Son Seok Koo -- I absolutely want to see him on screen again, but I doubt any character he plays will be as smoldering sexy as Gu. This was the first time I've taken notice of his acting (that I knew of at the time), but I thought that he hit it out of the park. Saying a million things with just a look.
Kim Ji Won, Lee El, and Lee Min Ki all did a wonderful job playing the Yeom siblings in a relatable and sympathetic way. I enjoyed watching each of them grow and evolve.
I tend to love slice of life dramas. I watched this in the middle of 3 such shows that were more melo than I am usually on board with. I thought for sure that I would need to break up this trio with a comedy, but I never did. MLN has been my favorite of them. I looked forward to new episodes every week. Even when it seemed like there was barely any movement in the story, as each episode was just so quiet. It relaxed me to see the siblings living their lives and trying to break free from the monotony their lives had become. It was just so dang relatable on this basic level that I was sucked in, wanting to see what choices they would make. What would change in their lives to allow some joy to come through in their exhausted drudgery of life they were living.
It was just a beautiful drama.
If you can handle the quiet, slice of life style, this one should be on your list.
Was this review helpful to you?
Nothing happens
Very underwhelming, nothing really happens in this drama. A lot of staring into space and weird long monologues that go nowhere. The characters don't really have normal character arcs, they are pretty much the same at the end that they were at the beginning. It almost feels like this drama doesn't want to reveal anything about these characters, to keep some artificial mystery up so you keep watching, but when it ended I still didn't have any idea of who these characters are, what are their passions, what drives them forward. Overall quite a boring nonstory.Was this review helpful to you?
Exquisitely written slice of life
It’s been a long long time since i watched a series that moved me so much as this.the writing, the characters with all their oh so human flaws, the brilliance of the actors, the cinematography - everything was just mesmerising. There’s no razzle dazzle , simply a beautifully written and acted piece of work. The emotion this series brought out of me left me feeling drained at the end of every episode, ive Just finished the last one and the only way i can think filling the space each weekend is to watch it all again and thats precisely what i plan to do………Was this review helpful to you?
We grow up when we realize that adults don't know what to do either
As children, we hear our teachers give us instruction with such confidence. “These facts are the things that happened. These numbers add up to this sum. Our governments follow these rules that we call laws.” Outside on the playgrounds, we make up new games and the rules are made up on the spot. But around adults, it appears that there are systems and pieces that fit together and when we grow up, we’ll know the answers to how things work and where we fit.And then we reach adulthood ourselves and find that adulthood is lot like the playground games where we’re all making it all up as we go as often as not. Some of us excel at it and a lot more of us struggle to figure out who we are and how we find success or even just live in such a world. At the same time, we find moments, ephemeral as they may be, of unexpected grace and beauty and kindness.
“My Liberation Notes” is an exploration of this reality we live in and it is a stunningly beautiful rendition. Few dramas can combine such lush cinematography with immaculate editing, astonishingly original dialogue, a marvelously composed score and backdrops that might be ordinary in purpose, but are stunning with the vividness of their color. Even had it been sixteen episodes without characters or dialogue, there’s a bevy of gorgeous photography and musical accompaniment worthy of viewing pleasure.
As for the narrative, three unhappy siblings that live in the countryside divide their lives between long commutes to unrewarding jobs in Seoul and toiling on the family farm with a taciturn father and persevering mother. As adults, they all find themselves unsure of their place and their purpose. The oldest sibling is Ki Jung who has a talent for loudly saying the worst possible thing in a public place. The only son, Chang Hee, is a grown man that usually behaves like a squirming, uncomfortable child in church that simply wants to leave. The youngest and main character is Mi Jung, a soft-spoken but unbending and fearless woman that’s never found anyone that understands her. Dropped into this mix is a man known only by his last name, Gu, who is incredibly diligent and skilled but also an unapologetic alcoholic.
As for the plot, it’s very strictly and very real slice of life stuff. It’s getting through petty work disagreements. It’s complaining about the heat or suffering from the cold. It’s waxing nostalgic with old friends. It’s yearning for a few minutes of happiness a day or a new relationship. There are few destinations and the journeys rarely follow a particular direction for any length of time. There’s not so much buildups and reveals and cliffhangers. Rather, there’s symbolism and hidden meanings and guarded dialogue. When a shocking event does happen, it’s revealed initially so matter of factly that a viewer not intently watching might even miss how quickly the news had dropped.
The cast performances are outstanding. Lee Min Ki and Lee El, as Chang Hee and Ki Jung, are the extroverts and thrash and churn through their characters’ frustrations, joys and fears. Several supporting cast members shine too, especially Han Sang Jo as a longtime friend and occasional accomplice to Chang Hee, and Chun Ho Jin, as the siblings’ father. And it cannot be overlooked how much Park Soo Young and Lee Ji Hye shine brightly in very limited supporting roles as members of Mi Jung’s Liberation Club.
Kim Ji Won’s performance as Mi Jung is subdued as the character is extremely guarded and only very slowly reveals herself to Gu. It’s a very good performance and certainly one that should stand out on her resume. But despite having some of the best dialogue of recent memory, Mi Jung never comes across as a relatable human. Whether that’s due to Kim Ji Won’s restrained manner or just that the character’s humanity seems broken or whether this is a production that just isn’t interested in having characters that viewers should root for, that’s the end result - with a central figure that’s emotionally distant.
Meanwhile, Son Seok Koo as Gu is downright brilliant. He barely speaks for several episodes but his smirks and squints and head shakes and intensity belie that this is not simply a normal man with little to say. As his story unfolds and his internal struggles are revealed, it’s a devastating performance. None so far in 2022 can come close to matching it.
Overall, there’s very, very little to find fault with in “My Liberation Notes”. It is exquisitely produced from almost every angle. And it is highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
melodramatic view into mind of adult working population
My Liberation Notes - 8.5/10 [above average] - kdramaI had been postponing watching this drama for a long time, mainly because the description on MDL didn't seem interesting to me.
Now I can finally share my opinion on this drama.
This drama follows the life of a family living on a farm outside Seoul. It explores their problems with work, friendships, human relationships, and their struggles to reconcile their great ambitions and youthful expectations with the mundane realities of daily life.
The whole drama serves as a mirror into the minds of people tired of troubles of daily life.
This drama is often compared to the kdrama My Mister, though I personally think it's a grade lower. Nevertheless, it's still a nice drama to watch.
Plot - The story follows three siblings as the main leads:
One brother who is angry at his poor life situation and aspires to be rich.
An older sister who wants to find a husband before she hits menopause.
A younger sister who is very introverted and feels suppressed at work. She meets a mysterious man who interests her.
Genre - Slice of life, melodrama, romance
Was this review helpful to you?
Best kdrama I've watched
My Liberation Notes isn’t the kind of drama that tries to impress you with big twists or flashy moments. It’s quiet, slow, and deeply personal and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. Watching it felt like someone put my own unspoken thoughts and emotions on screen. There’s something incredibly comforting about seeing characters who feel stuck, tired, or invisible, yet still searching for something more, something meaningful.The writing is honest and unfiltered, capturing the dull ache of everyday life and the longing that lives underneath it. Every character felt real to me, especially Yeom Mi-jeong, whose quiet struggle to feel something...anything...hit me hard. And Mr. Gu, with all his silence and mystery, was such a beautifully written contrast. Their dynamic wasn’t about romance in the usual sense; it was about connection, healing, and finding peace in someone else's presence.
The cinematography is stunning, but not in a showy way. It reflects the stillness of the story, empty roads, gray skies, small town landscapes, almost like a visual sigh. And the soundtrack ties it all together perfectly.
This kdrama made me reflect on my own life, on the things I want but don’t always know how to ask for. It’s one of those rare dramas that lingers long after the credits roll, not because of what happens, but because of how deeply it makes you feel.
And Hey If you’ve ever felt stuck or lost, this drama will speak to you. It did to me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful but with confusing last few episodes!!!!
The only reason I gave it a 8.5 and not lower than that is because I was really enjoying this drama until ep 14 came. I feel like after the time skip, the story became very chaotic and rushed with too much emphasis on the main couple (mi jeong and gu). Chang hee's story was so sudden like, when did he and heon a fall in love and why they separate again, what is this connection between him and that ex bf of hyeon a and so on... Also as the other reviewers wrote, his friendship with mr gu could have been more focussed, as it looked like the friendship was only from Chang hee's side.The character I related the most was with yeom gi jeong. I really enjoyed her romance story more than mi jeong's to be honest. I felt like her story should have gotten equal coverage like the other two sibling's stories got.
Overall, for me the story was beautiful until the mother's death after which it went downhill (of course you would want to continue watching it in order to find out what happens at the end). But I would still recommend you all to watch it.
Was this review helpful to you?
I rewatched it too many times!!
Honestly, when you watch it at first it feels different. And that’s because it is.This is one of my top k-dramas because it shows what’s life really like. I always like to guess what’s gonna happen next and here I couldn’t or didn’t even want to. I just went with the flow. It was bitter sweet, not sugarcoated and that’s probably why I loved it even more.
I usually watch dramas as a getaway from reality but I still couldn’t resist watching every single episode. I also rewatched it like four times. It gives me comfort, which might be strange but it’s true.
No spoilers-you have to see and understand yourself.
Was this review helpful to you?
Emotional and One of a kind Kdrama
OH MY GOD!!it's 2022 and I'm seeing this kind of drama WOW !!! I'm Thankful to each and every member who's involved in this drama.
In everyday life we've seen some sad people filled with grief and anger towards other, tired of everything , disappointed with life and trying to get better life than they have now , want to be free from the things they've been doing by force.
In this drama lead characters were no different. Which caught my attention. I could feel their emotions ..not completely but maximum time yes !
I'm still not over this beautiful drama . One of a kind . Every episode , every scene was so precious.
First I'll talk about the main couple Mi Jeong and Mr.Gu ..LOVE LOVE AND LOVE !!!
How can someone write this beautiful , genuine romance?? I'm mesmerized. Still can't get over this couple.
No skin ship , unnecessary kissing scenes , no filler romantic scenes JUST authentic romance . Worshipping each other , giving courage, supporting each other without any shame, Sharing thoughts genuinely. Heart fluttering simple moments of meeting . I just want record/remember their conversation in the part of my mind. Their each and every words made me emotional .
I can't describe their love . If you can relate to them then you'll love it, to the point where you think why it is ending?
Mi Jeong got liberated from her hatred towards men who hurt her in the past. Mr.Gu stopped being alcoholic and gave up on his rough job , they both start feeling better with each other. Their life got changed after meeting each other.
And all the three siblings got liberated ...Chang hee leave his frustrated job and found peace in whatever he wants to do.
His older sister found someone she can love .
And the best thing that all three siblings lived in Seoul together in the end.
I just loved it.
Ost-s of this drama are BEAUTIFUL !!
P.S. This Drama is for introverts who can listen , can see others sadness without getting bored. Who loves to watch genuine romance. Character development. And can feel others pain ,who have patience ❤️
If you are one of these people..JUST GO FOR IT .
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Watched something really good after a long time!!
Wow!! Just Wow! I'm trying to get over from this drama so badly. It feels like is there any drama I'll like after watching this ? Still trying to another one. Missing this drama so much. I think this drama is for introverts, or those who understands it's characters. This type of slice of life dramas are love!Each character's life & their stories are worth watching. I love Mi jeong & Mr. Gu's romance, instead of being clingy and Cliché scenes, they're so pure and truthful towards each other, they listened to each other and say what they can't say to anyone else. There's no skin ship & so many kissing scenes yet they have another level of Relationship. There's full of flaws and so true to themselves. They started from Worshiping each other and ended up loving themselves and each other. This is one of a kind love.
Chang hee & gi jeong, I liked their character development, if you notice, all characters are liberated in the end, Mi jeong, feels lovable now. Mr. Gu too, he quit drinking and maybe his job too. Chang hee had so many desires in the starting but in the end, he lives his life without frustration and doing what he actually wants to do. Gijeong finally chopped her hair and loves him earnestly.
Obviously this drama is Masterpiece & it's OSTs also, My liberation notes, sink are my favourites.
Worth watching drama for mature audience. No Clichés only PURE LOVE.
Was this review helpful to you?
Love is not really all you need... but its nice to feel loved
If you are looking for something that will make you feel good, have your heart flutter and I don't know make you just all warm inside then back away... and go watch more or less anything else.This is a drama that you watch for its dialog, its monologs, the subtle slightly dark humour, sound of silence... and so on and so on. Beautifully filmed extremely well casted I am not really sure what story this is here to tell or how lovable the characters are but one thing I do know is that this is a drama packed with humans, the type of humans you can relate to, The type of humans that you may even dislike from the bottom of your heart yet still find yourself rooting for them since they are just so easy to relate too and present the more common not so lovable sides to being human that you, or at least I rather not admit to.
Not a single person here is pure, good or positive all the way, nope not even the motherly figure, every one has their flaws and struggles and I may not love them for it but I love the drama for this beautiful display of lacking and overly honest figures. There are several annoying characters that bring out ones angry side (in a good way), but not a single comic relief with too big gestures type of person.
This is a true slice of life presented in fragments with an unclear timeline, even if there are no mind blowing twists ala I am actually your childhood friend, we where separated at birth, he killed your father, let me harvest your organs type thing...
Having the timeline being presented in fragments not knowing what is past, future or present has a dare I say mind blowing affect of keeping the viewers brains activated and curious throughout out the whole drama.
I love the way this is filmed, the angles, the lighting, the huge amount of shots of peoples reflections in some type of surface... I am sure there is a whole lot of artistic symbolism that I may not fully get... but it is definitely there and I like it...
Bingabilaty: high, it can be hard to follow if there is too much time between episodes.
Interesting: 10
Heart flutter: 7
This is definitely my type of drama, but I am pretty sure this is not for everyone as I said most of the characters are not very lovable, the romance is sloooow, and it does require quite a bit from the audience making it more a turn on than turn off your brain type of drama...
Was this review helpful to you?
i advise peoples to watch this drama(my liberation note). i recommend to wach this. it the best movie i have ever watch. they all deserve award.
I wish this drama never ends. Thank you to the writers, directors, artist and every person who are involved in making this drama.
Son Suk ku is the best actor they he can acting in a different way. Every person in this drama are amazing .they're best .
Was this review helpful to you?
