Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama My Liberation Notes, which premiered on April 9, 2022 and became one of the most profound Korean slice-of-life dramas that beautifully captures the exhaustion of modern adult life and the quiet journey toward personal freedom.
My Liberation Notes aired on JTBC from April 9 to May 29, 2022, every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 KST for 16 episodes with approximately 70-minute runtimes. The series is also available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions and stars Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Suk-ku, and Lee El. The drama is set in the fictional Seoul suburb of Sanpo, Gyeonggi Province, following three siblings all of whom have to make a long commute to Seoul, and a mysterious stranger who works for their father.
This introspective, slow-paced drama centers on the struggles of a trio of siblings who are all lonely, a little lost, and stuck in a cycle of monotony that threatens to overwhelm them. Three siblings, exhausted by the monotony of day-to-day adulthood, seek to find fulfillment and freedom from their unremarkable lives, creating a deeply relatable portrait of contemporary existence and the search for meaning.
Three Siblings Trapped in Life’s Endless Cycle
My Liberation Notes is set in Sanpo Village where more people leave than remain, following the three Yeom siblings, Chang Hee, Mi Jung, and Ki Jung, who wish to escape from a life rife with frustration and unfulfillment. Each sibling represents different aspects of modern adult struggles – loneliness, romantic disappointment, and the crushing weight of unfulfilled dreams.
The series doesn’t offer dramatic plot twists or shocking revelations but instead focuses on the quiet desperation of ordinary people trying to find meaning in their daily routines. The long commutes to Seoul, the repetitive work days, and the sense of being trapped in a life they never consciously chose create a backdrop that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt stuck in their circumstances.
Yeom Mi Jung: The Quiet Sister Finding Her Voice
Kim Ji-won delivers a remarkable performance as Yeom Mi Jung, the youngest child of the three siblings who would like to be liberated from her boring life, but she is introverted and timid. She is lonely and feels unfulfilled in her life, making her journey toward self-assertion and independence the emotional heart of the series.
Mi Jung’s character arc shows her slowly learning to speak up for herself and pursue what she actually wants rather than simply accepting whatever life hands her. Her relationship with the mysterious Mr. Gu becomes a catalyst for her transformation, as she discovers her own capacity for boldness and authentic connection.
Mr. Gu: The Mysterious Catalyst for Change
Son Suk-ku plays Mr. Gu, a mysterious man who suddenly appears in Sanpo Village and is always drunk. One day, Yeom Mi Jung approaches him, beginning a relationship that changes both of their lives in unexpected ways. His character represents the possibility of escape and transformation, even for those who seem completely lost.
Mr. Gu’s presence in the village serves as a mirror for the siblings’ own dissatisfaction and desire for change. Son Suk-ku brings depth and complexity to what could have been a simple mysterious stranger role, creating a character whose past pain and current numbness make him the perfect counterpoint to Mi Jung’s awakening sense of self.
When Ordinary Life Becomes Extraordinary: Moments of Liberation
The series builds to quiet but powerful moments where each sibling takes small but significant steps toward their own liberation. These aren’t dramatic gestures but rather subtle shifts in perspective and behavior that represent genuine growth and self-discovery.
The most profound scenes occur when characters finally articulate their deepest feelings and desires, breaking free from the polite silence that has defined their relationships. The series excels at showing how liberation often begins with simply admitting what you want and being willing to pursue it, even when the path forward is uncertain.
Critical Acclaim and Emotional Resonance on Netflix
My Liberation Notes achieved the highest viewership ratings of its entire run on May 29, recording an average of 6.7 percent, proving that audiences connected deeply with its honest portrayal of modern life struggles. The series was praised for its realistic dialogue, exceptional performances, and its unflinching look at the challenges of contemporary adult life.
Life is indeed tiring, and My Liberation Notes captured that feeling with much empathy, creating a viewing experience that feels like going through life with your best friend. The series found particular success with international audiences on Netflix who appreciated its authentic approach to universal themes of loneliness, hope, and the search for meaning.
A Gentle Masterpiece About Hope and Healing
If you love character-driven dramas and stories about quiet personal transformation, My Liberation Notes is the perfect series to experience on Netflix. This isn’t about dramatic romance or shocking plot twists – it’s a meditation on how we find the courage to change our lives one small step at a time.
Why You Should Watch: Liberation Starts with Small Changes
My Liberation Notes reminds us that freedom doesn’t always come from dramatic gestures but often from the courage to be honest about what we want and need. It’s a series that celebrates the quiet heroism of choosing to live authentically, even when that choice is difficult.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16 episodes
Platform: Netflix, JTBC
Release/End Year: 2022
Current IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Family
Status: Completed
Main Characters: Kim Ji-won (Yeom Mi Jung), Lee Min-ki (Yeom Chang Hee), Son Suk-ku (Mr. Gu)
Supporting Characters: Lee El (Yeom Ki Jung), Choo Ye-jin (Park Sang-min), Kim Hye-in (Tae-hun’s wife)