone throughout.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Quiet, Lingering Reflection
When I started My Liberation Notes, my first thought was, Why is everyone so depressed? But as the episodes unfolded, I began to see the depth in their struggles. Their perspective on life wasn’t just gloomy it had layers of meaning that felt so real and human. By the end, I found myself understanding and even connecting with their quiet search for happiness and freedom.Lee Min Ki really stood out for me. His performance as Chang-hee was so natural and heartfelt that it pulled me in completely. He brought such life to his character that I couldn’t help but root for him.
As much as I loved the show, the ending left me feeling a little incomplete. Like many K-dramas, it felt rushed, but maybe that’s the charm it leaves you thinking about it long after it’s over. I just wish there had been a bit more romance. It had so much potential, and a deeper exploration of that could’ve made it even more special.
This drama is not for everyone. Its slow pace and introspective tone might not appeal to everyone’s taste, but if it finds the right audience, it hits deep.
My Liberation Notes isn’t a typical drama. It’s slow, reflective, and lingers with you. It makes you pause and think about life in ways you might not have before, and for that, I really appreciated it.
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slice of life story
Story was so real, acting too.. but i missed the lead actors actually worshipping one another.. it just remained in FLs words..Brilliant cast brilliant acting brilliant story. the whole idea of worshipping instead of loving was so unique .. i kept looking forward to ways they would worship each other.. to me the mother of FL to some extent worshipped, father worshipped his work but worshipping in a relationship requires so much maturity.. you dont find fault, you dont feel you are compromising..
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An amazingly executed slice of life drama
Kim Ji-won always coming at it with the amazing choices of roles, I will forgive her for the content drought that she gives us annually due to her always choosing the best roles.I was initially was not interested in this show, even with Kim Ji-won as the leading lady. However, for some reason that I don't entirely remember, I decided to watch it - I think it was for the relationship between Lee Ki Woo and Lee El's characters. Anyways, the story is so raw and organic for anyone questioning the meaning of their routine day-to-day lives. I have never watched a slice of life drama that tackles the subject so well. I'm sure everyone can find themselves or any worries they have in their lives throughout the drama and find some solace or resolution. It really brings about introspection in the viewer. I love how real the characters are and the elements of comedy incorporated into the drama.
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Too much alcohol in too many scenes
Could not watch anymore because it worships alcoholism and alcoholics.Shows like this sends a very dangerous message for kids.
Watched this after My Mister. That show is also nonstop alcohol and again worships alcoholism. But that show had better story.
I could understand drinking after work but shows like these take it to another level and both this and My Mister seems to say alcoholism is normal and it's no big deal.
Super dangerous show for young people to watch.
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As slice-of-life as it gets!
From all the kdramas I have watched My Liberation Notes is the first drama that for me was undoubtedly a 10/10 rating. The writing of this drama is so masterful that I am in awe. It’s so well-woven that the storylines connect to one another so smoothly and the drama flows just so gently. I loved every single character and every storyline, which is something that has never happened to me with another drama before. It was wonderful to see the characters developing and eventually finding themselves.The drama is slow, and nothing much happens, just like life, which is why I feel that this is the ultimate slice-of-life drama. We get to peek into the mundane lives of these three siblings living in Sanpo and traveling to Seoul every day, and the lives of people around them. It can get sad, happy or even cruel just like life. But this drama comforted me and made me feel better without being preachy or over-the-top. It reminds you that it’s okay to live life your own way as long as you are at peace with yourself. It portrays these realistic relationships that can’t fit into frames set up by the society. The characters go on this journey where they figure out what they want and whether or not they want to live by the conventions forced upon them. I loved how realistic the relationships in the drama were because in life nothing is black and white, and being in love doesn’t magically make everything go smoothly in life.
The conversations and dialogues in the drama were so witty and so relatable for me on a personal level. As someone who is depressed and has felt like I don’t fit in with the rest of the world, seeing such emotions put into words, I felt understood, I felt that maybe there are other people out there who feel the same way too.
Overall, My Liberation Notes is a feel-good, comforting slice-of-life drama that helps you slow down and catch your breath. There aren’t many mind blowing twists or complicated plot lines, but it manages to keep you captivated with it’s honesty, mundanity and refreshing wholesomeness.
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