My Liberation Notes

See yourself as human being on Earth

I felt each piece of this drama. They show us the real life. I really love it. If you're tired of watching fiction, this drama show you reality, give a try please.
I love how characters improve themselves and how they mature slowly.

In some parts I cried a lot, In some parts I laugh a lot.
This drama is EVERYTHING 😏 I am glad I met this drama.

I mostly saw the drama on Instagram while watching reels. Definitely more than the parts I've watched on reels. It is more special and valuable.
I love each charachter and their chemistry, They showed us as human beings on Earth, and you will find yourself in this drama.

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still not sure how i feel about this drama

I get why the writers didn't go too deep in Gu's past and also why most of their situations aren't really "solved" because it is a slice of life, we are watching their current life. We did get to see the main characters first encounter and some back story on Gu but I don't think they had to go much further.

What really got me is that most of the time it was either WAY TOO SLOW or all over the place, watching some episodes felt like having a weird dream?? I had to repeat some scenes and still didn't really get what was happening (or what was the purpose?).

Also the older siblings were way too annoying. Her older brother was in everyone's business and expecting things from people that no one owned him, he really got on my nerves. The sister kinda started to seem acceptable midway drama but she never evolved from wanting to serve a man and live for him, she just never puts herself first and wants to match up to her boyfriend in everything and it also pisses me off that her boyfriend's sister was so annoying and he just let her get away with it...

I liked the Liberation Club, each members desires and how it really could be seen with FL relationships (friends, family, coworkers, ex boyfriend) and how it affected the way she sees the world.

Overall I think is a good drama for people who like slice of life and REALLY SLOW burn dramas, not really my case. I think I could've still enjoyed it if MLN didn't have 16 episodes. And the siblings weren't so annoying. And without the whole mafia unnecessary drama.

Cast was great, I LOVED watching Seok Koo playing the ML, I think he portrayed really well the lack of emotions but also the change from his character in each scenario. Jiwon was great as always, her character is complex and at the same time she's just tired of people and life, and Jiwon conveyed her evolution very well. Minki being an annoying character wasn't new but the way he's detestable here is definitely different from some other problematic characters. I also enjoyed watching Lee El performance with such a different character, since I've only seen her in Goblin before.

Definitely wouldn't watch a second time but is a good time killing drama and might also be really comforting for some people!

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Making Extraordinary Out Of The Most Ordinary

Not everyone is going to like this show, but man I did. If you are looking for a classic kdrama with flashy leads and romantic kdrama moments like CLOY, this is not it. But if you are looking for a perfect ordinary slice-of-life story that feels so real, this is it. My Liberation Notes revolves around perhaps the most ordinary family I have come across in Korean television. This is not however a story where ordinary people meet a rich CEO or a handsome demigod, no, they remain ordinary and interact with the local alcoholic. So I would advise going into this show knowing that, and also that this kdrama is slow. Yes it is slow, it is hard to deny that, but if you stick with it and aren't mentally in a hurry, then it pays off so well. The messages in this story are something that feels so real. It is about normal adults living their lives but failing to find fulfillment, and they sort of drift through their lives in a state of mundanity and repetition. You have to watch it to really understand what I am talking about, but it really should resonate with many people. These people are not really traumatized or deeply depressed, they are just sick of the state of their lives and want to find something deep. The Liberation Club in the show where this topic is discussed was done very well, and I actually wished they had more of it.
I keep using the word "ordinary" because this show is amazing because it takes the ordinary and makes it great: that is the strength of this show. It does not rely on cliches or fiction, it builds a hyper-realistic setting, and turns it into something amazing. Yes, a lot of this show is a family silently eating dinner at dusk, and in the beginning there is remarkably little dialogue, but this review cannot do it justice. If you want something new in a drama, and are willing to be patient, this show is very memorable and will deliver something truly special and resounding to so many, especially in the world we live in.

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THIS SHOW HEALED MY HURTING SOUL!

If u like melodrama/ realife stories type of kdrama this is the perfect drama for u!! This show discusses different social issue from growing up to depression and other mental issues. This show has shown emotions on a deeper level that I have ever seen. What made this show stick with me is that they’ve done some techniques to heal and I have been using it and it has improved my mental health alot. I am so freaking grateful to writers who has written such beautiful and inspiring art. The only reason I wont be rewatching the show is that its a bit too sad to rewatch it again and feel these kind of emotions again.

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"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...
♤
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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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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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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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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Quietly Inspiring

This is a warm, quietly inspiring, deeply sad, and incredibly precise in what it sets out to do. Like a good drama -it knows its brief and hits it again and again with nuance, restraint, and emotional intelligence. For me, it stands as one of the strongest slice-of-life dramas out there, and easily one of the genre’s best.

The writing is beautiful, the direction is assured, and the pacing is just right: never rushed and never indulgent. Every character feels thoughtfully constructed, but a special mention has to go to Chang-hee, the brother. While everyone shines in their own way, his character was the most endearingly complex and emotionally enduring for me. There’s something so painfully human about him, so layered, so quietly resonant, that his arc stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

I also loved the delicate balance the drama strikes: a touch of romance, a hint of whimsy, but always grounded in the rawness of the human experience. Nothing feels forced or overly sentimental. It’s subtle and deeply felt. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind a rewatch ; I feel like this is the kind of drama that only grows more poignant with time.

Now, why isn’t this a 9 or a 10 for me? One thing. The insertion of a particular character who was the sister's best friend’s boyfriend felt soooo unnecessary and a bit like overkill. His presence seemed to exist mainly to force growth in a character who was already progressing beautifully on their own. That arc didn’t need the push, and the detour felt like filler more than enrichment.

Still, those are minor qualms in an otherwise beautifully made drama. I’m not typically a slice-of-life person, but My Liberation Notes completely won me over. Add in a gorgeous soundtrack, and you’ve got something truly special.

This could be very much worth your time.

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