My Liberation Diary

Brought to you from the same writer who created My Mister, this is a story about 3 introvert siblings and the people around them.

This is not a typical K-Drama love story. The pacing may appear to be slow for some, but not because of filler scenes and dialogs rampant in many K-shows (arguing, kareoke singing, drinking, chasing or yearning scenes) but because the writer and the director wanted to draw you in through non-verbal interactions, facial expressions, silence and pauses.

The more you intently watch, the more the show will reward you. It's a gem.

I did not want to watch this show in the first place because I hate watching people struggle in life, even if it's fiction. I have my own life to worry about, why would I want to worry about others? My motto in watching TV shows is "I just want to be entertained. Period." Oh boy, how I was by this drama. I loved everything about this show: the script, the cast, the crew and even the slow pace at the beginning. I watched 1-2 eps a night until ep 6. Then I binged eps 7-14, and I "struggled" for about 5 days before ep 15 finally came.

My two "Baeksang Club" buddies nagged me to watch the show for weeks, and I was not disappointed. Thanks to them. May they never catch a cold nor a hangover the morning after.

This show is art itself, every step of the way, every word that comes out, every gesture, every smile, and every look in the eye. The three siblings have their own struggles: searching for love; seeking a better livelihood; and finding a will to live. The old me reading this review would not be anywhere near this show, but Lord bless the writer, director and every actor on the show, I was made whole and felt happier with my life, having watched this.

The male sibling was my favorite, such a caring person. He was unbelievable as a human being though looking so ordinary. I think this world needs more people like him. I thoroughly enjoyed each of his "realizations" because I learned something new too.

The lead couple's relationship is "less is more", and you will see along the road how strong theirs is (ditto the chemistry OMG).

The oldest sister was annoying at the beginning, but that was how she supposed to be. I ended up rooting for her the most at the end.

And I sincerely dedicate my closing paragraph to Sonsukku's hotness. That is the show's bonus.

I very rarely write reviews but this is just so beautifully written and performed i had to comment; the insecurities of each character, the raw emotions portrayed, it leaves me drained after every episode. Each episode I'm left smiling yet tearful. The silence running through this series is so rare nowadays but plays such an important role in the portrayal of the characters; the acting from every actor is superb.

Its not yet finished and i want to watch it again.

Park hae-young is an immensely talented scriptwriter and i cannot wait to see what her next project will be.

This drama has So.... Many.... levels: of simple psychotherapy by the keeping of a personal diary, the daily grind of commuting from sleepy suburb to city, of overgrown children that simply will not leave the parental nest, of fracturable hopes of promotion and marriage, or the mystery stranger (Mr. Gu) with a secret past. And then there is the sheen of that hot, sultry Seoul Summer that permeates deep down into one's own happy memories. The pace is slow, with frequent personal soliloquy from the cast, to the sound of crickets and the croaking of nocturnal amphibians in this barely connected village, where it's apparently always the dead of night.

My Liberation Diary may not suit viewers requiring intense drama or action sequences, but for me it is a real gem. One waits a long time for such a drama to come along, and when it is over there is a genuine regret in its passing. It is almost as if in this age of fast-paced life we all need, time to reflect. This is guaranteed to leave you with something if you can spare the time...

I think this serial isn't for everybody. You should watch it if you need to explore yourself more. The plot tells sadness history about three chilfren and how them difficult to find themselves in this world. It's a perfect serial for introverts.