Completed
Beatrix
24 people found this review helpful
May 31, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE BEST SCRIPT EVER WRITTEN

To be honest, there was nothing really special about the story. It was about the lives of 3 siblings and their own personal struggles. BUT I think what made people drawn to this drama, aside from the amazing portrayal of the actors, was the superb script.

The script for me brought out the life of the characters. It made people feel that the characters are relatable thus making people more drawn to them.

This was actually one of those dramas I did not expect that I'll actually like but yeah it was good. It made me look forward to the weekend actually.
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Dropped 12/16
Sophia
28 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2022
12 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 2
Overall 5.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 4.5
This had all the makings of a great drama. Cold, closed off, mysterious ML with a juicy past. A shy FL who tries to break through his barrier. The cinematography and direction is great. The actors are experienced and good. There is so much that could be fleshed out from that. Instead the writer has given the leads, especially the ML, virtually zero outward development. Nothing exciting has ever happened. So many scenes of characters eating and walking together in silence. The leads have zero physical chemistry and their relationship feels very forced. Almost every interaction between them is the ML looking bored with her or physically trying to get away. I was amazed when in episode 12 I finally saw him at least crack a smile around her for a second. Sometimes he let her have a conversation with him, that's it. Their first kiss felt awkward since ML hadn't changed at all and is still being silent and leaving her in the dust whenever he can. It got to the point that it was frustrating for me to watch.

I dropped it for this reason, which is disappointing since like I said I could picture this drama being so much better than it is, and there were some things I liked about it, especially the second couple and Ki Jung's chemistry with her co-worker.

IMO this writer is the most unique writer in kdramaland. I did like Another Miss Oh so I think with Liberation Notes she is trying to create another My Mister, which I know a lot of people loved but I couldn't get into either. These are two very introspective works which I can appreciate, but she needs to focus on plot and character development with this one. IMO a drama shouldn't be all introspection and philosophy, especially a romance.

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Completed
white lotus
23 people found this review helpful
Apr 17, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

A Heartfelt Exploration of Love and Loneliness

This drama beautifully represents many aspects of life, including loneliness, the desire to love and be loved, the mundanity of daily existence, and the struggle for independence.

I’ve noticed that viewers often have differing opinions on what love truly means. Some people question, “Why can’t these characters live without love? Will they die if they aren’t dating?” However, love isn’t solely about romance; it encompasses deep connections and affection between individuals—whether it’s a daughter and mother, a son and father, you and your best friend, or even you and your pet. You can fall in love with your job. It’s natural for us humans to seek love and companionship in our lives. If you’re not receiving enough love from your family, for instance, it’s only human to look for it elsewhere.

Throughout this drama, I found myself rooting for all the characters, wishing for each of them to find their own paths to happiness. Their journeys resonate deeply, reminding us of the importance of connection and the many forms love can take in our lives.

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Completed
virgievirgie
14 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5

Flawed and Unlikeable Characters brought us Amazing Stories and Moments

*update*. I have a little time to process and am lowering the rating down to 9.0 instead of 9.5.

Completed - 5/23/2022 - my love for Mr. Gu bumped the rating to 9.5

I am really surprised that I like this drama so much. I am never one to root for annoying and unlovable characters, and they never bring me joy. Slice-of-life dramas are a hit-or-miss to me as I often find them very slow. However, “My Liberation Notes” excels in telling amazing and touching stories of very flawed characters, and in the end, you grow to care for them. You should know what you are getting yourself into, in order to enjoy this drama. You either love it, or hate it. I can’t say I relate to the characters on a personal level or that they are ‘realistic’, but their stories touch me nonetheless. Thus, a rare high rating for me for a slow-paced, mature slice-of-life drama.

A few things to know before delving into the drama:
- This drama is not a happy drama, but has unforgettable comedic moments.
- Does not give you warm and fluffy romantic feelings - but has moments that make you smile.
- You will find the characters annoying in the beginning, or maybe throughout the drama.
- The drama uses a lot of silence - gives viewers the time to feel and breathe.
- Dialogues and Monologues can provoke deep thoughts (even during silly, comedic moments).

“My Liberation Notes” focuses on the three Yeong siblings and their family.

Yeom Ki Jung - The eldest of the three siblings, Ki Jung is probably my least favorite sibling. I find her annoying and that feeling subsides a little in the middle of the drama, but in the end, I still dislike her the most. As someone who is 40 years old, she acts very immaturely. However, you can say that she portrays a hopeless romantic beautifully, as there are many people out there who are just like her - want to be crazily in love with the most perfect person. But after you reach a certain point, you become desperate enough to want to just be with anyone. She wears her heart on her sleeves, displays all her emotions outwardly and uncontrollably. Her story has a strong focus on romance and her relationship with Jo Tae Hoon. In the end, I still am not sure they are the right fit for each other, and if Tae Hoon can really give Ki Jung what she wants.

Yeom Chang Hee - the brother who I am most annoyed with in the beginning. But he’s also the one that has grown the most and I root for him in the end. Chang Hee is loud and can’t help but criticize everyone and everything. He gives off a lot of negative energy. However, his crazy outbursts also have a lot of insightful truths. You realize he actually is really smart, although life hasn’t gone his way. His casual and funny conversations with his buddies often enlighten us with important life lessons. He also provides a lot of comic relief, especially when it comes to his relationship with Mr. Gu. The way he looks up to Mr. Gu, even though technically they are not close at all, is quite fascinating and hilarious. Chang Hee’s story focuses more on his career than the other two siblings. He might not seem dependable, but as he said, he’s psychic. He’s always somewhere at the right place and the right time, up until the last scene for him in the drama. I am happy for him.

Yeom Mi Jung - the youngest of the siblings and the one that probably has the most screen time due to his relationship with Mr. Gu. Mi Jung is just one weird, lonely, depressed and dysfunctional human being. I am not sure if such a person really exists in real life (one that has ALL of her traits). The drama does get into stories about her family, career and relationships. Although I do not relate to her at any level, her story is fascinating to me, maybe because we are just so different. We barely hear her talk in the first few episodes. But once she starts to open up to Mr. Gu, WOW, fascinating and weird stuff comes out of her mouth, unfiltered. Her conversations with Mr. Gu are to die for. They are just so unique and profound in a way. I am glad she met Mr. Gu.

Gu Ja Gyeong - the mysterious Mr. Gu is so attractive and ruggedly sexy that I can’t take my eyes off him. There’s just something about him or how Son Seok Koo plays this character. His aloofness, smirks, and endearing glances at Mi Jung totally melt my heart. This manly man has to be one of my favorite K-drama characters of all time. He’s so quiet for most of the dramas, but the microexpressions on his face speak volumes. His silence with different characters does not seem awkward at all, but just how things are supposed to be this quiet with him. Mr. Gu is the perfect soulmate for Mi Jung. They are on the same wavelength and just understand each other so well, even though they come from very different backgrounds. In the last episode, I wish for a happy ending for him and Mi Jung, but I can’t help expecting he’s going to die either because of his work or alcoholism.

This review is getting long. But let me just say that the acting is top notch here for all actors. I’ve seen Lee Min Ki and Kim Ji Won in many of their previous works, but they are so different here. Big props to them for branching and doing such a great job. Everything feels so real in this drama - no fancy clothes, makeup, or beautiful smooth skin. Commuting to work and worrying about missing the last train is hard. There are many great dynamics between different characters, especially the Liberation Club.


Other Random Observations:
1. The word “Worship” has a whole new meaning.
2. Mr. Gu looks hot in fancy suits and dirty clothes - I kept on waiting to see him topless. LOL
3. Weird stories such as pick-up girl and frogs are highlights of the show.
4. The depressed and serious vibes can change all of a sudden due to very memorable comedic moments.
5. Mr. Gu and his club scenes are probably my least favorite moments of this drama.
6. Did I mention I ❤️ Mr. Gu? 😍

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Completed
Nawal Umar
12 people found this review helpful
Apr 21, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Reality Hits

Coming from the writer of 'My Mister' starring IU, I do see the similarities and I am enjoying it.

Consider a scenario, I have a friend who is fond of Romances and personally loves romcoms, not that I do not but I tend to try out various genres so I would read and watch everything and anything recommended, but to my friend, I am still kind of skeptical about recommending because she might find it boring, dark and dull.
Now, that is the point. Reality hits, its boring and dark. For a person who is watching dramas for entertainment and for the sake of entertainment only and lighthearted stuff, this is not for them, but on the contrary it is definitely a MUST WATCH.

Reality and truths are not always sweet and yummy but sometimes, ridiculously bitter and this dramas shows that aspect.
Introverts (Check)
Office issues (Check)
Disoriented Family (Check)
Finding Solace (Check)
Mysterious Man (Check)
Societal Stereotyping (Check)
Dating Issues (Check)

Furthermore, I love the way LIBERATION is depicted in this story. Honestly, its too vague and for some it might as confusing as a difficult maths puzzle, but I entirely feel the liberation that is intended to be reciprocated in the series.
The drama is catching up and definitely growing on me.

I would also love to acknowledge Kim Jiwon, a name that always forces me to press the play icon without thinking of the story because I blindly trust her on her roles choice and I greatly admire the versatility in her portfolio.

Goodluck to the entire team!!

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Completed
Salatheel
12 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

The reality of hope. A deeply compassionate drama.

Both writer (Park Hae Young) and director (Kim Seok Yoon) know how to create sensitive dramas built around pathos, but with a cutting edge. Kim directed “The Light in Your Eyes” and Park penned the class act that is “My Mister”. You can imagine what you will be getting, and they deliver on it—in spades.

At the start there is little to attract in the main characters. They are all struggling to find any sort of meaning in soul-destroying lives that are dominated by a long and exhausting commute to the city from their countryside home. But this writer has a beautiful knack of taking that ordinary exterior and peeling away the layers to reach the vulnerability and struggling humanity within. And by the end of episode 2 you are totally captivated by these self-scored 20/100 characters. Add to that a director and cinematographer who know how to capture the smallest twitch of a muscle in a face and make it speak volumes. And actors like Kim Ji Won and particularly Son Seok Koo, who can work with them to reveal the interior life of a character without words.

As with “My Mister” the raw material at the heart of this drama is family and the unfathomable glue that holds it together despite difference, ambivalence and natural preferences. Essentially they are characters weighed down with who they are, wishing they were something else, ignorant of how to change but trying to work out how to make things different. They are trapped and struggling to emerge, like butterflies, from chrysalises of painfully low self-esteem, guilt and negative thinking. If this doesn’t sound like an attractive proposition, it is the skill and wonder of the whole production to make it compulsive viewing. Each of the characters draws you to themselves and touches your compassion as they struggle towards the elusive future that beckons them.

The plot meanders through their realisations and lurches along with them. In the main it works but occasionally loses its way, particularly later on when time hopping causes inevitable fragmentation. I was not convinced that this disordering of time to create tension was strictly necessary as the depth of the characterisations are sufficient to carry you through. However, imo, it would be counter-productive to enforce a regular development on a drama that is essentially exploring the vagaries of the human psyche with all its winding roads, u-turns and blind alleys. The unevenness of it creates the overall mood and ambience of the drama and reflects the stop-go nature of real life.

The drama features the standard three leads and their relationships; but this is not a standard romance drama. Relationship itself is the focal point, not the falling in love. Essentially it examines how we can approach and be with each other whilst still retaining ourselves. And suggests that the only way we can live with both ourselves and with others is by being honest and taking the hit for doing so, as we work towards self-acceptance and self-understanding. Ultimately it is upbeat, but open ended.

There are no generic characters here. Each one, even the minor players, has been carefully created and presented with depth and there are some wonderful observational details and cameo performances.

Lee Min Ki does such a great job with the character arc of the irrepressible, oblivious and impulsive Chang Hee. His confusion and lumbering realisations are beautifully portrayed and provide a flicker of humour darting through the shadows. How can you not fall in love with him? Especially over the car!

I have an affinity with Yeon Mi Jung and the things she prayed about as a child. The character is played elusively by Kim Ji Won who manages to capture the enigmatic exterior that hides the depth and singularity of her character’s thinking and perceptions. You are always waiting expectantly for what left-field thing will emerge from her mouth. Occasionally the script can feel a little pretentious and self-conscious, but it is mainly because the writer is wanting to explore non-intuitive ideas and trains of thought. If there is a reason to rewatch the series, then I think Mi Jung is it. A second time round, understanding the character arc, would illuminate much of her early actions and responses.

Perhaps the most vulnerable of the three is Yeon Ki Jung, portrayed with empathy by Lee El, who manages to undermine herself at every turn and perhaps elicits the broadest spectrum of responses from both the viewer and the other characters, from exasperation to total compassion.

The interloper into the family is played convincingly by Son Seok Koo who manages to capture the multi-facets of Gu Ja Gyeong from brooding to awkward to nasty to vulnerable. The character and his background provide a disturbing contrast to the rest of the drama and sometimes jarred for me. If there is any flaw in the credibility it comes with the ending for this character. But his time on screen is compulsive viewing and many of the scenes between him and Kim Ji Won are very special, full of nuanced, silent communication and unspoken feelings from both of them.

The cinematography and editing has more the feel of a film to it, as though the camera is just a neutral observer hanging around and we see the action though those non-judgemental eyes. It lingers on contemplative faces and reveals hidden depths. In many ways the whole drama doesn’t criticise or condemn, but tries to simply observe. And in that observation there is the balance and compassion that colours the whole production. Nothing is too polished or self conscious. It draws you in and places you firmly in the action as a participant in this slice of life. Beautifully done.

There is also a very restrained use of a soundtrack, so that often it is the silence that holds you in the moment with the character. There is a lot of simple piano music, ethereal voices and soulful songs, which have been carefully chosen to highlight the mood. Did I catch “So Tender” by Say Sue Me from “Nevertheless” in Ep 11 at 47’, playing in the cafe scene between Yeon Ki Jung and Jo Tae Hoon. I think I heard it earlier with regard to this couple as well.

This was a special drama for me and goes straight onto my personally recommended list.

What my rating means: 9+   A drama I totally fell in love with and is endlessly re-watchable. It ticked all the boxes and had some serious wow factor. It would go on my personally recommended list.

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Completed
aein
17 people found this review helpful
Apr 18, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

To love life, to love life even if you have no stomach for it

As if the first two episodes didn't hook me in already, episodes 3 and 4 managed to get me super invested in the drama.
I didn't want the episodes to end every time they did.
I feel like many people related to Mi Jeong who constantly seeks freedom from the suffocating void of her monotonous and repetitive life.
She feels lost most of the time, with people or by herself, unable to identify herself as a person.
She wants to know how it feels to be whole for once. Her character definitely felt extremely relatable despite me being an extrovert and this and that.
Every character was written and made so well and also portrayed so well that it always kept me wondering what would happen next.
The way Mr. Gu and Mi Jung were silent and still mastered the silent acting and I appreciate that so much. Not all actors could captivate viewers and make them completely drawn into their characters by not saying a single word throughout most of their scenes.
This drama isn't one of those full of plot and suspense, no- this drama was just another slice of life we drama fans needed to see and watch after all the other dramas we've seen this year.
This drama portrayed a different kind of life that many people live and go through. It's not the expensive phones we usually see in dramas despite the 'poor' characters, the fancy cars, the living alone in apartments and all those details.
No.
"I don't know where I'm stuck but I want to break free."
We see an entire family stuck together in a crowded space. We see the heat of the morning and the cold of the night.
We see these characters struggling to make an 'I' for themselves in their family and outside of their family.
We see them searching for happiness, freedom and love in the most unique way.

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Completed
VIII
10 people found this review helpful
May 31, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

A half baked story forgiven by masterful scriptwriting and compelling performances.

Let’s start my thoughts off with the elephant in the room, comparisons. MLN is brought to us by the same screenwriter of the heavily praised My Mister. Introducing newcomers to its signature realistic,gritty,and deep tones that many like me were overcome with nostalgia from their previous work. I am part of the minority that wasn’t as fond of My Mister as the rest, and MLN, in my opinion, succeeded in a few areas i felt were poorly handled before, with a much more surreally mute tone I fell in love with immediately.

My Liberation Notes has alot to say, ALOT. It also manages to keep many moments where exchanges or unnecessary dialogue isn’t needed, empty. This was my first encounter with this bold style of narration, nothing has to be said for the characters and the viewer to get what’s happening. You’re thrown in the middle of awkward silence, that’s only awkward because 99% of dramas does not attempt to speak with only expressions and atmosphere. Some will not be fond of this style the writer took on, as this aspect is also a very different feel from their previous work, leaving most jumbled at first.

The direction in this series is with no surprise, top notch. With a very beautiful Ost perfectly mixed in to fill silent scenes and defining moments, which may be quite distractive at times from being..too good? Hell you might even pause the series every now and then to immediately search up the soundtrack and/or spend more time replaying a scene than it takes to complete the episode. Stunning cinematography with a much brighter touch that makes it very refreshing compared to the dark, depressing story being told.

Now with, in my opinion, the strongest(and perhaps weakest?) aspect of this drama, the characters. The main cast has come to express every bit of talent they have in this one. You’re endlessly shocked at how natural these performances are, how drawn you are to them, how much you feel as if you can literally meet these exact characters in your day by day encounters, which in terms of relatability, you can. In terms of the main cast everyone takes an equal hand in making this series as great as it is, nobody drowning the other out, no one noticeably under performing, no thunder stolen here. You have to acknowledge and thank Lee Min Ki, Kim Ji Won, Lee El, and Son Seok Koo for easily one if not their best roles yet.


Now... the weakest aspect of this drama, as this series isn’t without its flaws. I will just put all my nitpicks under one classification that i found MLN severely lacked in at times, believability. Hear me out, as this drama is one of the most realistically written series you'll come across, but there are some mishaps. To list a few:
~Toleration from the supporting cast when unnecessarily deep realizations comes to the fore front from the leads, leaving you confused as to why they’re not questioning where it’s coming from, and why at times their dialogue is only used to set up the leads for these realizations of themselves, unnatural topics being brought up in natural situations.
~Some supporting characters don’t progress unless the main storyline calls for another push.With sudden abruptions of “I have a sob story as well!”, “Well here’s my long awaited confession”, “ Here’s something personal I shouldn’t even know let alone address and belittle you for.. any realizations yet?”

~Gu’s background starting out as a well handled secret leaving all of us curious and guessing, slowly leaking out little by little. Suddenly it erupts at an abnormal pace with abnormal characters making actions that most of the time felt forced, because you’re not given the same amount of time with these new chracters, you’re not given enough explanations to justify the things they’re doing(or haven’t done). You’re expected to accept weirdly paced occurrences in an already established slow and steady paced story in general.

Nonetheless, My Liberation Notes was a powerfully written story, though too deep for some. A work of art worth all acknowledgment and praise it gets. A new personal favorite of mine that fulfilled much emptiness i was left with My Mister. A memorable journey of this fantastic cast seeking liberation. I applaud, i cry, i await the next story to be told.

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Completed
Juvzjuvz
9 people found this review helpful
May 30, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Trudging on step by step...

Aren't we all same? Striving to survive our day to day life for the unclear tomorrow.

Our frustrations and sentiments that sometimes we cannot put into words are shown in this drama.

This drama depicted the ordinary people's day to day life and struggles. The script is unbelievably good. Most lines are like inspirational life quotations. I love the writer!

It is surely different from other dramas. It made me realize a lot of things in life. It made me laugh, cry and reflect a lot about my self.

CH, MJ, GJ- these three are all so relatable in many ways. Their work-life balance, issues with colleagues, issues at home and their everyday hardships are what most of us are experiencing.

CH- He is the Character that have the most development.

GJ- She is the most vocal and honest among the 3 siblings and I love how until the end she remains the same.

MJ- She wants to be freed from boxing herself and although not yet fully freed she's getting there gradually.

MJ and Mr. Gu - just like how MJ feels like Mr. Gu is her sanctuary, both of them find peace with each other. Only the two of them can understand each other without even saying anything. They can both relate with each other with a lot of things. I believe they are made for each other.

Liberation Club- I love how it all started and I love how they will continue their club activities to further find its purpose. I would love it if they will make a book about their notes.

The ending:
It ended but doesn't feel like it did.
Maybe because the writer doesn't want us to be liberated from our liberating thoughts.

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Completed
My Liberation Notes
10 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Liberating and Worship Worthy

My Liberation Notes is a drama that resonated with me in many ways. Just watching it made me feel like I, too, am being liberated, and I wasn't even half as deep as where the characters were, if at all. But then, who can't relate to the struggles of fading youth, wanting to love and be loved, managing mounting responsibilities to the extent of losing the will for idle talk, and the unavoidable frustrations and challenges of daily lives when even living itself is burdensome, not many.

I loved how the story handled itself, and the message that liberation is realizing the voices in our heads aren't who we are, and only when we see that can we indeed be free. I felt liberated by how this drama depicted human relations, giving me the sense to appreciate the people in my life and opening me up to accept those to come in the future, something my old self before My Liberation Notes wouldn't have done. Every relationship in this drama mattered no matter how small, which made it so special.
I loved how real this drama was in expressing real people's thoughts and actions; how it addressed the fact that some people put others down, not because they are evil or rotten human beings, but because sometimes it's the only way they know how to feel better about themselves. And that sometimes all a person needs is the knowledge that someone cares to make a difference.

More than any other drama, My Liberation Notes made me realize how blessed I was in my life rather than the life I think I should've had. I would not have had that without going on this fantastic, silent yet deeply touching and meaningful journey with Gu, Mi Jung, Ki Jung, Chang Hee, Tae Hun, and everyone else who was part of this story, whether in a prominent or supporting role. There were many touching and emotional moments in this drama, but the Yeom children gathered for their father's birthday, and him finally opening up to them is one of the best. The geninue moments between Gu and Mi Jung, Ki Jung her boss and Tae Hun, Chang Hee at work and with his friends -- all of the little nuisances in the storytelling made this drama one of the best if not the best of 2022. A thousand and one kudos to the writer who excelled at making me feel and live each step of this drama's journey. The director for bringing it all to life, and the actors for quietly yet forcefully imparting to me the message that life is what we make it, always has been, and always will be; we just need to believe that. I felt worshiped just watching this drama.

I will miss My Liberation Notes. As much as I already enjoyed Lee Min-Ki and Son Seok Koo's acting skills in other projects, their natural way of depicting their roles in this one made me realize how talented they are, and the same goes for Kim Ji Won, Lee El, Lee Ki Woo, Chun Ho Jin and the rest of the cast. Next to My Mister and Lost My Liberation Notes will remain with me for a long time to come for silently making me hear the things I unconsciously and sometimes consciously ignored. Ignore what you may have heard or read about this drama; watch it you will never be disappointed; on the contrary, you may learn something about yourself you didn't know before.

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Completed
5480719
3 people found this review helpful
Jun 10, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

If you keep leaving will you continue living?

You never hated your hometown, but you also never had any special attachment to it. You've always wanted to be somewhere else. You wanted to leave. There's this suffocating feeling with the realization that you will keep growing or existing in the same place where you were born. It's like being seventeen and still wearing the same shoes you were wearing when you were seven.

If you keep leaving will you continue living? As if the only way you can keep surviving is if you keep changing. You kept changing, but you never evolved. The desire for leaving turned into a fascination for death. Suddenly, from being an innocent child drowning in ambitions and hope, you're an angsty, jaded pubescent. You changed your mind a million times each day. You were convinced you stopped growing a long time ago and you're just growing old now. Foolish. You were not precocious, you were just mentally ill.

You were young and your brutal, or perhaps innocent, honesty never concerned itself with the consequences. You grew a little older and you suddenly don't want to talk anymore. You buried your honesty to die. Silent, passive, and stuttering. You felt everything and you felt nothing. Your thoughts ran rapidly, but they never made sense.

Helpless. Incapable. The days are dull and unchanging. You wanted to be liberated from all of these. You wanted death, but you also envy the future. The darkness was exhausting, but it was obscurity that gave you home. Then, it occurred to you once again. You don't need a home. You were not supposed to be attached to places. You have to keep leaving in order to continue living. You realized that you might not have a strong attachment with your hometown, but it is a place that will always bring you comfort. Indeed, it is a comfortable home, but you also have to grow, discover, and learn.

Time has passed. You are uncertain how long has it been, but you are certain how much you wanted to live now. Death is only a reality to you now, not a desire nor a fascination. You no longer envy the future, but you hope and strive for it. The childhood that you have forgotten, you don't try to recall it anymore, but you are living it. Just like the innocent assertiveness of a child, you are convinced that you are capable of being everything. You laugh more these days. You have joy and immeasurable dreams. You have faith in spite of all the uncertainties.

Are you liberated? Perhaps, not completely. Perhaps, you are just Mr. Gu, who has decided today to throw away his bottle of liquor instead of drinking it; who has given himself and others the chance to receive mercy instead of constant rough punishment. You might just be Mi-jeong who has chosen grace instead of hostility, who has finally understood now her own capability. You are Gi-jeong who has more love now than judgement; she never hid her honesty, but she speaks more of life now than mere brutality.

Or you are just Chang-hee. He was not able to acquire the riches and power he wanted, but he was enriched with the wisdom of life. He did not have to climb a thousand won mountain, the mountain he was searching for was inside him already. It was somewhat ridiculous that his life was continuously fulfilled by the deaths that he encountered. Through the leaving of others, he lived a meaningful epiphany.

Trudging on step-by-step; five seconds, seven seconds, until at least, five minutes of joy each day. Liberation is not solely a one process. Though, surely, we will entirely grasp it one day.

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Completed
Coco1983
4 people found this review helpful
Sep 13, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

A Masterpiece of Realism and Emotional Depth

My Liberation Notes is one of those rare dramas that excels in portraying the quiet intricacies of life. From its opening scenes, it’s clear that this series isn’t about grand, dramatic moments, but about the understated beauty and struggles of everyday existence. The pacing is deliberately slow, giving you time to soak in the characters, their surroundings, and the complex emotions they face. It’s this slow-burn quality that makes the series feel so grounded and relatable.

What sets *My Liberation Notes* apart from other Korean dramas is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. There are no exaggerated characters or over-the-top plot twists. Instead, we’re given an intimate look at the lives of ordinary people who are simply trying to navigate through their own personal challenges. It’s rare for a show to capture such a raw and honest depiction of the human experience, and this series does it masterfully.

The story centers on three siblings, each dealing with their own frustrations, loneliness, and desires. What’s fascinating is how the show doesn’t rush their development or try to solve their problems in quick, convenient ways. Instead, it takes its time to show the subtle changes and moments of introspection that lead to personal growth. Watching the characters evolve feels natural, and their journeys are presented in a way that anyone can relate to—whether it's feeling stuck in life, longing for connection, or grappling with a sense of dissatisfaction.

One of the most captivating aspects of the show is its ability to convey deep emotions without needing to rely on excessive dialogue or action. There are moments where the silence between characters speaks louder than any words could. It’s a series where you can feel the weight of every glance, every pause, and every seemingly mundane interaction. These small moments build up to something far more profound, creating an emotional depth that resonates long after the episode ends.

The performances are stellar across the board. Each actor brings a quiet intensity to their role, portraying their characters with an authenticity that makes you forget they’re acting. There’s no melodrama here—just nuanced, deeply felt performances that capture the essence of their characters. You can feel their pain, joy, and longing in every scene, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys.

Visually, *My Liberation Notes* is stunning in its simplicity. The cinematography often mirrors the characters' internal states, with wide shots of the countryside highlighting their isolation or close-up shots capturing the intimacy of their emotions. The rural setting of the show adds a layer of beauty and melancholy, creating a visual representation of the characters’ desire for something more while being rooted in their reality.

In conclusion, *My Liberation Notes* is a masterclass in storytelling that embraces the quiet struggles and moments of liberation that define the human experience. It’s a series that doesn’t rush to provide answers but instead invites you to reflect on your own life. A true masterpiece of emotional depth and realism, it’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a profound and moving drama.

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My Liberation Notes (2022) poster

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  • Score: 8.5 (scored by 24,372 users)
  • Ranked: #484
  • Popularity: #239
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