My Mister (2018)

My Mister - A Drama That Perfectly Depicts “All Relationships are Precious” and Second Chances

I have been putting this drama off since more than a year now and I believe this had to do with how hyped it was. We’ve read so many comments and posts on this drama and each one of those were praising this immensely. I feel skeptical about watching hyped dramas in general. But safe to say, My Mister lives up to it’s hype.

This is a drama that depicts “all relationships are precious” and second chances beautifully! It’s not one of those dramas where you can binge watch it. Give it time and you’ll find yourself getting attached to every character. Even the characters that get on your nerves initially, you’ll end up understanding where they came from if not loving/liking them.

I think this drama does the character driven aspect perfectly. When a drama has so many characters it tends to either make most of these unidimensional and doesn’t develop them properly. But props to the writer of My Mister, she’s written each and every character with such depth. Every character teaches you something. Even if you leave out the learning aspect of it, you’ll end up appreciating their character growth. I was a bit skeptical about many characters in the drama like Jeong-hui, Yu-ra, and a few other characters but as the drama progresses you see a growth and story of all of these characters and how a "second chance" does wonders to their lives.

Let's talk about the main characters. Park Dong-hoon has to be one of my favourite characters ever! He is kind but in a realistic way. He is a nice person, but in a realistic way. He is not your perfect nice guy, he too is flawed, broken and as Ji-ahn says, "pitiful". Yet he manages to be kind. There is a lesson here as well, and as mentioned in the drama, "if you feel helpless and can't save yourself then try to help others out and ease their hardships, it really helps" and this mantra was time and again depicted beautifully in the drama.

Lee Ji-ahn was a character I wasn't too fond of initially but 6 episodes into the drama and I could see feeling myself for Ji-ahn. By the end of the drama I was so attached to her that I wanted to go inside and give her a warm hug. Props to Lee Ji-eun (IU) for pulling this character off so nicely. I literally cried with her whenever she cried because I could feel the pain of her character. It seemed as though she had immersed herself in the role and the entire time I couldn't feel that she was acting. It felt so real. Ji-ahn teaches you a lot but most importantly her character is basically all about a second chance. I believe that the ending she got was the best. Indeed a second chance was all that she needed. Her relationship and care for her Grandma was the most heartwarming and pure thing about the drama. From a person who thought kindness doesn't last long to a person who wanted to be there for someone and who wanted to be loved and taken care of, she came a long way.

The brothers are other characters whom I loved and adored. Sang-hoon is a character that is close to my heart. He was funny, and reminded me of his character from Prison Playbook. I loved how initially he was a bit carefree but ends up taking a job that probably isn't very respectable and yet doing it so diligently. The scene where he gives his mom monthly allowance and living expense and his mom is so touched is probably one of the memorable scenes. His dream of the three brothers dressing up in expensive clothes and going on a drive in an expensive car as he saves up money through all the work and the using that money to help Ji-ahn for her Grandma's funeral spoke volumes about his character growth. From saying "all I did in these 50 years is sleep and shit" to "this is the most memorable day of my life" he clearly as come a long way. Gi-hoon is also hilarious and his dynamics with Yu-ra were absolutely a delight to watch. It was lovely to see how him and Yu-ra grow together and find peace through each other. I also absolutely adored the relationship between the three brothers! They were so wholesome and the way they cared for each other made my heart full.

So coming back to the title of this post. Every character, be it Jeong-hui, Yoon-hui, Ji-ahn, the soccer club guys or even the loan shark, they all depict how a second chance helped them and was the only thing they needed along with someone like each other. I really wish to find a guy like Dong-hoon who would help out a stranger and even if she tried to make things awkward or do whatever she did, he understood where she came from and even if they met after many years he'd want to greet her with a smile.

Dong-hoon and Ji-ahn's relationship was so pure and I can't see how one would want them to get into a relationship because that's clearly a very unrealistic thing in an otherwise realistic drama. Their relationship was a precious one. I adored how Dong-hoon was there for Ji-ahn until the very end. The last hug they had just made my heart warm.

Overall this drama is absolutely perfect and the only flaws were in the characters which made the characters look so true and real. Even those flaws would teach you lots of things. It has a solid plot, well written characters and to top it all it promises great acting from literally everyone. It's one of those that will make you think about the characters even after the drama has ended. I still think about how would Ji-ahn and Dong-hoon's dinner would've been, did Ji-ahn meet the people from Jeoung-hi's bar again, did she decide to move into that neighborhood again, how're things with the loan shark, etc. Also it has a fantastic soundtrack. Adults by Sonida is definitely my favourite OST, everytime I listen to it, it makes me think about Ji-ahn.

Lastly I would say, as Ji-ahn says, "I would like to be born in this neighborhood in my next life". I would love to be surrounded by the bunch of amazing people in that neighborhood where these characters lived.

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This series haunts me

It's been a few days since I've finished this series. In that span I have binged Move To Heaven and Oh My Ghost, both excellent shows in their own rights. But My Mister truly haunts me.

It is a gripping tale of depression, suffering, pain, catharsis, forgiveness, and peace. I was so immersed with the featured neighborhood and the characters that I did not want it to end. When it did, I was left a hole in my heart which I long to fill. I have so many questions regarding what happened to the main characters after the last episode, but as in life not all questions are answered outright. Most times, you just have to figure it out for yourself.

I stay up late at night thinking about the question "Have you found peace?" I pray that the day will come when I will be able to confidently say Yes.

Give this a watch. You won't regret it.

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This is a drama that I began a while back, but then dropped. So, if you've found the first few episodes to be slow, maybe like me, if you keep watching, you just might begin to connect with it.

Park Dong Hoon is a righteous man who doesnt seem to care about materialistic things, nor does he care about competing with others. He lives a diligent life, at least by the standards of others. But, hes not happy. Often, he expresses how he doesnt know how to live and how hes forcing himself to go to work, and forcing himself to live. He puts on an act that everything is fine, and doesnt confront his problems by conveying what he truly wants. As for the female leade; In many dramas I've watched before where the main character is poor, they are usually portrayed as a bright person who can act cheerfully regardless of their circumstances. Ji-an is an example of someone who is unable to do that, and it's important to have that kind of representation because not all people are able to put on a happy face when the world has beaten them down. And that shouldn't be seen as wrong or pessimistic.
To be a good actress, you dont have to be the best at acting melodramatic. At crying loudly. At screaming and acting over-emotionally. Sometimes, it's the roles where you have to convey your emotions with the least lines that end up captivating the viewers. This was true for both the main characters. The fact that they were both reserved and quiet made it more noticeable and impactful when the slightest change occurred in their facial expressions. I was both eager to know what they were thinking, and also able to connect with them on a profound level.

At first, I wondered what kind of relationship the main pair would have. Exactly what kind of events would bring the two of them together, and create such a strong bond? The more I watched, the more understanding I had of this relationship.

"Once you know someone, there comes a point where you dont care what they do. I know you."

This phrase sums up their relationship, basically. They come from completely different backgrounds, yet they feel as though they understand each other more than anyone.

The relationships in this drama were very realistic. The conversations felt real; awkward silences, outbursts between siblings, heartfelt exchanges. The lease realistic thing, although it was the basis for the story, was Ji-an eavesdropping on Donghoon. It made me question the relationship between the two leads, and how negatively those actions could impact this relationship. On the other hand, this was an integral part of the story, because through these moments, Ji-an began to change for the better. In a way, she was doing what she does best; listening. She listened in on other people's lives to soothe her own loneliness. So, I cant completely hate her for it.
The bond between the three siblings was my favorite bond apart from Ji-an and Donghoon. The way they get so worked up when something happened to Donghoon; how they cry with him, and walk home with him, and sit with him. I loved that aspect so much. Nothing beats family.

Broken things can be mended. "This life is ruined. How many times do I have to be reborn for things to go right?" That kind of thinking is broken in itself. When this life veers off track, it's our job to put it back and turn things around, so we dont end up wishing our lives away. The end ties everything together well because Donghoon finally decides he wants to be happy. This life is not ruined. There's hope.
"Being humiliated? People talking about your life being ruined? Those are nothing. I can be happy. I wont let this ruin my life. I'm going to be happy. I'll be happy. " - Donghoon

Coming into a drama with two main leads, many people ask whether there's going to be a romance between them. No, there is none. Their relationship was more than that. And while I still found myself hoping for more, I am completely happy with the way their relationship unfolded. I still found myself happy to see the profound, meaningful interactions between them.

Overall, this is one of those dramas that have a wholesome set of characters. I loved hearing about all their stories, and was delighted to witness the events that occured in this neighbourhood.
I wish there were more scenes of everybody walking home together.
I'm gonna miss the soccer team who are always on standby; whether it's to beat someone up, or attend a funeral.. and play soccer. If there were a season two, I'd definitely watch it; even if just to see how the characters are doing with their new lives. It didnt feel like a story that ends once the curtains are drawn; but like the characters will continue to live their lives in search of what they're looking for, if that makes any sense to you. Hopefully that's how this drama makes you feel too. I know I'm going to keep thinking about it for a long time.

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Reality

Not gonna lie, My Mister for me was a bit boring at the start. Since i rarely watch KDramas, i really don't know what to expect. But hell.. i surely wasn't expecting this though.
Having to watch a slow-paced KDrama for the first time really made my mind clear that not everything has to be done in an instant. Sometimes, you just have to spend more time to experience every detail there is to offer. A bit boring at the start but slowly gets interesting as they finish the backstory and starts with the main problem. And then i got completely hooked.

What i like about this drama is that, reality isn't always a pleasant one. I, as a big fan of shows that showcase reality finds it really interesting. Depression, Betrayal, Violence, successfully portrayed while still having the audience feel like they're in the Main Character's shoes. That with a mix of their godly cinematography, really is breathtaking.

Acceptance.
Sometimes, reality is so cruel that you just have to let it happen and deal with it. Just accept it. It is what it is.

Other than the harsh reality, the Main Character's progression of their friendship is also the main thing that made this drama excels. A solid evidence that not every relationship needs romance to bloom.

I must say this, what i enjoyed the most from this Drama is their neighborhood. Personally, I just find it really beautiful that they have such a connection with each other even though they're not related or anything. A simple relationship, yet so powerful.
Don't even get me started on Dong-Hoon's relationship with his brothers :)

Overall, 9/10. A bittersweet story added to the collection. I might rewatch this in the future, just so that i can experience this amazing series all over again.

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warmth is all this drama leaves you with.

IU is a great actress, as the story says it revolves around a girl and a man with a great age gap. This drama’s got suspense, love, friendship, affection. All this drama leaves you in the end is with warmth. You’ll feel GOOD after watching this drama! Don’t get fooled with the plot and the posters, cause I did. Watch the drama. It shows the importance people will have in one’s life. How significant it is to have people around you. It shows that there are still good people out there, a lot of them. You just gotta look for it. Never think that it’s the end of something cause there’s always a door open when one is ending. It gives you very good feeling.

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A different breed of k-drama

After watching this I needed one whole week to let it completely sink in. This drama is one of those that makes you ponder and ponder and ponder long after the credit rolled.

I'm not going to get into the drama itself, because other viewers have aptly described and dissected, but I'll just put this out there: I might need to redefine my own rating system because all those 10/10 I've given to other dramas may need to be knocked down a few notches because My Mister is truly on a level of its own. Different league.

The reason why I "only" gave 9.8 for Rewatch Value is for the simple reason that this show is quite emotionally taxing. It's a delivery of rousing performances and not something I would watch after a long day and wanting to unwind. Rich in sad pathos, I'll come back to this when I need to better understand some situations and people in my life. Or when I just wanna cry for the heck of it.

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So simple but lovely ???? . It's a warm drama that make you laugh and cry and enjoy and everything . The story has not a lot of events or some suspension scenes but it makes you wanna watch it till the end . The drama was a mixture of love friendship comedy family melodrama it's definitely a worth watching . The most thing I loved about it is the end coz I was one of the few people who don't want a romantic love story between IU and the ajjushi I preferred that their relationship stay like that : a precious relationship that includes friendship love and familial ties where they fear and care about each other without being in a Romantic relationship . Same thing about her and the lender , I actually liked their chemistry but a love story was impossible between them coz their feelings was mixed between love and hate it'd have been really weird that a love story consists between them so that was amazing that the director didn't make a nonsense storyline . Perfect Ending on a perfect Drama . Worth watching .[Excuse my English it's not my first language] .

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The best Korean TV show I have ever seen.

I've never done a review before so i'll try to keep this short, but this show is absolutely amazing and that's all you really need to know.

Many Korean shows deal with the idea of love, loss and tragedy... but no other does it in such and understated yet powerful way. Dong-hoon and Ji-an are intelligently written characters that feel completely genuine and real, as if they aren't characters to entertain you but real people out there in the world. Their onscreen chemistry is amazing. Though its not romantic, that doesn't take away from the fact that when these two are on screen together it is always magic; and that is only uplifted by the understated nature of every performance in this show, only strengthening the power of what is happening onscreen. That is especially apparent for the two leads in this show, seriously watch this show even if its just to see these two acting side by side.

However, I don't think the two leads are the strongest part of this show. The side characters often steal the show entirely. The brothers of Dong-hoon, Sang-hoon and Ki-hoon have a brilliant bond with each other and the main, and both have their own personal problems that are equally compelling even if they lack the depth that Dong-hoon's problems have.
Though the real star of the show for me is Kwang-il. His screen time is limited in comparison to many of the characters in the series, but his relationship with Ji-an is incredibly captivating leaving u wanting to know more by the end of each interaction between them. The conclusion to his character, involving a somewhat surprising turn of good will towards Ji-an, is perfectly written and only adds to my already high opinion of him. Of course his actor Jang Ki-yong does an amazing job and completely steals the show in every scene he is in.

This isn't my area of expertise, but to my untrained eyes the visuals of this show are spot on, the camera angles and visuals created at each pivotal scene within the show are brilliant and really support the weight of what is happening onscreen effectively. The soundtrack is also fantastic, helping you to feel the weight of the emotional moments of the show, especially the more thoughtful tracks within the listing.

Overall, My Mister is a special kind of show that only comes every so often. Though its slow pacing and plot twists make a second viewing a lesser experience, for a first time watch, there isn't much out there better than My Mister.

9.5/10

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This is the hardest review I have ever tried to write

My Mister is a superlative meditation on life. The description does not even begin to do it justice. This is, without a doubt, the best thing I have ever watched, in any medium and from any country - and yet my emotions and reactions are indescribable, in part because there were so many in any one moment. The writing, direction, and acting all came together in such a way that it almost felt as if I was experiencing events as they happened onscreen, rather than viewing them.

This isn't a story of people with perfect lives; instead it is a story of people doing the best they can. The screenwriter did a masterful job of showing that everyone has their own troubles. More importantly, it showed just how much a kind word or act can make a huge impact, and the power of coming together in times of joy, trouble, and tragedy. At times the crushing weight of what the characters (all of them, not only the leads) were dealing with seemed almost unbearable, but each time there was someone there to help lighten the load or help - sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

The casting for this drama was as amazing as everything else about it. Every character was perfectly cast - it was apparent that thought went into every one, even guest roles that were on the screen for no more than a minute. The cinematography was breathtaking, and the OST absolute perfection. The best way to describe it that I can think of is that everything about this drama was done with intentionality.

One other note, as a viewer of this drama in 2024. The representation of depression was very realistic, and some of the lines regarding it and the feelings of despair and hopelessness that come with hit particularly hard thinking of Lee Sun Kyun's tragic death.

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Masterpiece

I just finished watching this show and I feel still overwhelmed by feelings... Exhausted by the intense emotions felt and by the tears I cried. I can say, one of the (few) actual masterpieces I had the luck to watch so far in my life.
"It's ok, ıt's no big deal." "it's okay to fail. It's nothing really. Even if you fail you can still be happy."
Even though the atmosphere of this show may appear full-filled with sadness, melancholy, depression, and pain, actually the story is an hymn to the Life, the real life, the life whoever lives day after day, which may appear miserable sometimes, but which must be lived, because "Even if you fail you can still be happy".
I watched the show, well knowing how Lee Sun-kyun ended his life's journey, the root-causes which led to his irrevocable, heart-breaking decision and this made even more emotional the vision of this show.
The story: terrific. What you can see in this show is a delicate portrait of the Life. The life as it is lived at the workplace, at home, in a family, in the deepest solitude, in the darkest desperation, in the loyal and noisy community of the neighbourhood, by the rich, by the poor, by the honest, by the dishonest... The characters in this story are all defined by their passions, their vices, their miseries, their weaknesses, their distresses, in a so moving and compelling way, that each of them will leave an indelible trace in your heart. None of the stories is predictable. And this made them even more realistic and compelling.
The cast: I think this is one of the most well sorted and assembled ones I watched. Each of the roles was played in an impeccably way. The two leads, the support roles, are an amazing ensemble, which keeps the spectator compelled to and captivated by the story. You live with them, you cry and you laugh with them, you suffer and you enjoy with them, till the last emotion. Lee Sun-kyun and IU led the entire story, rendering their not so simple characters in an awesome way. Despite the difference in age (and experience) between the two, their acting was well blended, credible and flawless. Around them there is a colorful and amazing world of characters, each one well developed, well casted and very well played. I don't want to list all of them, because they are really a lot, but you can be sure that none will disappoint you.
The music: moving, touching your feelings, well suited for the story told by this show.
The direction and the photography: awesome. I cannot explain: you have to watch to understand that even the way the scenes were shot is able to compel even more to the story, making you feeling part of it.
You need to watch without any kind of doubts or hesitation.

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