Slice of life at it's best
This title has been on my list to watch on Netflix since last year. It was only last week that I got to start it.Have you ever watched a drama wherein the summarized plot basically told you nothing about the story and you go in totally unprepared for it? Well, this is one such drama.
EP 1 didn't give me a hint on what this drama would be about although it did pique my interest. Sometimes you just want a drama about life and My Mister doesn't disappoint.
I loved the relationship of the 3 siblings. Middle-aged they may be, but they can still act like boys when they argue. They may not be rich and down on their luck (the 2 brothers at least); but they proved that you are never too old to learn something new. I myself had a 9 to 5 career before and now I am helping manage a business that is totally different from what I was used to.
I also like their mom. Moms will always be moms no matter what the age of their child. They are already nearing their 50's and yet, she still wakes up early to prepare their lunch boxes.
As to IU's performance, I was initially bored with her expression. But as the story progressed, you can understand the choices she made.
The drama itself is full of colorful characters and the story is refreshingly different from the rom-coms, adultery, chaebols, revenge stories I have been watching. Definitely recommending this if you want a realistic story about life.
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Two Broken Souls, One Healing Symphony.
There are moments in life when art transcends entertainment and becomes a raw, almost sacred experience. My Mister is one of those rare gems—a drama that grips you by the soul and doesn't let go, leaving you both shattered and whole. To call it a "masterpiece" feels almost reductive; it is a symphony of human emotion, a mosaic of pain and healing woven together with meticulous care and haunting beauty.The narrative of My Mister is a marvel of restraint and authenticity. Unlike many dramas that dive into theatrics for shock value, My Mister thrives in the mundane, in the quiet spaces where life truly happens. It doesn’t shout; it murmurs, inviting you to lean in and feel. You become a silent witness, a fly on the wall peering into lives teetering on the edge of despair. This grounded approach makes every scene deeply believable and achingly real. The struggles of Park Dong-hoon and Lee Ji-an are not exaggerated but distilled to their purest, most human essence.
Lee Sun-kyun's portrayal of Park Dong-hoon is nothing short of breathtaking. He embodies a man whose decency is slowly being smothered by the weight of life’s unrelenting burdens. You see his exhaustion in every sigh, every hesitant smile. He doesn’t just play the role; he lives it. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety, a portrait of a man who holds the world on his shoulders but dares not let it crush his soul completely.
On the other side of this emotional spectrum is IU, delivering a career-defining performance as Lee Ji-an. Her deadpan delivery, so meticulously restrained, becomes a canvas on which her torment is painted. Her eyes, hollow yet blazing with muted defiance, reveal a soul fractured but not yet obliterated. IU’s portrayal of Ji-an is like a whisper from the void, a reminder that even the broken can survive, and perhaps, heal.
But My Mister doesn’t hinge solely on its leads. The chemistry between every cast member is electrifying in its subtlety. Dong-hoon’s brothers—flawed, comical, and heartbreaking—add rich layers to the story. His wife, the bar patrons, the office colleagues, even fleeting characters—all feel like fully realized people with lives beyond the screen. This ensemble creates a web of interconnected pain and resilience that feels alive.
What makes My Mister particularly brilliant is its use of subtext. Critical plot points happen both in plain sight and in the shadows, urging viewers to piece together unspoken truths. The storytelling demands attention and rewards it generously. This is not a passive viewing experience; it’s an invitation to engage, imagine, and feel. For those who aren’t vigilant, the labyrinth of quiet nuances might seem confounding, but for those who invest, the payoff is pure gold.
The soundtrack is another triumph. Sondia’s Grown-Ups lingers like a ghost, perfectly encapsulating the bittersweet melancholy of the story. The music doesn’t just accompany the scenes; it breathes life into them, amplifying emotions that words dare not express.
If there is a flaw, it lies in the drama’s slow-burn pace. My Mister unfurls deliberately, patiently. Some may falter before the story's heart truly reveals itself. But for those who persevere, the experience is unparalleled—like watching a sunrise that starts as a murmur of light and crescendos into blinding brilliance.
In the end, My Mister is more than a drama; it is a once-in-a-lifetime narrative experience. It raises the bar so high that future stories may struggle to touch its shadow. The word masterpiece is overused, but here, it finds its rightful home.
This drama doesn’t just set a standard; it defines one.
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The soundtrack also really supporting the scene and situations. Anw I hate why Jang ki Yong so cruel in here. I just watched "go back couple" and fall in love with his character as nam Gil sunbae but now I really angry to see his character in here. I also feel pity for Joon Young. All his plan failed even though I think he's one of the antagonists cast in here. But he loses against Park Dong Hoon. He also already paid Ji An but as a result, she betrayed him, and at the end episode he maybe gets punished or jailed and lost his title as CEO. He also was punched by Dong Hoon but he can't fight. After this drama ends I learn many things in life. Thank you "My Ahjussi"
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This review may contain spoilers
Very Beautiful Drama
I didn't expect this drama to be so good, I don't usually like watching drama reviews because I don't want to know anything about that drama in advance, I want to be surprised by the story, and I was very surprised, luckily it was a very nice surprise.Story: 10.0 *** THE SPOILERS AHEAD ***
An interesting plot, unusual, full of unexpected events, as in crime stories, and yet somehow oriented to show the lives of ordinary people and their relationships in their wonderful neighborhood.
The main plot is about the lives of two people who are separated by their age, status, family life and yet similar mental characteristics.
They both feel lonely, especially the male lead, although he has a wife, a child, a mother, two brothers, friends, he still feels lonely and misunderstood, while the female lead has only a few people around her, a difficult childhood and even murder on conscience . These two people are fighting inside and outside so that circumstances would lead them to find each other in that fight, but this is not a typical love story in which they end up with each other, the goal here is not to find physical love but the real unconditional love, love within themselves.
*** THE END OF THE SPOILERS ***
If you have problems in life, this story can help you see them from a different angle, to see the light at the end of the tunnel, to keep the love inside you no matter what happens to you from the outside, if the love is in you, the whole world can hates you but that feeling of love will be in you and keep your soul alive forever.
The family and friendship aspect of the story is portrayed exceptionally in this drama.
Due to its slower pace, this drama is experienced more through emotions and less through the mind, and that is what thrilled me the most.
Cast: 10.0
I haven't seen so many K-Dramas so I'm not familiar with any of the actors but very good acting of all them, especially the main roles who did a really good job showing deep emotions of sadness and loneliness which can be very difficult to express.
Music: 9.0
Music is great and fits into the atmosphere of the story
Re-watch: 9.5
I will watch this again for sure
I strongly recommend this drama.
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Almost perfect?
Well, it's really hard to write anything about this drama at this moment because I just finished it, so my thoughts are all over the place. But one thing is fore sure: This show needs one or two simple fixes, and it would be perfect. The first half of the season was but slow and sometimes over the top, and I really needed some explanation, that I've got much later. Also, I felt the ending was a bit rushed. These two things aside, it's pretty much perfect. The writing, the OST, the directing, (except the weird look of the flashback scenes) and of course THE ACTING! Holy Mother of Jesus, the acting in this drama is something else. Sure, some people could say I'm a huge IU fan but man, if this drama would be an American show, she would've won an Emmy for her acting! Lee Sun Kyun and IU carried this show like it was nothing. Also, the supporting cast was amazing too. I really loved the brothers, even tho, sometimes I wanted to slap them so hard.😅 I don't think I will ever forget Lee Ji Ahn and her sweet relationship with her grandma. I was so angry when she died, but it was great to see everyone support and love Ji Ahn. After 21 YEARS, she can be happy finally!!! And thank God for the happy ending, even tho it was rushed, like I said.This show is a MUST for everyone!!!
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Phenomenal Side Character Writing.
NOT A LOVE STORY but kinda is thoughGREAT ACTING, dialogues, greatly written, perfectly connected and realistic characters, 2-3 good music pieces
premise:
the most innocent, forgiving and kind guy as MC who lives in a neighbourhood of people who just by being on-screen make you and his day better.
but MC gets cheated on by his wife with his CEO.
The show revolves around how the MC deals with family, love, office problems
the ending was good but could have been more elaborated
the side stories and MCs interacting with them is an example of phenomenal writing
it offers drama, heavy and realistic life situations and problems.
The ending could have been more detailed but other than that the show was 10/10 '
highly recommended by me
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Felled like 16 episode long therapy session
Many different genres can be applied to this drama, including psychological, life, corporate politics, family, friendship and even spy drama. But the most appropriate is probably "Healing Drama", not just for characters but also for viewers.And you don't even need to relate to the main characters' struggles to feel that healing and almost therapeutic aspect of this show. Characters here are not without flaws, but that is what makes them so real. No matter how complicated their situations are, you are able to understand what they are going through and feel those same emotions. That is a joint effort of writers and incredible actors, particularly Lee Sun-Kyun (rest in peace) and Lee Ji-Eun, IU. Their healing journey and character growth throughout the show were very inspiring and heartwarming. It offered viewers an opportunity to go through this therapy session that was long and emotional but also impactful. And unlike many similar psychological life dramas you want to rewatch this show many times.
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Honestly, I couldn't help but notice how YH constantly accused DH of faults she was far guiltier of herself.DH would come home after work to handle house chores and tidy the apartment before she returned, often after grocery shopping. YH was rarely home, and when she was, she would retreat to her studio, leaving him afraid to even watch TV in case it disturbed her. So, because he didn’t want to stay in an empty house, DH met up with his brothers and friends. This dynamic was something YH herself acknowledged, claiming this was a vicious cycle that led them to see each other less and less, though notably this admission came only after she unilaterally gaslighted DH, despite both knowing of her affair, and he pointed out that it’s not as if she was around much either.
YH was often absent as well, I would maybe even say just as much, if not more, than DH. I got the impression that sometimes it was for days, and even involved her coming back after he was asleep. You didn’t see him complaining and gaslighting her about this, the way she did to him. Even when she was at home, she was cooped up in her office. She even missed her own niece's wedding to spend time with her lover, yet DH defended her against his brother's (unfortunately correct) suspicions, insisting he trusted her implicitly. He was clearly hurt that she didn’t even bother to call, which stands in contrast to his routine of calling home after work to check what she needed.
YH's dismissal of her niece as family and skipping the wedding to meet her lover felt shocking, especially considering how the girl's mother supported YH and treated her son like family. Similarly, DH's mother helped raise their child so YH could focus on her career, yet YH was convinced DH should not view his own mother as part of his family. Imagine telling JA that her grandmother was not family. JA's bond with her grandmother mirrored DH's with his mother, both rooted in shared survival after parental loss.
Now, I must admit that I think that the main issue here was DH and YH wanting different things. Notably, he never tried to hide his values, she pretended to go along with it while planning to get into DH’s good graces so that he would distance himself from family and friends, which in my mind seems kind of a love-bombing situation (idealization/devaluation/discard cycle, transactional view of favors, etc. with the expectation that your partner would allow you to manipulate them into changing their core values in return… compare that with DH’s brother paying for JA’s grandma’s funeral without asking or expecting anything in return).
Bottom line, DH accepted YH for how she was, knew that her career was important to her and accepted her absences, which he had to justify them in front of his family, in a way that YH simply didn’t reciprocate when it came to DH’s actions and what was important to him, i.e. his family. I mean, given how she viewed this all as a competition, one could just imagine the abuse she would have put him through had he dared to miss an important family event, due to his job (“do you care about your career more than me?”, etc.).
More than wanting to spend time with DH, YH seemed primarily concerned with preventing him from spending time with others he cared about, driven by jealousy. While these aren’t mutually exclusive, I think that it’s pretty easy to see from her actions where the emphasis lie. She had no problem ignoring DH when she came home and retreating to her office, not to mention her frequent absences (especially toward the end, when she was meeting up with her lover). Even then, she continued to gaslight DH and question his commitment, showcasing a staggering double standard.
If this was not the case, I would say that we would see different behavior from her. While DH admitted to feeling abandoned, he accepted what mattered to YH (her career) and wanted to support her without treating their relationship as a competition. YH, on the other hand, did not reciprocate. Her actions reflected not the desire to spend time together but a determination to control DH and isolate him from others he cared about.
As another example, when DH, despite them both knowing of her betrayal, offered a compromise, YH rejected it without suggesting an alternative, and in general not once did she express a desire to adjust her own schedule to spend more time together (nor did DH ask her to when he suggested meeting her half way, only talking about his own schedule). She showed no empathy for DH’s need for space, even when they both knew of her betrayal, at a time when he had to physically turn away from their apartment when he saw her car outside. All along, her only “solution” involved DH’s complete surrender: cutting himself off from his family and friends, including his elderly mother, whom they had moved closer to support.
DH, feeling lonely in an empty house, sought solace in the company of family and friends. YH, however, seemed to prefer that he remain alone, even in her absence, if it meant he wasn’t with those he loved. She was indifferent to his suffering so long as it prevented him from connecting with others. Her behavior revealed a possessive and controlling view of love, treating it as a competition rather than a partnership.
YH refused to accept what mattered to DH (his family) the way he supported what mattered to her (her career). She saw love as a competition, rather than acknowledging that there are different types, from friendship to familial to romantic love: it’s not as if her love for their child diminished her love for her husband, for example. Her possessiveness was shown also in her behavior with her lover in the first episode, where she attacked him for not constantly calling her, even at the risk of exposing their affair, questioning his commitment in a controlling pattern eerily similar to her dynamic with DH, suggesting to me that her new relationship was likely to end as her marriage did, and probably much earlier (not that he would have married her, anyway, as it turned out).
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This review may contain spoilers
I admit that I had a hard time making it through the first two episodes because Lee Ji-An seemed like such a terrible, amoral character. But I kept watching because the reviews were good and I’m very glad that I did. It kept getting better and better. The drama is a heartrending but ultimately inspirational and moving story about a damaged, emotionally numb girl and an equally emotionally distant man. I thought that Lee Sun-Kyun and IU were fantastic but all of the actors were also great (including Kim Young-Min, who made me actually feel sympathy for the antagonist). Some of the story lines ended messily and unhappily, just like in real life, but somehow that was fine because they all showed that what matters more than money or prestige or even romance, is the connections we make with those around us. As I said, the drama gets better and better with every episode.Was this review helpful to you?
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Touching on so many levels
The way the relationship changed and grew between the ML and FL tugged at my heartstrings and so much was conveyed with just the way they looked at each other. Superb acting and brilliant writing!!Some of the side stories were interesting particularly the one with Jeong Hui and the one with the loan shark. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect much with the one involving the actress and found myself skipping those scenes. Without that side story, my rating would have been higher.
Cinematography and music suited the sentimental mood of this slice of life drama. I could understand the struggles of the ML and his wife and I am glad to see the story showed the wife’s view as well and how she tried to make amends with it. Realistically painful especially when they talked honestly with each other. I appreciated how the story refrained from going down the usual drama route of dragging on misunderstandings by lying or hiding the truth.
This was truly a case of melodrama done right.
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Why you should or shouldn't watch this drama
Before I begin my review I would like to say that all that I write here is my own opinion and what I felt like when I watched this drama. I love watching dramas and especially reviewing them in my own way. Whatever I write is what I may have felt when I watched this drama. Please don't get offended in any way if your views don't match mine.I have watched a fair share of drama mostly romance and also have explored other genres as it is good to expand your view range. This drama is totally different from any other drama I have watched so far, even though I have watched many. The lead actors Lee Sun Kyun, IU, Park Ho San, Song Sae Byuk and other supporting actors did a very good job at portraying their characters which makes this drama worth watching. You may wonder why I am writing this review after almost 4 years of its release that's actually I have skipped this drama when it was airing in 2018 because of its heavy topic. But oh! boy oh! boy, if you don't watch this drama you really are missing out.
You probably may have seen IU in Hotel Del Luna, Moon Lovers etc. which received a lot of love from her fans and others. In this drama, she has really played a very difficult character that looks easy on the surface but is definitely not. Her character is full of emotions like depression caused due to various reasons, which you will get to know if you watch this drama there are many other emotions and expressions that Lee Ji Ahn (character that IU is playing) portrays throughout this drama. She is selfish and self-centred a type of person usually people hate, but the way she is because of certain factors that the drama covers. Ji Ahn is unpredictable, in one scene you will feel like she is a good person in the very next scene you may hate her. She really showed commendable acting skills in this drama as Lee Ji Ahn.
Like I said in the beginning this drama is nothing like what you may have watched previously, this drama has a lot of heavy topics that it covers, the title doesn't reflect it that well though. though the title is quite three dimensional if you analyse it after you complete watching this drama. I personally am a binge-watcher but when it came to this drama I surely couldn't binge-watch this, I will definitely not recommend anyone to binge-watch this drama as you need time to analyse each and every single episode, there are very minute details that you need to follow to get along with how the plot will unveil itself. WARNING: You may feel depressed after watching this drama though.
The first few episodes are quite slow which can make one feel like giving up, but I can tell you one thing that is please don't give up the drama yet wait and see how beautifully the narrative arc is. You may think it is boring at first but the moment you reach the part of rising action you will not be able to leave it that is my guarantee to you as someone who has watched this drama. You need to carefully and minutely follow the story it is almost like a treasure hunt, this drama is more like a novel than a film I suppose in that case. This is a different yet well-written plot. Park Hae Young, the screenwriter did an amazing job. She was able to somehow thread the loose bits together very well. A quality of a great writer is someone who is not only a good storyteller but a good weaver as well.
(You need to figure out the rest by watching this drama)
Thank you for reading, I hope that you enjoy this drama.
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I feel bad for the grandma though, i like how she rolled out of the hospital, that's uncommon scene.
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