My Liberation Notes

Liberating the Talented Mr. Gu

You know that feeling of consuming media and already missing it even though you’re still in the middle of experiencing it? Like, your heart is subconsciously preparing you for being without it. You want the episodes to both slow down so that you can savor while also wanting to find out what happens next. How seeing the opening credits envelops you like a warm embrace signaling that you’ve arrived home. This was one of those dramas for me.

This slice-of-life, character-driven, nearly-plotless drama was scripted for introverts like me. It trudges on at a snail’s pace with its audience urging it to hurry along and do something (insert meme of stick person poking at that thing to c’mon and do something interesting already). It puts the slow in slow burn, making all other slow burns feel like you were hit over the head at first impact. It’s sloooooowww. The characters walk slowly, they eat slowly, pour shots of soju slowly. Slow is the name of the game. Why hurry when you have no where else to be? Having said all this, what fueled my obsession was the show’s execution. Because oh boy, did this show execute.

I’ve never watched a drama quite like this one. Where the director lets a scene simply exist and -breathe-. Where the silence between characters is more revealing than the dialogue itself. The loudest parts in this drama were the quiet moments where the characters aren’t even looking at each other. How brave of the director to let the silence exist rather than fill it just because. The direction here is both evident yet clearly understated.

Bravo also to the incredible cinematography. The colors and muted tones set the atmosphere because this drama was an entire MOOD. We have close ups of subway hand hold straps, we see condensation sweating off of glassware, we feel the seasonal changes as the chill of impending winter seeps into the bones of the characters. We hear the gravel underneath plodding feet and the sliding of doors open and shut when a character reaches their destination. Who knew that the sound of two bottles of soju clinking against each other while inside a black plastic bag can be both deafening and most welcoming. How characters come together for a meal and all that can be heard is the scraping of utensils and chewing. The silence is palpable as everyone is just trying to get through a meal while fighting individual battles of brokenness.

This drama is a visual and audio feast.

The scenery is its own, living and breathing entity. We have a countryside village with fields of greens and uneven pathways of dirt that take our characters away and back home again. Rinse and repeat. We have strong gusts of wind rustling through the trees and ruffling the sheets and garments hanging dry on makeshift clotheslines. The sounds of cloyingly humid nights where you can just -hear- how muggy and hot it is—all of this juxtaposed by the noise and brightness of Seoul, the supposed defining mecca for success in life.

The countless unpacking of delicious metaphors left to viewer interpretation. Underlining that the best stories are still ones that are shown and not told. How a pack of wild, roaming dogs are metaphors for freedom and imprisonment. How the subway serves as the division between the land of the living and those merely surviving. How the buzzing of an incoming text is a long held lifeline.

But more than any of this? This drama gave us the talented Mr. Gu portrayed by the incomparable Son Soek Koo.

I first discovered SSK years ago in the Korean adaptation of Suits where he played David Kim, an extremely intelligent rival lawyer and antagonist for the main lead. Think Moriarty to Sherlock but in the legal field. His guest role arc was only three episodes long but he was so magnetic and spoke perfect, impeccable English (kinda rare in kdrama-land, at least enough so that it's noticeable when it's spoken well). Fluent English that was delivered with such swagger that I quickly became a fan. It didn't hurt that the man knew how to don a fitted suit.

I next watched him in Designated Survivor: 60 Days where he played Cha Young Jin, senior advisor to the designated acting president, a meatier role that saw him on the good side of the fight. And in watching him passionately urge and support President Park's will to run the country, I learned how versatile SSK could be. Magnetic enough to take over the screen while also willingly staying in the background for others to shine.

And then along came Mr. Gu.

Mr. Gu, the neighborhood alcoholic who is shrouded in mystery. A man of very few words, but with an expressive face that conveys tomes of meaning you can’t wait to decipher. He portrays a lonely soul with hints of a dark and dangerous past. He never apologizes for who he is and even tells people: "I’m a bad guy, you won’t like me when you find out what kind of person I am." Only to be met with: "I don’t care. I accept you entirely."

He’s not a pretty boy by Korean standards, but there’s no denying the charisma and swagger that SSK (and Mr. Gu by portrayal) reeks. Honestly, everything about SSK is pretty average. Average height, average build, average looks—let’s be real. BUT the way he carries himself in this role… he dials the sexiness to a boiling point. Looks are fleeting…but presence? Presence can’t be denied. Both scruffy and clean shaven, Mr. Gu oozes presence.

How does he make dirt and sweat look so damn delectable? How does he look so sexy in a sweat-soaked, oversized shirt that desperately needs laundering and an immediate introduction to an ironing board, while also filling out a cable knit sweater and an overcoat like nobody’s business? How does one look so desirable dressed like a homeless man (actual words a character on the show used to describe Mr. Gu). And damn, can this man lean on things—against a subway railing, beside a car, against a building, walking up a dark, hilly path. Body language that is an entire character, one that tells its own story. The lean while delivering his rare, crooked smile is a true sight to behold. It’s beautiful.

And why did I watch this show hoping for glimpses of Mr. Gu in sleeveless tees and jean short cut offs? Because arms. And calves. And a face so delicious that I yearn to slap the confident smirk right off of it. I could make a home for myself inside his cheek dimple.

Make no mistake about it—when Mr. Gu is on the screen it’s impossible for me to look anywhere else. He is that mesmerizing. I grew so attached to his character that when Mr. Gu’s past indeed catches up to him, I fervently watched with bated breath hoping he comes out of the other side unscathed.

And it's not about me having a crush, it's that SSK is SO magnetic in this role that you're invested in his character and where he's going and where he ends up. That's a true testament to an actor, when you get the audience to CARE about the character even though said character is imperfect in every possible way.

I know I talked at length about SSK and his Mr. Gu, but this show features an ensemble cast of massively talented folks who all excel at micro-expressions. It’s Kim Ji Won’s most mature and impressive role to date. It’s Lee Min Ki in his least Lee Min-Ki-est role. It’s Lee El churning out a sympathetic and realistic character who yearns for love while realizing she's her own obstacle at obtaining it. It’s about the entire Yeom family existing alongside each other without ever truly talking or listening to one another. And still yet, it's in seeing each other for who we are and less of who we want the other to be. It's the idea of escaping and running from a past that we can never truly leave behind.

As much as I’ve touted the show, I understand that it’s not for everyone. The slow pacing can be off putting. There are parts that can be a slog to get through (it never was for me for what that’s worth). Some may even drop it for lack of moving plot, but man…. the journey is so wholly satisfying simply because it’s entirely relatable. These people are my people, my fellow introverts who are trudging through life one day at a time, piecing together small moments of happiness to offset their loneliness. It’s in the measurement of self-worth and finding your place in society. It’s discovering and accepting that you’re lovable.

It all speaks to me so much that after the end credits rolled, I immediately clicked replay on episode one. I never do that. Not with such immediacy and need.

In an interview, SSK referred to playing Mr. Gu as possibly his role of a lifetime. He urged viewers to pay attention when watching, for it might just change their life. It certainly did mine. I'm jealous of any of you who are still reading that have yet to experience this extraordinary drama. If you decide to give My Liberation Notes a go, consider yourself warned, you might just catch some very big feelings along the way.

Read More

Realistic, touching, heartwarming series with the best character development.

A solid 10/10. I feel like there are no cringy moment at the romantic scenes, everything is just so realistic. The beautiful storyline combined with their excellent cinematography just hits the spot. I feel so close to the characters that I noticed every development they experienced. Every character has developed in some different ways but for me, the best development in this series got to be Changhee’s. We can se how he changes from the fun and loud middle child to a mature, loving guardian for his family. After their mom passed away, he switched to the role of “second father” so quickly and neatly. He may haven’t found his love and success at the end, but he accepts the reality and let the universe lead him. Don’t forget his best friend, fate— the way that fate works for him is just so fascinating. He deserves all the happiness <3

Read More

An ode to those who are lost and found

This is such an amazing drama truly hard hitting to those stuck in their mundane lives. It is so real in its message and transparent in what its trying to show.
Probably one of the best dramas if not the best of of our generation. It tells the story of the three siblings very well, not hiding at all the insecurities, flaws or even the dark sides of these characters. The need to be loved and wanting to change is such a real emotion that everyone feels in different levels of desperation. In this drama we really get to see how love is not something that you come up within a day and passion definitely doesn't sustain it. Its the pace, the courage to keep going and the willingness to be honest that makes life livable and love bearable.
This is probably one of those dramas, I wish i could completely wipe from my memory just so I can experience it again.
The writing is amazing, and the actors are amazing. As always very good looking people still looking very good no matter what emotion is being expressed and when life is messing with them.

i will be coming back to this drama in every stage of my adult life.

Read More

Awesome

Awesome
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Read More

My Liberation Notes was a super-realistic story about people making their way through life and trying to come into their own during. A conventionally poor family, where the kids are trying to become their own people and break free from the village life. Most of the plot lines were about them trying to find romance, themselves, and better their job situations. Due to pressure from society and them moving out of their "peak", they struggle and find it hard to break out of the chains.

What kept me interested in the drama for the first part, was the overall backstory that everyone had going on. While everyone was doing their own thing, the stories never got too mixed and confusing. It tells realistic stories of trying to find someone perfect for you and someone who will be a perfect life partner, but sometimes things fall short for us and we're met with problems we never saw coming. If you're looking for something soft, cute and happy... this is definitely not that drama. While their are happy notes, it's mostly about finding yourself and coming into your own in life. It deals with heavy themes of crime, loss, and life in general.

The acting of everyone involved was incredible and I really fell in love with the FL and Lee El's character of her sister. I felt that they both did such a great job of capturing the feeling of being lost in life, looking at others around you as ahead, and trying to find love. I didn't see much chemistry between Gu and Mi Jeong, but was still really interested in their weird dynamic.

The downfall was the ending of the show - I wasn't expecting a totally happy ending, but it would've been nice to have at least one end of the stories tied up happily. Although it's arguable that Yeom Mi Jeong and Mr. Gu did set out what they were wanting to do... the entire ending for each of the siblings just left me wanting more. The random time jump and the last 2 episodes trying to fill in that time also added to me falling out of my interest with it.

If you want something realistic and about the societal pressures of finding love, a good job and starting a family but with a more realistic ending, then this one is definitely for you to watch.

Read More

Not a fluffy kdrama.

Even though I've been in many dark places in life, watching this drama made me uncomfortable. It delivers row emotions and situations that can drown you. Not easy content if you are NOT familiar with such emotions, so therefore I don't suggest that someone under 20s should watch this, or even older ... it can cause depression and for that reason someone can underrate it. However it's exceptional on its kind. Not many dramas can show the darkness of the soul that make you strangle you every day, the desperation, the loss, the fight with self to remain alive. The loneliness...

Read More

Best of The Bests in Silce OF Life Dramas

Such a relatable kdrama I've watched so far. It feels like you belong to them and being with their thoughts. Every story has some weight which makes you connect to them personally and cheer for them.
I just want to describe this drama with a lot of fancy words as it deserves but I couldn't find coz it is beyond my word knowledge and liking.

This drama mostly shows about the relationships and conflicts in it .Casting is brilliant they just made this show alive . Special mention to direction of cinematography and strong writing .

A dramas like this will make us feel less worse , its okay to be like this and think that we're not only ones who thinks that way.

"influences you, thought provoking, you find something in it"

Must watch kdrama //slice of life

a therapy dnt need. Dot

Read More

The perfect drama for Introverts out there. So relatable.

This story is so different from all the stories out there. I had this in my watchlist ever since it aired, wondering whether to watch it or not . But it turned out well. I liked it .
The way this story unviels the inner state of individuals, people in general, just amazing.
Relationships, friendships ; we see contrasts of everything in this story ( introverts-extroverts, the rich‐ poor , good mother- bad mother, good people- bad people) literally everything. Its like a mashup of everything, life is about .
It is about a process of healing, loving oneself no matter what. No matter how hard the circumstances become, no matter how hard it gets, one must not stop loving oneself.

This story teaches us that love and hatred, happiness & sadness, loneliness, are all subjective. Our stat of mind has a huge impact on things we go through in daily life. It all depend upon how you choose to see it. Its all about the outlook .

The comedy is at another level. Mi jeong 's sibilings are hilarious at times.
Ki Jung talking about his diarrhea with Mr Gu, Gi Jung's plot about losing her memory & the "Pick up girl" story were so funny that i literally couldnt stop laughing out loud for minutes. 😆

I find the line "Na Gu ssi" just amazing. It is one of my favourite lines from the show. I dont know why. Maybe because it brought a ray of hope, and opened the door to happiness in Mi Jeong's life.

As far as acting is concerned, it was amazing. I'm in love with Kim Ji Won's acting, she's too good. (God, i love her voice). Mr Gu, OMG, given his serious alcoholism , i still found him great, somehow. Probably because Suk ku looks just too good in this. All the other actors have done a great job, thats why it turned out to be so great.
Liked it a lot.

Read More

As close to tangible human drama as Korean television can get

Transcending the fabric of the “television series” and entering my reality, if only for those sixteen episodes. That is My Liberation Notes, a drama work that understands the heart of any drama—dialogue. A drama, at minimum, needs two people to slide their hearts off of each other and in the modern “K-drama” discourse, it’s often expected that the two leads will fall in love, and embrace to the ballad of a beautiful pop song. In the words of a friend, every relationship is different; and to take from Tolstoy, while every relationship is different, every happy relationship is the same. Because it’s hard to be happy in a world sublimated by texts, social media, bureaucracy, and the pangs of dispriz'd love. While many of us seem to be doing well, most of us aren’t; and so Park Hae-young takes us through a brief period within the lives of Yeom Gi-jeong, Yeom Chang-hee, and Yeom Mi-jeong.

Park’s previous series, My Mister, was nothing short of a wonder and finishing it left me in a deep but empty void as I realized that I didn’t have someone whom I was willing to talk to, on a regular basis, about how hard living was. I’ve seen all but most of two episodes on the rewatch but have found it difficult to finish again. Four years later, Park brings this talk therapy to three people, or three “ones,” by placing them in a variety of sitting locations, episode after episode, simply—talking. About partway into the series I grew to miss Chang-hee’s ranting at life, at his co-worker, at not having a fancy car, at how he talks so much, and just listening. Gi-jeong I didn’t love a great amount, but she has her personality; and Mi-jeong, I will really miss—I do already—just listening. You really aren’t like many of us but watching you walk along the sidewalk at night, just talking, I heard a note. And that was the beginning of a song, a song that as we watch the birds fly above in the pink sky we hear them and see for ourselves that life is really just the same.

It's hard to be happy, and it’s really difficult to change; but life always brings moments of joy, and times when your heart thinks briefly of liberation.

Life is so hard, and that’s why I look at fiction’s great and immeasurable world for something better; for copium, essentially. I watch show after show, see movie after movie and find something to relate by as I return to my life and do I actually change? As a talking horse once said, you have to do it every day, and it’s really hard. But with these three working adult siblings who still live at home with their parents, after a time I didn’t think of it as fiction. I’m scared to look up the actors, although I will because I need more alternate universe Chang-hee and Mi-jeongs—it is a wonder to me how these real people can become others temporarily. With acting, you take on a personality and act, react, according to the situation but far more immersive, I think is how one lives out the other life, eats all those meals and drinks all those iced americanos. It’s a betrayal of that fictional curtain and almost feels tainted; that we have come to a point where fiction can feel so real and so grounded, to use a term conceived by a friend, whereby the movements and dialogue currencies of this work were just so natural, so organic that everything—and I mean everything—made sense. It’s not simple either. The series doesn’t even end on anywhere close to a satisfying “ending” because it’s not one. 16 episodes are the standard length for Korean television and so it ends there. If “change” is the primary language of fiction, how the several and many characters challenge it makes fiction its best. It’s even harder to do so in real life, but it didn’t even feel like Park did all he could to inhibit his characters from changing. He simply… wrote them as they were.

I can’t resist and have to quote one of the supporting characters at this moment:
“I once read a book to become a writer about how to be a good writer, and it said that a good drama is one where the main character tries hard to achieve something but can’t do it. So I gave up. Why would I write something that’s like life? It’s so boring.”

At its core, My Liberation Notes is about trying to be happy. Whether it comes from satisfaction with your career, finding love, or understanding your deepest issues. The best shows don’t motivate us to change. They tell us that the journey of life is hard, is harder like nothing else—but you really need to talk to those around you, and your heart just might ask every day what it means to live. You don’t have to answer it. But your heart moves all the same.

Read More

“My Liberation Notes” is personally one of my favorite kdramas. “My Liberation Notes” truly stands out as an amazing project. You can tell that a lot of effort and love was put into it.

Where do I begin with my praise? Everything is perfect… the directing, the cinematography, the acting, the script. Everything, I nearly have no complaints whatsoever.

While the ending might have been open, I think it was done well. I had expected it to be worse actually and was pleasantly surprised Mr. Gu didn’t die. I was holding my breath in the last scenes, I was so afraid he’d be killed off which would have been understandable but it would have broken my hearts into pieces.

“My Liberation Notes” was never about conclusions. I would have still loved for a couple of things to happen but if we’re experiencing a drama that mimics reality interestingly, I’d say they did a very good job and stayed true to what they have always been.

“My Liberation Notes” has been a great companion for me the past two months. Waiting for episodes weekly was very annoying, very stressful and also felt rewarding when Saturday came. Its a mix of emotions but I am glad I was there since the beginning, enjoying it, analyzing it, sometimes over-analyzing it and fangirling. It was lots of fun.

And for that, I am thankful. I honestly learned a lot. There are many quotes that struck me on a personal level, I can’t say I relate to a character purely but relate to different types of struggles different characters have, and regardless of that, I was so invested in their lives. Its been a while since I’ve been this invested in a drama, its been a while since I’ve repeated scenes from a drama so many times.

Now, I’m saying goodbye to my comfort drama and comfort characters. Thank you my worship couple, Yeom Family and Sanpo friends. Let’s continue life, trudging on Step by Step!” ♥️

#MyLiberationNotes JTBC Drama

Read More

Understanding

Watch it! yeah,
if ur feeling low, depressed and not fully enjoying the life but just surviving it,Watch this drama!

it has everything the story,comedy,family,emotions, problems happening in real life..everything and most importantly it has answers, 'The Answers' for most of the questions that arises within ourselves.

The first ever Drama that made me Cry, helped to feel the calmness inside me and thought me to be strong ,be courageous, and how to control my anger.

it get's a bit complicated in the ending and may not be easily understandable by everyone ,but it is really good and a Healing Drama.

Being silent and enduring problems and resolving them can be done by myself without others.

All have acted their part very well,feels like it had happened in their life.

Worship!!!!
Liberate!!!!

Read More