Hello, everyone! I hope you’re doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama My Mister, a series that has emerged as one of Netflix’s most emotionally resonant and highly praised K-dramas. It offers a deep exploration of recovery, human bonds, and discovering hope even during life’s bleakest times.
First airing on tvN on March 21, 2018, My Mister was broadcast on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:30 (KST) until May 17, 2018, spanning 16 episodes, each lasting about 75-90 minutes. Available for streaming on Netflix, the series has earned international acclaim for its profoundly moving narrative and outstanding performances by Lee Sun-kyun and IU.
This exceptional drama delves into themes of isolation, recovery, and unforeseen human connections through intricately developed characters facing life’s harsh truths. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Seoul, the series candidly examines the challenges of middle age, financial hardships, and the weight of unrealized dreams, while conveying a message of hope and redemption.
In a world often lacking kindness, a young woman and a middle-aged man discover a sense of camaraderie as they provide each other with warmth and solace. The narrative unfolds a unique intergenerational friendship that transcends typical drama conventions.
Two Souls Seeking Comfort
My Mister narrates the story of a man in his 40s enduring life’s burdens and a woman in her 20s facing her own challenges, as they come together to support one another. The main storyline centers on Park Dong-hoon, a middle-aged structural engineer grappling with a crumbling marriage, and Lee Ji-an, a young woman battling poverty and debt.
Park Dong Hun, a middle-aged engineer, is married to lawyer Kang Yun Hui. However, his existence is far from idyllic, dealing with two jobless brothers and numerous personal and professional hurdles. The series skillfully depicts how two individuals from different generations, both bearing significant emotional loads, find unexpected solace and strength in their unusual bond.
Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun) – The Tired Middle-Aged Man
Acknowledging the unhappiness in one’s life is difficult, but that’s the exact realization Park Dong Hoon must confront. A middle-aged engineer employed at a company where he contends with workplace politics and personal betrayals, Lee Sun-kyun delivers a career-defining performance as a man quietly enduring life’s setbacks.
Lee Sun-kyun’s portrayal of Dong-hoon is incredibly nuanced, capturing the essence of a man who has come to terms with his circumstances yet finds new meaning through his connection with Ji-an. His performance conveys deep emotional distress without melodrama, illustrating how kindness and empathy can serve as silent acts of heroism in a harsh world.
Lee Ji-an (IU) – The Determined Young Woman
Lee Ji-eun (as Lee Ji-An) and Lee Sun-kyun (as Park Dong-hoon) both deliver remarkable performances that resonate with viewers. IU’s portrayal as Ji-an stands as one of the most significant acting accomplishments in Korean drama, transitioning from her idol persona to deliver a raw, emotionally impactful performance.
IU accepted the role of Lee Ji-an due to her interest in working with director Kim Won-seok and because the quiet, intense character was different from those she had portrayed before. Ji-an is a young woman weighed down by debt, family trauma, and a harsh existence, yet she retains a fierce determination to survive. IU’s restrained performance perfectly captures Ji-an’s inner conflicts and gradual path to healing.
Discovering Light Amidst Darkness
The series reaches its emotional zenith as both characters confront their deepest traumas, forced to choose between enduring their pain alone or accepting assistance from each other. The climactic episodes delve into themes of forgiveness, healing, and the courage required to transform one’s life circumstances.
The concluding episodes avoid fairy-tale endings, instead offering realistic portrayals of how healing occurs gradually through human connection and mutual support. The series masterfully illustrates that sometimes the greatest act of love is merely being present for another’s suffering.
The Burden of Family Connections
The primary cast was finalized on November 13 with the inclusion of Oh Dal-su and Song Sae-byeok as Lee Sun-kyun’s character’s brothers, and Na Moon-hee as the mother of the trio. The supporting cast creates a rich familial dynamic that adds depth to Dong-hoon’s character and highlights how economic hardships impact entire families.
The relationship among the three brothers provides both comic relief and emotional gravitas, showcasing how family members support each other through tough times. Each supporting character contributes to the series’ exploration of working-class struggles and the significance of community support.
Netflix Success
The drama garnered critical acclaim, securing the Best Drama award at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards. On Netflix, My Mister has cultivated a devoted international audience who admire its mature storytelling and emotional sincerity. The series consistently ranks among the top-rated K-dramas on IMDb with a 9.0 rating, and viewers commend its realistic depiction of adult challenges and healing. A show that is hopeful, stunningly beautiful, bittersweet, and profoundly affecting in the best way. The drama’s success stems from its universal themes of loneliness, healing, and human connections that transcend cultural boundaries.
If you appreciate deeply emotional dramas that delve into recovery, human bonds, and uncovering hope in life’s darkest moments, My Mister is the ideal series to enjoy on Netflix. This profound masterpiece will touch your soul and remind you of the healing power of genuine human kindness.
My Mister offers one of the most emotionally profound and beautifully crafted explorations of healing and human connection in Korean drama history, demonstrating that sometimes the most meaningful relationships emerge from the most unexpected places.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 16 Platform: Netflix Rating: 9.0/10 (IMDb) Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Healing Main Protagonists: Lee Sun-kyun (Park Dong-hoon), IU/Lee Ji-eun (Lee Ji-an) Antagonist: Life circumstances and societal pressures (no traditional villain)