Misaeng's path of story transcends the typical office narrative. It's not just watching office workers struggle, suffer, get praise, or be joyful. We know these characters; we know their faces and names, their pasts, their hang-ups, and their fears. However, we don't know them only as Jang Geu Rae, Oh Sang Shik, Kim Dong Shik, Jang Baek Ki, Ahn Young Yi, or Han Suk Yeol. We KNOW these people; they are our friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and often, ourselves. That's what Misaeng brings in its storytelling, its cinematography, its constant image of being small in a big world and finding what we can do to be significant.
That path was taken by, in my opinion, one of the greatest ensembles I have ever seen in a drama. The entire cast has this way of making one completely identify or not identify with their actions. We see how everyone starts--naive, raw, rough, intimidated, at times, arrogant and ridiculous. Yet we also experience their growth, admissions of success and failure, and admissions of self-centeredness or guilt.
Behind the ensemble, traversing the path of Misaeng was an exciting and memorable soundtrack. Each piece told a story. I enjoyed the somewhat folk storytelling of the OST tracks because it mirrored the narrative of the day-to-day experience of the office workers. One could argue that the music is a character in and of itself as it travels the visual text.
Through its story, cast, and music, Misaeng took me on a journey. At times, I felt like Jang Geu Rae, wondering and asking myself the same questions. That's what I loved about Misaeng. I'm not an office worker, but I identify with their struggle. I ask myself the same questions. I feel defeated at times. At the end of the day, I'm just an incomplete life looking for completion.
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As much as I love my usual rom-coms, Misaeng completely took me by surprise and gave me thrills and heart wrenching moments in every single episode. Some people find the pace slow, but it worked for me. I was engrossed with each and every character and every single plot. I laughed and cried with the trio from Sales Team #3 and its group of supporting casts. It has unexpected moments and original story telling that is rarely seen. I absolutely loved it!
Give it a try. If nothing else, you will walk away with a few valuable life lessons.
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It isn't necessary for me to name all of the actors, because it is already done. Just know that they all were excellent. I felt connected to each of them in different ways.
The music is appropriate.
It is rewatchable, but I probably won't.
This drama isn't for every one. I can see why some people would get bored with it. However, I highly recommend it.
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This show has touched in me in such a profound way. How such a mundane story could make me experience a range of emotions each episode is a magical feat. As the director said, it was "realer than real." The memories I revisited from my past; battles and victories. My own inner struggles I've had to overcome, some I'm still working on. You see how you can get caught up in feeling like you're just living to work and die. However, this show reminds you that what matters is all the in-betweens that make up your life. Those small wins, jokes shared with people who understand you, that feeling you get when you knock one out the park, and more. So many aspects of the show are relatable and almost tangible.
I must admit that I was surprised by a couple of the actors. Im Shi Wan, I had only seen in the little bit of Triangle that I watched and I felt he was a mediocre actor, as was the drama overall. In Misaeng, he's really at the epicenter of the explosion that happened within my mind regarding this show. He absorbs the character Jang Geu Rae like a sponge. As does Lee Sung Min with the character Oh Sang Shik. I'd go back and forth between adoration and frustration toward him, just like you do with people in real life. You could feel him working out conflicts, sense when he was hiding something, and empathize with him making tough decisions. I saw Lee Sung Min in the show Pasta as a goofy restaurant manager and never would've guessed he was capable of manifesting that much depth. It goes to show that material and direction really do make a difference.
I had never seen Lee Kyeong Yeong in anything before, but I just knew his performance was probably the best he's ever done. The character Director Choi was someone you felt you should really dislike, but had a hard time doing so. Lee Kyeong Yeong didn't make him too cool, as he would have seemed cocky. He didn't make him sinister, either, even though we knew he was teeming with ulterior motives. He was a quiet enemy you respected, but still hoped would get their come-uppance at some point.
There's so much more to so many other characters. Even though there were discernible main roles, the supporting roles and minor roles at times seemed like main ones. You cared about everyone to some degree. Just like in a typical workplace. If something were to happen to the woman who sat on the other side of the cubicle wall to Geu Rae, despite her rarely ever saying a word, you'd care. You see her every episode. You know she has a story, you just haven't heard it yet. The show is that engaging.
Misaeng is a truly remarkable series that I'm thankful for being able to have watched. Exceptional writing, casting, acting, screenplay, and overall quality. Best of all, I feel I was able to gain quite a bit from the lessons that were shared.
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So reading this you probably though "Oh what a cruel drama, I'll rather pass it." Hold on your thoughts, I'm not over yet! I'm gonna ask you a few questions ok? Do you like a slice of life dramas? Do you want to see a real characters where you can even find yourself in one of them and relate? Do you enjoy in a beautiful cinematography, clever and well said dialogues? Do you like inspirational, unique and original dramas? If the answers are yes, drop your previous thoughts and start watching this drama.
"Incomplete life" aka "Misaeng" left a big beautiful impression on me. This drama has something special in it, like none other has. You know when you're baking a cake and then add your own flavor which isn't written in a receipt and because of that it even tastes better? So yes, that's how this drama is for me, unique and original in it's own way and nothing can replace it. Though drama's runtime is one hour and 20 minutes, I never got bored unlike as for other dramas as I'm pretty sure I would. From the very beginning this drama has caught my eye and interest all to the very end. Since I like dramas where the reality is shown in a best way possible you can guess why I like this drama even more right? Also I loved how the friendship of four inters grow stronger and bigger by each episode and how they slowly got respected for their work from the bosses. Briefly, I can describe this drama with a few words: Beautiful, Original, Outstanding. I have only praise and one big respect for a script, directing, acting crew and I want to thank Mr. Yoo Tae Ho who brought this webtoon to a world, cause without it this drama wouldn't exist.
Acting is also a pure 10 from me. They really put a lot of effort to chose the right actors for the right roles and I can say that they didn't chose wrong. I enjoyed in every character's story, laughed, cried, felt angry, felt happy, simply I lived with them and a drama. Let's take a look at our heroes shall we?
Jang Gae Re (Im Shi Wan) is a poor man living with his mother. Once, he wanted to be a professional Baduk played, but since he has lost his chance, through connections he got into a large firm "One International" as an intern. But nothing was on his side there. He felt like a cast-off, ignored from his colleagues, gossiped, lonely and pitied. But, though he was in that situation, he didn't give up. From a help from Mr. Oh, Mr. Kang and 3 other inters he slowly started climbing to the sucess and step by step he got respected and recognised as a worker of "One International."
Oh Sang Shik, Mr. Oh (Lee Sung Min) personally speaking is my favorite character. He's a chef in a Sales Team 3, a team that is poorly recognised in a firm. He's strong, strict, funny, serious, passionate about work. He works in his own way, brings positive spirit and energy in a team. He's the first person who found a qualities in Gae Re, was there in Gae Re's hard times, a person who helped Gae Re to be something in a life. For me, Mr. Oh is a person which every men will love, a person with a strong personality and who stands for himself.
Kim Dong Shik, Mr. Kim (Kim Dae Myung) is also a member of Sales Team 3. He's a great support to Mr. Oh and he became friends with Gae Re. He's innocent, a pure man and he's always there for a help. He gives his everything for a team and keeps team in it's balance.
An Yeong Yi (Kang So Ra) is also an intern. She's 26 year old talented and outstanding woman. She's admired and envied for her competency and presence. She's calm, patient, upright and clever. She has a secret that's staining her smile.
Jang Baek Ki (Kang Ha Neul) controversial man. He's also one of the inters in "One International" and I had hard time reading through his character. Baek Ki can be warm now and cold as ice the next minute. He might defend a person vigorously and attack them the next moment. He's ambitious and wants to succeed quickly. He's judgemental and insecure, but also very intellegent person
Han Suk Yeol ( Byun Yo Han) is the 4th and last intern. How he started I thought that he would my hateful character, but who knew that after 5 episode he'd be one of my favorite characters. He's handsome, goofy, sociable, proud of his family and his work in a field. His character can really make your day, believe me!
Also, to not forget to mention Manager Kang( Oh Min Suk) whom I find very handsome and attractive. He's a boss of Baek Ki, a smart and a strict person. But, I couldn't take my eyes of him whenever he was on a screen.
As for the music I got to say that it's one of the bests this year, actually it's folloed right behind "It's okay that's love." The OSTs where you get inspired such as "Fly" , the OSTs where you simply feel in love such as "Dream", the OSTs where you feel sad such as "Tomorrow" and the list goes on. Does it give you anything if I tell you that I'm listening it every single day? Yes, that's how big is my love for the OSTs.
"Incomplete life" is a show where everyone, I mean everyone can identify with. You feel hope, faith and love while watching it and you can't help but simply fall in love with. Overall, I enjoyed in every second of this drama, it's characters and I can't forget a beautiful, inspirational and a wonderuful feelings this drama gave me. Will rewatch it in a future, cause this drama is worth that.
"A road opens as you tread along it. A road that isn't open isn't a road. Roads are open to everyone...But not everyone can have the roads. This is wrong. Another road has opened...And I am not alone."
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This drama may seem boring to some people as it is about office world, but the script writers did a great job and to me, personally, it didn't seem boring at all. It is a serious drama, yes, but there are also funny elements. It portraits the office life in a really realistic way.
While watching this drama, I felt like I was a part of the company, that I am part of every character there. Whenever there was something emotional, you could feel the emotions yourself. Whenever there was a funny scene, I was so happy, it felt so good and the funny scenes were always in a place. They just fitted.
STORY
As for story, I loved it. Some people might say that the plot was kind of about nothing, but I disagree. So much happened in those 20 episodes. The story and the characters will captivate you. I just can't express how much I love this drama!
ACTING/CAST
Everyone in this drama was well-chosen and their acting was superb. I guess, I loved every character, well, almost every character.
Lee Sung Min - he is a king of acting. I loved him since King 2Hearts and here, he proved that he is a 1st class actor. I loved his character Oh Sang Shik, in the future, I would also like to have a boss like him. After this drama I became his fan even more.
Im Shi Wan - I was a little worried at first that he would not be good for this role. Oh, how I was mistaken. He was perfect for this role. "Jang Geu Rae, fighting!!! You can do it" that is what I was thinking whole time. He was so hardworking, nice and pitiful.
Kang So Ra - I love her! I think that she is the best actress of her generation. I was so pleased with her English and even her Russian wasn't so bad. Her character Ahn Young Yi was great as well, she was tough, hardworking and clever. Great female character!
Kang Ha Neul - I am so in love with him! He is so good-looking but a great actor as well. I didn't like his character at first, but then Jang Baek Ki grew on me. He needs to get a proper main role! P.S. I was a bit disappointed that there was no love line between Jang Baek Ki and Ahn Young Yi, they were so cute together.
Byun Yo Han - first time seeing him and I must say, what an actor! I loved his character of Han Suk Yool, he was so cheerful and full of life and then at one point when he was so devastated by work, I was so sad, I wanted him to return to his old-self as soon as possible. This actor has definitely a bright future ahead. P.S. I loved the moments of those four (Im Shi Wan, Kang Sora, Kang Haneul and Byun Yo Han) together, I couldn't help but smile all the time. They had a great chemistry together.
Kim Dae Myung - I also has to mention him. His Kim Dong Shik was so nice and his acting was so believable.
MUSIC
Music was not outstanding nor special but it fitted with the drama very well.
I seriously must congratulate the actors, director and scriptwriters. They did an amazing job! Misaeng is now on my list of the best dramas I've seen so far! And after re-watching, it might become one of my favourite dramas!
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The show tries to address issues facing the new generation in the workplace. Sometimes it is critical of Korean office culture, but at the same time, the writing is very supportive of the idea that employees should dedicate their lives to the company.
The directing, acting, and cinematography in this show are probably the best I've seen in a Korean drama. The acting was realistic, and the writers also avoided silly cliches. All of the main characters had some depth. I think the writers did an excellent job with handling character development so that we see the senior employees from the perspective of the new hires. As the new hires' opinions of their seniors change, so do the viewer's.
That said, there were moments where the show was hard to watch. The main concept of the show supports the idea of an entire life based around work being a positive thing, and that employees should put the company they work for before themselves or their families.
There are two women characters whose storylines attempt to deal with sexism in the office, but it is hypocritical at times. There are several women who are visible members of the main characters' teams, but never have any speaking lines in the entire show. They are only extras who are shown sitting at their cubicle, and never talk with the other team members.
There is also a glorification of management, and there a few moments where the show portrays workers as helpless people who can do nothing without taking orders from the office.
On the whole, this is a great show. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a more realistic Korean drama. I think everyone will be able to relate to being a clueless and nervous new hire, eventually learning and building relationships with coworkers.
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Holy crap. What a ride. By far one of the most well-written, well-acted, thoughtful, genuine dramas I’ve watched in a long time. ‘Misaeng’ (literary translated to “Incomplete Life”) which can also mean infinite potential, takes its characters on a journey of discovery, as they seek the paths that will lead each to find his or her own place in life and fulfillment. While 'Misaeng' depicts the most ordinary life of office workers, it doesn’t mean that only office workers can relate to it. It shows the viewers the meaning of one’s ‘life’, something that people often take for granted, not realizing that so many around the world are still searching for it. Also, that dreams can come true even when the odds are against you, that family/friendship is the strongest thing you have, and that forgiveness is what can hold you together. Although this drama is, at times, a tearjerker, in the end, you feel you have learned something. Based on these characters and what they’ve been through, you can set your heart and mind to something and accomplish it.
| STORY |
Based on a slice-of-life drama of a popular webtoon by Yoon Tae Ho. The story follows Jang Geu Rae (translated 'Yes' in Korean), a 26-year-old former Baduk genius who fails in becoming a professional player and gets thrown into the real world. By an acquaintance’s recommendation, Jang Geu-Rae is able to begin to work for the trading company One International as an intern. However, unlike other interns contending for full-time positions, Jang Geu Rae only has a GED certificate, no impressive work experience, no ability to speak foreign languages, and doesn't even know how to use a copy machine. But thanks to his hard efforts and unmatched perseverance he acquired from playing Baduk for more than 20 years, he lands a job as a 2-year contract worker. As the drama progresses, Geu Rae grows in confidence and strength of character; enough to stand up for what he believes in. But, in the end, what gives him the key to solving the problems in front of him were, paradoxically, insights that he learned from playing Baduk.
| ACTING/CAST |
To me, ‘Misaeng’ is more about characters development than it is about the story-line. With few exceptions, most characters are created with depth and dimension, and each has his or her own backstory. From Oh Sang Sik to Ahn Young Yi, Jang Baek Ki, Dong Shik and the relatively newbie Han Suk Yool, they each create a character that is so memorable and realistic you could see yourself in their shoes or know of someone who are like them. Even the support casts show a very effective performance and manage to bring humanity to otherwise cliché roles. Each had their own road to travel down, and sometimes the roads coincided with others, and sometimes they swerved away. But ultimately, the road of the office worker is an endless horizon of projects, presentations, and promotions. Some may end up taking that less traveled road, but still, the road continues on.
With a perfect ensemble cast, there are so many relationships and groupings that it’s impossible to talk about them all. So here, I’d just like to give my attention to some of my favorite relationships on the drama:
1) Oh Sang Sik/Jang Geu Rae
Oh Sang Sik and Geu Rae are absolutely and without a doubt the OTP of this drama. They pumped the show full of good feelings and when one was having a hard time, you could tell how much it affected the other that they did anything they could possibly do to stop the pain. Despite a bit of a rocky start, the relationship between Oh Sang Sik and Geu Rae grows and blossoms in spite of the odds, and it’s just heartwarmingly satisfying and endlessly gratifying, to see the affection they have for one another. As much as Oh Sang Sik helps and guides Geu Rae through the murky, unfamiliar waters of the corporate world, so does Geu Rae who provoke Oh Sang Sik to stay true to his principles and hold fast to his dreams. And I love that through it all, both Lee Sung Min and Im Siwan are so nuanced, that we can see the dynamic between Oh Sang Sik and Geu Rae growing and developing over the course of the drama, even when not very much is said at all. After all the struggles they’ve been through, it is gratifying to know that they found a place where they can be themselves, uphold their principles, and truly shine. I mean, a workplace with a motto of “We may lose work, but we don’t lose people”, with a boss as protective and supportive as Oh Sang Sik, where do I find thee?
2) The Newbies
All the interns (Jang Geu Rae, Han Suk Yool, Ahn Young Yi, and Jang Baek Ki) just grew into my heart, first individually and then as a group. With differing personalities and work boundaries, our newbies journey toke a long way before arriving at a genuine sort of group dynamic by series’ end. It was really nice, though, to see moments of solidarity and lending hands sprinkled through the show, among members of the group in their various permutations. I think they totally grew together believably where they were able to learn to respect each other and just be friends. Even the friendships within the friendship like (Baek Ki/Geu Rae, Seok Yool/Geu Rae, etc). Having said that, I did appreciate the care the series took in establishing the characters. There is the seemingly flawless female intern, Young Yi, whose exceptional ability as a woman incurs the resentment of her colleagues. Baek Ki a star intern, he was the image of the elite office worker and was my favorite among the newbies. Lastly, Han Suk Yool the fun intern who is a little too flattering to the higher-ups and a little too careless in about the boundaries of others, but he made the group feel alive. I loved his character to the core, because no matter how depressing and sad this drama can be in at moments, his character is right there to make you laugh and cheer you up. I learned a lot from these newbies that I concur with it being dubbed “The Salaryman’s Bible.”
| MUSIC/CINEMATOGRAPHY |
The soundtrack had a very relaxed type of vibe to it, that it made me feel for the situations, the people even though the environment itself is cold and depressing. It's not the typical high note, out of this world vocal with an intense orchestra playing in the background, but it's arguably the opposite. It's soothing, calm vocals accompanied with the acoustic piano and guitar. You can also get the comedy feel of the quirkiness of the background music as well. The music was one of the things that set this drama apart from others and also a factor into why I love this drama. I absolutely love all of Part 4 from the OST, since acoustic tunes just serenade with me so well. The only problem I have with the soundtrack is that since the plot is the main standout of the series, the music is faded into the background. I also really loved all the little touches that contributed to the aesthetic and feel of the drama – from the changing title cards showing the changing of the seasons, to the little wings of confidence (cameo by Choi Gwi Hwa), the use of imagery in these cases helped to depict the emotions amidst the storyline and engaged the audience even more. The drama certainly didn’t let me down with the cinematography with its carefully chosen muted color palette, understated plotting and thoughtful, deliberate pace, created a believable office world in which we, as an audience, clocked time as Geu Rae’ shadows.
Overall, 'Misaeng' is like watching the truth of any worker's life. It's a bunch of pieces of awkwardness, the hardest moments, the happy feeling when you have done your job, grumpy bosses, the difficulties that woman go through in the office due to marriage, childbirth, and sexual discrimination and harassment, and how staying true to life, their introspection and insights help us laugh at life and face the realities that are often escaped through all other forms of drama. 'Misaeng' shows many aspects of mundane life, but never itself, becomes mundane, taking the viewer on a beautifully poignant, vividly evocative and greatly inspiring journey from start to finish. Initially, it's true that the drama’s structure felt repetitive but in reality, our lives is a repetition as well. With great casting and different characters being protagonists at different instances of the drama, it will outweigh the feeling of repetitiveness. Above all, 'Misaeng' gives hope that relationships in office are not always simply work-related as 'work friends', it can also be bond together. To me, that's the true love-line in 'Misaeng'. It doesn't need to over-complicate the drama of the characters' lives, has no use for surprising betrayals; it actually lays most things out on the table for us. Why? Because 'Misaeng' wasn’t a drama, it was life. This drama is hands down the best drama I’ve seen and rightfully has earned a spot in my 'Forever Favorites' list. No other drama has spoken to me in such a real way. In the end, Misaeng certainly gave another small unexpected fragment to the missing pieces of my 'incomplete life'.
FINAL SCORE: 11/10. A big 'YES' from me! MISAENG is the 2014 drama and props to tvN for producing it and to the cast for the superb performances. I believe this is a drama that leaves a viewer of any demographic something to take away, I'd urge anyone reading this to give it a try.
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This review may contain spoilers
Heard great things about Misaeng, and I just finished it tonight, and decided to give my honest opinion, as I deal with trading companies a lot, and the dynamic is very familiar to me. I also like office dramas in general.At times, it felt like I was watching a documentary, which is more bad than good. Story gets boring in the middle, there is not much progress, or a general plot. It was too much slice of life in the end for me.
The good:
- no silly cliches, none of the commercial drama elements we see in most public broadcast dramas.
-great acting
-great example of team camaraderie (both between Team 3 and the rookies).
-full character development - Mr Oh was my favorite character, with Suh Yool being a great comic relief.
-great theme song
The bad:
- Missed, abandoned or unfinished sublots (examples below, it includes small details that might be considered minor spoilers, but they do not affect the watching pleasure).
- No use of Gue Rae's GO skills almost at all, although there is a heavy emphasis on his player background. It seems like the plot was changed after the first episodes. I expected him to use his "street smarts" to advance in the company.
-The pace of the "intern" part of the drama was higher and more exciting.
-What was the point of the kindergarten teacher's suplot. I really liked her, and this is probably my biggest annoyance, since it was hinted, missed and unfinished all in one.
-The first episodes hint to a more action packed show.
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While Chief Oh and Geu-Rae’s relationship forms the backbone of the show, the overall structure is fairly loose. This fits the slice-of-life style, but can make the drama a slow watch. It also means that issues and characters come and go, sometimes drifting away with little resolution. Individual episodes are gems of close observation and visual inventiveness, but don’t always build into a single compelling through-line. For me, the small moments resonated far more than the drama’s grander pronouncements about life, the universe, and everything. But, then again, maybe that’s the point. Perhaps a show about incompleteness can be forgiven for being more compelling in its fragments than for the bigger picture that it tries to draw.
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Story: This drama centers around Sales people - (now I can't relate to them at all as I don't work in an office building or anything like that but while watching this drama I know that I never could or would even want to - way too stressful - I totally understand why they said they all walk around with a resignation paper in their pocket everyday - I would have quit on day 1!) I can't deal with that much stress in my life - Besides the fact that I personally would never be able to "sell" anything to anyone lol
Cast: Suk Yool - he was my favorite, he kept things lighthearted and interesting - he was a joy to have around, he's very entertaining^^ If not for him this drama wouldn't have been bearable to watch (for me anyways). Baek Ki - Handsome, ambitious, nice, cold, distant but yet somehow close. He's a really difficult character to figure out completely - I did like him especially more towards the end. Geu Rae - our "star" of the show, he's innocent and naïve and I could relate to him the most - as he was 26 & basically did nothing w/his life and well I am kind of in the same boat (I'm 26 now too)...Young Yi - I honestly found her a bit boring and hard to read - she was nice I'll give her that & I pitied her character a lot during the drama...but I didn't connect with her. Dong Shik - he's likeable like a good friend or mentor and a great co-worker. Gwan Woong - he comes later on in the drama but I liked it when he appeared, he's nice and considerate & also handsome^^ Oh Sang Shik - the boss of team 3 - he was basically the "father" of the team who really cared for his "kids" as he'd call them. Suk Yool's superior is a real jerk. Ass.Manager Kang - (a.k.a Baek Ki's superior) another handsome dude but I found him to be hard to understand.
Music: Fly by Lee Seung Yeol - I really liked this song.
Re-watch Value: 4.5 - I don't think I'll be re-watching this one as it was too realistic but if ever I end up in a situation with a job similar to theirs or need a little insight - I may pop back in to take a peak ;)
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