A piece of art.
This is my favorite K-drama because it is perfect in all senses: acting, OST, story, characters..... I cried so many times watching this series. It is a hidden gemstone.Main actors, IU and the amazing late actor Lee Sun Kyun (R.I.P), shone and showed they were perfect for their roles. Each one of the supporting actors made many positive contributions with their side stories to the growth and development of the drama and in the end, you fall in love with all of them, as a whole big family full of love and emotional support.
The OST made me dive into the story even deeper. It is so touching! And after LSK death, it all makes even more sense to me.
It is a masterpiece that everyone into emotional dramas should watch. You won't regret about it! 10/10
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This drama hit a nerve(or should i say several nerves?)
The way my heart is breaking after realizing i've felt the exact same things that each of these characters felt.No i haven’t been through the hardships they have been,but all the emotions they've gone through are very familiar to me.I'm a very boring person like dong-hoon is portrayed as,I keep everything to myself and don't share anything with my family.Like ji-ahn I'm not sociable at all and people try to avoid me.Like sang hoon i feel like I'm only eating and shitting and accomplishing nothing (they made it sound funny but it's very heart-breaking).Like gi-hoon i lose motivation for something i love if it doesn’t work out.Like yoon hee I feel like an outcast to people i care for.Like yoo ra I feel like I'm not good enough and try to give up every chance i get.Like jeong-hee it's hard for me to leave bed in the morning and carry the day out.So I know the rollercoaster of emotions i went through while watching this drama.
I'm glad for people who didn’t find it relatable and rather boring.Stay happy like this forever.I hope i can get myself out of this miserable pit like the characters did in the end.
Giving 7 to rewatch value because it will take a lot of courage for me to give it a rewatch.
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Overrated but only to a certain group of people
I can definitely see and understand why this drama is considered a masterpiece as it moves the hearts and shifts the minds. However, I personally haven't experienced much misery in my life, fortunately, and watching this simply didn't resonate with me as much as I would have liked. Overall, it is still great and a good change of pace if you're watching the usual over-the-top dramas. What this drama does do well is the friendly neighbourhood vibe greatly reminiscent of the reply series and whenever those scenes were shown, it truly comforted me. Mashallah, 8.5/10Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Masterpiece of Emotional Depth and Human Connection
"My Ajusshi" is a drama that stands out for its profound exploration of human relationships, the burden of past traumas, and the potential for redemption through empathy and understanding. Park Dong-hoon is a middle-aged engineer living a life filled with silent suffering, while Lee Ji-an is a young woman burdened by debt and a traumatic past. Their unlikely bond becomes the catalyst for mutual healing and growth.Character Analysis:
Park Dong-hoon is a character who epitomizes quiet suffering. Despite his outwardly stable life—a steady job, a family, and a home—he is internally tormented by a sense of inadequacy and disillusionment. Lee Sun-kyun masterfully portrays Dong-hoon’s stoic demeanor, which masks a deep well of pain and regret. Dong-hoon’s journey is one of self-discovery and emotional awakening. His interactions with Ji-an force him to confront his own unhappiness and to reconsider what truly matters in life. Dong-hoon’s development from a man resigned to his fate to someone who actively seeks happiness and fulfillment is deeply moving. His quiet strength and inherent goodness make him a profoundly relatable and admirable character.
Lee Ji-an is a stark contrast to Dong-hoon’s. Where Dong-hoon is silently suffering, Ji-an’s life is a constant battle for survival. IU’s portrayal of Ji-an is nothing short of extraordinary. She captures the essence of a young woman hardened by life’s cruelties yet yearning for kindness and acceptance. Ji-an’s transformation throughout the series is significant. She evolves from a distrustful, guarded individual into someone who learns to trust and find solace in others. Her relationship with Dong-hoon is the cornerstone of this transformation. It is through his unwavering support and understanding that Ji-an begins to believe in the possibility of a better life.
Yoon-hee, Dong-hoon’s wife, is initially portrayed as a character driven by her own desires, resulting in her infidelity. However, as the series progresses, her character is explored with greater depth. She is not just a villain but a deeply flawed human being struggling with her own guilt and seeking redemption. Yoon-hee’s journey is one of self-awareness and repentance. Her interactions with Ji-an and her attempts to make amends with Dong-hoon add layers to her character, making her a more empathetic figure.
Dong-hoon’s brothers add a layer of warmth and complexity to the narrative. Sang-hoon, the eldest, is a man grappling with his own failures and insecurities, yet he remains a source of comic relief and emotional support. Ki-hoon, the youngest, is a dreamer whose career in filmmaking is a source of both pride and pain. Their sibling dynamics highlight the importance of family, and their personal struggles reflect the different ways individuals cope with their own shortcomings.
Themes:
Redemption and Forgiveness: One of the most compelling themes of "My Ajusshi" is the possibility of redemption and forgiveness. Each character, in their own way, is seeking forgiveness—whether from others or from themselves. Dong-hoon’s journey is about forgiving himself for perceived failures and finding a way to move forward. Ji-an’s path is about seeking redemption from a life of hardship and finding a way to trust and be trusted. Yoon-hee’s story is one of seeking forgiveness for her betrayal and striving to become a better person. The series beautifully portrays that forgiveness is not about erasing the past but about accepting it and finding a way to live with it.
Empathy and Human Connection: "My Ajusshi" is a profound exploration of empathy and the human connection. The bond between Dong-hoon and Ji-an is the heart of the series, illustrating how two seemingly different people can profoundly impact each other’s lives. Their relationship is not based on romantic love but on a deep, empathetic understanding of each other’s pain. This connection becomes a source of healing and strength for both. The series emphasizes that true empathy involves seeing the world through another’s eyes and being present for them in their time of need.
The Burden of Past Traumas: The series delves deep into how past traumas shape the present. Dong-hoon’s quiet suffering is rooted in his past experiences and the unspoken expectations placed upon him. Ji-an’s guarded nature is a direct result of her traumatic past and the constant struggle for survival. "My Ajusshi" portrays how these traumas can become burdens that weigh heavily on individuals, but it also shows that confronting these pasts is essential for healing and growth.
Societal Expectations and Personal Fulfillment: The series also tackles the theme of societal expectations versus personal fulfillment. Dong-hoon is a man who has lived his life according to societal expectations, prioritizing stability and responsibility over personal happiness. Ji-an, on the other hand, has been forced to forego her own dreams in the face of overwhelming challenges. "My Ajusshi" explores how these expectations can suffocate personal desires and the courage it takes to break free from them in pursuit of true fulfillment.
Visual Storytelling:
The cinematography of "My Ajusshi" is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The use of lighting and color is particularly noteworthy. Early episodes are often shrouded in darkness and muted tones, reflecting the emotional states of the characters. As Dong-hoon and Ji-an begin to heal and find hope, the scenes gradually become brighter and more vibrant. This visual transformation mirrors their emotional journeys, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
The series also excels in its use of silence and unspoken moments. Some of the most powerful scenes are those where nothing is said, but everything is conveyed through expressions, body language, and the spaces between words. This understated approach allows the viewer to feel the characters’ emotions more deeply and connect with their experiences on a visceral level.
Impact and Legacy:
"My Ajusshi" is more than just a drama; it is a profound meditation on the human condition. It reminds us that what truly matters in life are the relationships we build and the empathy we show towards others. The series has left an indelible mark on its viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Lee Sun-kyun’s portrayal of Park Dong-hoon is a performance of a lifetime. His ability to convey deep emotions with subtlety and authenticity is a testament to his extraordinary talent. His passing is a great loss to the world of entertainment, but his legacy will live on through his remarkable body of work. IU’s performance as Ji-an is equally commendable. The entire cast, from main characters to supporting roles, delivered performances that brought the story to life in the most compelling way.
Conclusion:
"My Ajusshi" is a drama that stands out for its exceptional storytelling, complex characters, and deep emotional resonance. It is a series that invites viewers to look beyond the surface and appreciate the beauty of human connections and the strength of the human spirit. This is a must watch for anyone seeking a drama that not only entertains but also enriches the soul. It is a poignant reminder of the power of empathy, the importance of personal growth, and the transformative nature of unconditional support.
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Great watch
Honestly it was a great watch overall. It had some quite emotionally inducing scenes that make you really connect with the characters and their experiences.I would recommend this series if you’re looking for something that explores life, purpose, happiness, and connection.
The background music is also very nice and builds nicely upon the flow of events. Overall, the elements of this show come together to create a nice piece of work.
It’s true that the beginning is a little bit slow paced, but I felt like exploring the mundane day to day life and relations between the characters was essential to understanding the dynamic they have with eachother and the struggles they struggle to solve later on throughout the series. The show picks ip nicely between the fourth and fifth episodes.
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"나 좀 싫어해줄래요? 엄청나게 끝간데없이. 아주아주 열심히."
It'll soon be a whole year since Lee Seon Gyun's tragic suicide. He is a great loss for the Korean and global film industries. As I watched the drama I couldn't help but realise that a person completely rotten from the inside, as he was portrayed by the journalists and haters, would never be able to emit that warmth and kindness he put into his most memorable role. I long hesitated to write any review at all for this drama because it didn't seem like it would be any kind of revelation to the viewers and its fans. But it just feels so unfair that the death of such a great actor is now forgotten and the world has moved on with all the horrible things that happen all the time. I am going to remember Lee Seon Gyun through this drama and I will have to rewatch it again someday because I feel like I should grow into it a bit.Recently I've met a person whose warmth and character reminds me a lot of "ajeossi" Park Dong Hoon, and my mind returned to this drama again. May he overcome his struggles and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Also, a sunny summer is probably a bad time to watch this K-drama. It's not easy on you, so avoid watching it in distress, but the late fall approaching Thanksgiving will do.
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This is for the people who didn’t enjoy My Mister
I write this review amongst the glowing 9's and 10’s. I really do come in peace to just say that this is a very strong cup of tea that may not be a preferred cup as I have unfortunately found myself.It is a hectic watch . It is a tough watch . It is also a pouty watch. All these attributes are also the charms of the drama but are also the aspects that make it a pungent tea to some. Two things can be true at the same time and that is okay too .
Unfortunately, the former overwhelmed the other . It truly is the drama I couldn’t love even though I wanted to . And I can see what everyone talks about , I’m sure it inspires personal healing and human warmth and everything a slice of life should be but it just was not a slice of life I wanted to have . The tea leaves of Lee Jee An with her pouty grimace and the dry lips of the male lead and the pitiful brothers and mother were not sifted through the drama sieve well enough .
And those are the redeeming charms to some but it’s a no from me .
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Good, but very serious
It was definitely a good watch, but it's pretty serious (& sometimes depressing). I will say there were some moments where it was challenging for me to watch relating to the ideas based on values & traditions. There were also times were I found the brothers and even the main character pretty annoying, but not detestable. I am glad that it didn't go down the route other shows go down with the ML & the FL. It also wrapped up nicely so that was another plus. While I did enjoy the show overall, I don't think there's much replay value. Also, they do a really good job of making the villains the most unlikeable people.Was this review helpful to you?
A profound experience that words fail to describe.
Watching this masterpiece leaves me at a frustrating loss for words to describe how deeply it moved and affected me, it's frustrating because no words adequately or even approximately convey the complexity of the feelings that it evokes at times and how the flavour of the feelings change with time.Others have written excellent reviews and I will keep this short and not rehash. I wanted to write a review because this is the first series that's remained in my memory and subconsciousness long after I've finished watching it. The flavours of feelings, thoughts and complex emotions that keep coming are a cathartic reminder of the difficulties that all of us face in life, and at the same time an invitation to live life more lightly, and let go more and more.
This masterpiece needs to be watched at a pace that it defines for itself. It needs time for the complex layers of feelings in the story to really be seen, felt, experienced and tasted for what they really are. Rushing through it or binge watching, just destroys all the subtleties that make it special like nothing else I've ever experienced.
Even in a single episode, I found myself rewinding to certain points in time to re-experience the events and finding newer layers of meaning, feeling and context each time I re-watch. Each episode is a complex and subtly woven tapestry that evoke mixed and often conflicting responses, there's no simplistic black and white good vs evil, we experience flavours of human nature that are absolutely real, often painful and deeply flawed. What's truly amazing is how this is all presented - in a way that we can relate to very deeply and yet retaining the character of a well narrated story that evokes our imagination and touches our creative side, leaving us longing for more. I just don't have the words to explain this in any way that will make sense to a reader unless (s)he actually goes through the experience of the journey through this piece of art.
The characters of Park Dong Hoon and Lee Ji An could not have been played by anyone more perfect for these roles. They are brilliant, and I have nothing but the highest respect for these amazing actors who played their roles so perfectly, that there is no acting any more, they are truly living their roles and their characters. This is what makes the loss of Lee Sun Kyun so painful, having to leave this world at such a young age of 48. We will cherish your work and celebrate your life sir, you were a true master of your art.
There are some moments in some episodes, you will know and feel them when they happen, that your mind goes blank, you have no words, there are just tears that you can't stop, and you know it has touched you in ways that you could not have imagined, you don't care who says what, you don't care who's looking at you, and you have no regrets. Again, these words hardly do any justice to the experience. At times, I just had to pause and sit there in quiet contemplation because I could not go ahead without experiencing the moment to the fullest. I could not do otherwise. And yet, all was well, it was all right, I was content, at peace.
I've truly never experienced a work of art like this. Not in my several decades in this short cycle of birth and death. This is art.
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This review may contain spoilers
I could not like the main couple
Like the OST, cinematography, Dong Hoon actor acting, supporting cast.Dislike: Ji An acting... Like there is only one expression on her face the whole time.
I tried very hard to like the Dong Hoon and Ji An but just simply couldn't sympathize, especially Dong Hoon.
Dong Hoon married his wife, had a kid, was content with having his wife be the breadwinner yet be depress the whole f**king time because someone he hated got the big gig. What did he do to get out of that??? None, until someone threatened him. What does that say about him as a person?
He spent every evening after work hanging out with his buddies, his brothers, or his mom. What about his wife? His excuse was that she wasn't home. Well, apparently, they had mismatched schedule. What did he do about that? None... until his wife gave up and seek emotional solace somewhere else; then he felt bad. Should have seen that coming.
His mother resented his wife because she was more successful than him, even though her salary gave her the financial support she and her boys needed. His wife knew this but still tried. His wife tried to establish their family away from the extended family but he wouldn't hear of it.
So, is it his wife's fault only that they have problem? Where is the acknowledgement that it takes 2 to make or break a couple? I wish she divorced him and found some measure of happiness.
Ji An was the annoying female tsundere the whole time. Her poor background permitted her to do whatever she can to solve her and her people problem, regardless of the impact on others?
Like I said, I tried to like them but nahhh...
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