Name: My Liberation Notes
Genre: Drama
Released: 2022-04-09T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Suk-ku, Lee El, Cheon Ho-jin

The opening shot of My Liberation Notes is a cramped apartment, its walls closing in on Yeom Chang-hee (Lee Min-ki) as he stares at his reflection in a tiny mirror. It’s an image that lingers long after the episode ends, a perfect visual metaphor for the suffocating lives of the three siblings at the heart of this 2022 South Korean drama.

Created by Park Hae-young, My Liberation Notes is a bleak yet oddly compelling examination of midlife stagnation. The series follows Chang-hee (Lee Min-ki), Mi-jeong (Kim Ji-won), and Ki-jeong (EL) as they navigate the soul-crushing monotony of their day-to-day lives in the fictional Seoul suburb of Sanpo. Each sibling is trapped in a dead-end job—Chang-hee at a convenience store franchise, Mi-jeong as a contract employee at a credit card company, and Ki-jeong at a research firm—and their shared frustration forms the emotional core of the series.

What sets My Liberation Notes apart from other dramas exploring similar themes is its unflinching commitment to realism. The series doesn’t shy away from the mundane horrors of modern adulthood—the long commutes, office politics, and financial anxieties are all depicted with a gritty authenticity that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their own life. This focus on realism is evident even in the series’ production design, which favors practical locations over elaborate sets, grounding the story firmly in reality.

The performances at the heart of My Liberation Notes are what truly elevate it above similar dramas. Lee Min-ki delivers a career-best performance as Chang-hee, embodying the character’s frustration and self-doubt with palpable intensity. There’s a raw vulnerability in his portrayal that makes Chang-hee’s struggles feel deeply personal, particularly in scenes where he’s wrestling with his own inadequacies. One standout moment comes when Chang-hee confronts his boss about workplace inequities—a scene that crackles with tension thanks to Lee Min-ki’s nuanced performance.

Kim Ji-won brings a quiet intensity to Mi-jeong, making her internal battles with self-doubt and professional insecurity resonate on a visceral level. Her performance is particularly compelling in scenes where she’s navigating the complexities of workplace politics, such as when she stands up for herself against a condescending colleague. These moments showcase Ji-won’s ability to convey deep emotion with subtle facial expressions and body language.

Son Suk-ku, as the enigmatic Mr. Gu, adds an intriguing layer of mystery that keeps viewers guessing. His performance is a masterclass in understatement, using restrained gestures and measured delivery to create a character who feels both familiar and inscrutable. The chemistry between the three leads is palpable, making their shared history feel tangible even when it’s not explicitly explored.

The series also excels at capturing the mundane horrors of modern adulthood. The long commutes, office politics, and financial anxieties are all depicted with a realism that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their own life. The dialogue is sharp, filled with metaphors and monologues that add depth to the characters’ internal struggles. One standout scene features Mi-jeong delivering a powerful monologue about the pressures of being a woman in a male-dominated workplace. It’s a moment that encapsulates the series’ strengths—raw, honest, and deeply human.

The supporting cast is largely forgettable, with few characters outside the core trio leaving much of an impression. This is particularly true of the siblings’ parents, who feel more like background noise than fully realized characters. The series also struggles to balance its bleak tone with moments of levity, often feeling tonally inconsistent as it tries to juggle drama and dark humor.

Despite these shortcomings, My Liberation Notes offers a raw and unflinching look at the human condition. The series’ exploration of themes like class struggle, family dynamics, and personal liberation is both timely and relevant. It’s a show that will resonate most with viewers who have ever felt trapped by their circumstances or longed for a way out of the mundane.

In many ways, My Liberation Notes feels like a spiritual successor to films like Burning (2018) and Parasite (2019), offering a similarly unflinching look at the struggles of modern South Korean society. However, where those films excelled in their narrative cohesion and pacing, My Liberation Notes often feels scattered and unfocused.

The series also stands out for its exploration of the concept of “liberation,” which it presents as both a personal and collective struggle. This theme is woven throughout the narrative, from the siblings’ individual quests for fulfillment to their shared desire to break free from the constraints of their unremarkable lives. The series doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions, instead presenting liberation as an ongoing process rather than a final destination.

Visually, My Liberation Notes is a study in contrasts. The cramped interiors where much of the drama plays out are juxtaposed with the sprawling cityscape of Seoul, creating a visual language that reflects the siblings’ internal struggles. The series also makes effective use of natural light, with scenes often shot during golden hour to create a warm, intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the cold reality of the characters’ lives.

The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some episodes dragging as the siblings grapple with their personal demons. The series also suffers from a lack of clear narrative direction. While the character studies are compelling, the overarching plot often feels meandering and unclear. This is particularly evident in the latter half of the series, where several subplots fail to coalesce into a satisfying whole.

Despite these flaws, My Liberation Notes remains a compelling watch thanks to its strong performances and unflinching commitment to realism. It’s not an easy watch, nor is it meant to be. The series demands patience and empathy from its viewers, rewarding them with moments of profound insight and emotional resonance.

Ultimately, My Liberation Notes is a series that will resonate most with viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas and are willing to engage with its bleak themes.