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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    It's been so many moons ago that I commented at Dramabeans that the site / I forgot my log in, so I just created another account.

     

    That's how propelling My Liberation Notes/Journal is for me  - to actually bother.

     

    https://www.dramabeans.com/2022/05/hot-take-gus-ending-scenes-in-my-liberation-notes-spoiler-alert/#comment-3976398

     

    @bedifferent

    "I am surprised that even the reviewer got this part wrong.  CH paid off his debt and it was the stepmom who complimented him."

     

    So maybe I got it wrong, but I was never under the impression that they didn't own the land as they had both - Sanpo factory and the farmland. Yes perhaps the farm was mortgaged bec of the debt dad took on, as guarantor for Aunt's whatever financial burden.  But eventually the Sanpo Sinks factory was sold off too  - so won't that also go towards the debt, as they downsized?

     

    CH himself had too many sweet potato machines, that he had purchased. My impression was this was his own debt. And it's a huge thing - that this was the same guy who was always hustling for a car and got dad roped in ... but yet managed to pay off his own debt as he became more mature and wiser.

     

    A GREAT point made there on Dramabeans - CH's calling is more for Palliative Care, than a Funeral Director.  SO TRUE! working with those who are about to leave the world, rather than those who have already left.

    • Like 6

    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    YES! Totally loving all the insights and observations from like-minded 'worshippers' of this beautiful Drama here. I loved reading all the ep 16 comments. (Some folks found the journey slow, dark, even depressing heavy - the first 2 episodes deterred them already)

     

    Will miss these, as much as this wonderful gem every weekend. It showed us that less is more, that minimalism-quiet expressive, allusions without so many words (and one kiss!) ... had so much more meaningful depth in a Drama  :heart::heartbreak:

     

    More random thoughts ...

     

     

    Giraffes:

    Before he entered the elevator to the little girl (and chalked up his first 7 sec of  blessings for the day) – there was a pair of Giraffes - shorter, and taller.

    So maybe I am reading too much significance – but Giraffes signify reaching upwards. Into the future. I looked them up ... and whoa, there's a whole lot of different interesting interpretations of Giraffes (from biblical Noah's Ark to dreams etc)

     

    ".. given their gentle nature and long-necked height they are an ideal representation for a perfect spirit guide or power animal. The giraffe’s long neck allows it to reach heights above others. It has a lot to offer us as an inspiration when it comes to understanding our nature and how to relate to others. Giraffes have no trouble at all when it comes to feeling empathy for others, leading you to non-violence, to sincere feelings, to thought-through decisions.

    The symbolism associated with this animal is centered around the themes of peace, the heart, the ability to put life into perspective, and even the development of intuition. "

     

    "The giraffe may look unassuming at first, but it is a powerful spirit animal that can help you on your journey to achieve your full potential"

     

    "The Giraffe dream can mean awakening. It means that you are about to have a spiritual awakening. "

     

    I am not religious per se, but as this Drama references church/religious symbols a lot ... so I looked up the Giraffe after spotting them as Gu enters the elevator with his bag of $.

    And from Noah Ark's to African symbolism -  there's a huge plethora of stuff on the Giraffe, which totally fits Gu and MJ's growth, progression and hopefully a future together, beyond many other connotations Giraffes signify (too many to mention - even one about the Goat and Giraffe).

     

    Coin – very positive to me when I saw it (how odd unlikely is it for a coin to fall and balance when all the slots of the grate was waiting for it to fall into the dark abyss of the gutter), and no doubt highly significant to Gu Ja-jeong.

     

    It did NOT sink into the depths of the gutter, but just sat there - a balance of Choices in life, no matter what it doles out, to make too.  

     

    THANKS to all the observant among you here - I did NOT really clue in that it was heads side up nor a bird in flight (freedom!) – but YAY! HURRAY!!!

    I now think it is towards the path of light that is his angel of strength - MJ, and positivity ... and at least liberation from his drinking addiction.

     

    CH

    Yes the most fully liberated one with the most growth and understanding of self, through his own go with the flow learning - is CH. From the complaining loudmouth - the power in his own knowledge of the higher road he had taken ... to do what's right and yet be silent private about it ... is Maturity. Despite even folks thinking he had failed or couldn't make the test.  He knows himself, and that is all that matters - this, is Security and Maturity-Wisdom.

     

    Inner self-knowledge of capability, and self-awareness.  Which unlike superficial Assets, connections to known famous people etc - no one can take away.Very different from the earlier CH grovelling in front of and later flaunting all over, a Rolls which was not his.

     

    There've been judgemental folks throughout this drama  journey - materialism, societal norms and superficial trophies as to what are 'winners' ...  from the biatchy girls at office judging bikinis and one pieces, to what the Liberation Club members experience and talk about ... and the real growth and winner within -  yes CH takes the trophy! be it career or relationships, or mature responsibility helming, after mom passes on.   He takes on the role of being the glue - be it the beach outing, or reminder to gather the family in Sanpo for Dad's bday.

     

    And yes the debt was not for the land. Dad was stuck, and also scarred - bec of the Aunt who still no one trusted to not harbour any more agendas - hence GJ wanting to bury the family seal after mom's death.  And even if the land was still held as collateral for Aunt's debt - Sanpo sinks had been sold off and should prob have covered it.

     

    (Lee Min-ki actually wanted the more introverted Gu role yes which ironically went to the more extroverted active Son Suh-ku)

     

    I see co-dependency, in part between Gu and MJ.  (in a different way from that of GJ and TH. GJ who stands by her man/any man =  whether with his beheaded head ... or broken rose on a soy-dish. 

     

    Impressive also Yeom-pa understands and sees so much - that he noticed GJ's cut hair and intuitively with his few words ...clued in to the unrest in her life. As he does with Gu, his henchman Hyeon-jin who visited, and again with Gu's second visit.

     

    Gu wholly believes in all MJ's philosophies. The huge buy-in is always there - full on Worshipping! His goddess-angel-savior from the start stepping wrongly out of the train to land in Sanpo ...  doesn't/never irritates him. He listens, he opens up, he communicates, he laughs ... and he eats and stops drinking - with her, and her only.

     

    While MJ is no doubt stronger, I see them dependable on each other - though MJ functions quite well without Gu (but she is not as whole inside as she is with Gu, and lighted up).  They're both self-aware stoic, but cope differently. MJ is more emotionally-resilient at coping despite hurtful challenges - trained in part with her non flinching with frog confetti.

     

    ========================

    Just did a 5-10 mins rewatch of the club-elevator scene. This - was my reasoning for open-ended misgivings despite all the Happy signs.

     

    I am less inclined to think that Chairman Shin liked Gu enough to care about his well being to dish out advice for therapy - sure, they were on highly trusted basis with each other.  Gu has always delivered but I don't think Shin really cared beyond anything, besides Gu being a CONVENIENT highly trusted and highly functional useful 'servant'

     

    Gu was also quite ruthless when meting out consequences for bad debts, and yet never over-stepped his boundaries as a 'servant' (ie he's not ambitious-arrogant like the late Baek)- his deference, subservient attitude to Chairman Shin in the car, after his absence in Sanpo.

     

    Gu's replacement I can see in stoic but honest Kim Woo-bin aka Chun-ja. :)

    But whether Chun-ja has survived that club brawl is debatable as well ... and Chun-ja seems to lack overall leadership qualities as well.

     

    My take on why Chairman Shin took the time to ask about his drinking issues; well as in part it was a mutual convenience - he just didn't want Gu 'down' and ineffectual.

    Also it's not just a club per se - but a chain of clubs Gu was in charge of as Head Honcho, and in charge of Collections.

    We will never know if Gu was Gu Ja-jeong the athlete that the old-CH was so impressed with ... but we do know he dropped out of high school (ep 16)

     

    1) in part Gu had erred. Shin had already told him in private to close down the club that Hyeon-jin helmed ie My Queen Club (the signage was in front)

    2) But Gu, being the soft-sensitive soul he really was inside ... instead took to delivering the ultimatum that Hyeon-jin had to maintain a minimum of $80 million won each night, rather than shut down his club.  Gu let the club continue under Hyeon-jin - to the point it escalated when the loan sharks came for their $50 million won,  with $1 million more to be paid later (and whatever else $ the ingrate HJ escaped with)

    3) Yes the $ Gu took from his own apartment at home could mean i) he repaid the $ and difference for HJ bec the Chairman was all about $$$$$$$   ii) Gu was a free man to leave, with his own money too  (I really HOPE, its the latter)

     

    Child:

    That 3-4 yr old toddler who held open the elevator door for him (his 7sec of highlights-counting his blessings daily chalk up).  Why a child? 

    With the insertion of the prior  scene .... I see that might be a connected dual purpose in having a child in this scene. Growth,  Progression .... from the (new beginnings) of Baby.

     

     

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    Random Thoughts:

    Perfect Ending bec it is so IN-CHARACTER realistic-natural. I find this ending very organic- natural flow. This is how it has been in its entire natural progression, as it weaves us all in its magical journey from Sanpo to Seoul.

     

    And such is Life. Despite the script that people tell us, our parents, our family that we should follow. It's about unpredictable uncertainty, curve balls ... choices - good or bad. Or no directions despite the best of plans/no plans ... or plans unravelling/breaking down even with a firm direction-.... meandering and finding new paths or no paths.

     

    Even MJ not using her 'creativity' in her next job (that she also enjoys) reflects this.

     

    I also love how self-aware MJ is ... that too, is so impt in life. She would be natural-good as a therapist - just with her observations about pple and great advice: unjudgemental, meeting folks where they're at, baby steps, finding small daily highlights etc

     

    I am NOT in agreement that she should hold the 'Ex' as a justification to curse. This is toxic  - getting mad at someone without the person even caring-realizing it ... is toxic to self. But if she uses it to motivate herself to do better- that's great! (otherwise it's like someone choosing to ruin their life - either by languishing, getting fat, even suicide - after a breakup vs using that 'anger, negative feelings' in a positive way - like to exericse, kickbox or whatever

     

     

     

    We went on genuine spontaneous tears, spontaneous laughter with this magical journey of a Drama. It wasn't coaxed out of us ... we felt it, as we felt the entire journey from Sanpo to Seoul ... the growth, the anguish, the joys, the laughter, the regretful poignancy (poor wistful DH  - when are you all coming back to visit again?)

     

    The open-ended ending is just befitting of this writing -directing-acting Masterpiece.

     

    Monologue - the cafe HA is working on weekends is Cafe Monologue

     

    Choices - good or bad. Life is about that, and the ending is also about that.

    I see Gu as open ended. Also the Gu-Mi relationship.

    a) It can mean he choose to find his 5 daily mins of joys and blessings while continuing his same life (with Kim Woo-bin! :sweat_smile: by his side - the mention of Kim Woo-bin who's also being a solid dependable unjudgemental rock in their weekend competition drama Our Blues)

     

    b) Or he has ended things with Chairman Shin. His bag of $ is him on his way to a different lifestyle. His abandoning the bottle he just bought

     

    The Coin - a coin has 2 sides. The fact it rolled but did NOT fall inside the gutter - sitting there balancing ... it's definitely a positive sign.

     

    He puts down his bottle - we can hope!  - for good. Certainly Gu is capable of doing that - he's done his own determined cold turkey in Sanpo. He has MJ again by his side - unjudgemental, supportive and a natural counsellor who has very good advice (baby steps, counting all the daily positives - however small).

     

    But Ep 15 and 16 has also alluded to the fact his symptoms-lifestyle-body is in pretty bad shape. He MAY be returning to the club lifestyle that he hates bec he's actually a gentle-sensitive soul inside, he may be killed in this lifestyle ... he may start drinking. Such is life.

    BUT we can take hope that it's UPlifting to him that one person - that impt person in his life MJ, finds him adorable, in his bleak life.

     

    This drama leaves so many many real messages like:

    Marriage isn't the happily ever after finale. As Rom-Coms do, and fans who expect that. (they often want the wedding,marriage, babies ... like it's an end all to happily forever after).

     

    Love how Yeom Dad is connecting-communicating with his kids these days. And how they try and stay connected to Dad too.

    Singles can be fine on their own. Winners are NOT the necc the glitzy packages the world worships or validates. They can come in many different ways, although not deemed Winners.'

     

    And it's amazing insight how Yeom Pa actually (despite not seeing KJ for months?) clues in that her life may not be flowing too well - with her cut hair.

     

    The writer weaves it all in - what we wanted to know about how/why Yeom-pa remarried as well, but it's such an organic flow

     

    Love CH's growth, his responsible side, his choices about doing what speaks to his heart - and how he finds his own go with the flow 'natural calling' to enjoy as a career

     

    Smiles and happy people can be Fake, not representing how they're really feeling inside - like their newest member of the Liberation Club.

     

    Also whether to see life as half-full, or half-empty and count blessings (however small) and make differences ... bec in the 7? billion won mountain of pple out there = there're always folks in worse situations/scenarios than you

     

    Dramas that have happy endings ... sure they're enjoyable (and often fans want those)

    But it's UNreal too. Whether Dramas wrap up every single detail artificially (it's unsatisfying too bec we know it's fake), or don't (and a loose 30 strings they introduced meaningless dangling - so unsatisfying)


    This one, was like a very comfortable, delishly-enjoyable homecooked and full satisfying ...  warms the heart meal. :heart:  

    I will definitely feel its void and miss the entire family for many weekends. :heartbreak:

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    @Paperx Atelier

     

    "Personally I feel those people who seek a drastic change in their life by getting in relationships or getting married or having another kid or changing jobs etc, it doesn't cause deep within the person habits and personalities haven't changed. Sure being in a relationship allows one to be entertained of their requests and wishes to be listened to, but dynamically the person personality doesn't really change so the way the surroundings also won't change resulting in them falling back to their routines and emotional safe ground. Ki Jung is seeking something only she can do herself, not from outside influence"

     

    Yes exactly! Happiness, passions etc are you and your own to enjoy, and create. I believe in that too. You first must have that - NOT expect someone else to fill that void.

     

    Friends, a partner, a relationship is only the additional icing on the cake. But the basic cake/core must be there.

     

    Even in the happiest of stable relationships  = life equations change. Life comes with unpredictable unexpected curve balls. TH may die one yr after marriage ... and then?!

     

    Accidents, a partner could move on first prematurely (death), change (unexpected  temptation/affair when least expected - partner could be weaker.  and in dire circumstances, need such escapist avoidant distractions as coping mechanisms) etc.

     

    KJ keeps thinking the NEXT step: the next hairstyle, the next PS job, the next man, the next relationship (like she feels this one is 'stuck' bec of his daughter and family ... and that it will all be solved with the NEXT step - marriage!  Those NEXTs, will be her key to happiness.

     

    BUT I think even if the 'obstacles' were removed - there isn't that much to their relationship to keep it going to what she 'expects in happiness'.  She isn't someone of 'substance' per se even if she is completely without filters, readable-honest.

     

    Her 'desperation' stems from somewhere. KJ needs to work on herself - to be CONTENT, to find her own inner peace first. She seems like that kind of personality to keep going for repeated PS jobs - bec the discontent stems from within. Even when she settles down with TH - that may NOT be happiness for her - she may get restless again.

     

    TH's sister, while also crazy ... I think also picks up on that same behaviour in KJ. Which may be why she is also subconsciously so against them.  (while the other sister is so 'go with the flow' laidback). 

    In that way, TH's sis and KJ are quite similar (sister was being dramaqueen on the couch one time, refusing to go out and they brought take-out back for her). They even 'bonded' before the relationship.

     

    KJ's friend - recently divorced - sums it up nicely:

    To be alone is FUN and should be treasured too  = no dealing or pleasing in laws and relatives, you can do you own thing, eat whenever-whatever you want to etc. How many times do you need someone to eat Tteoboki with you at 2am? compared to all the relationship-compromises you have to make?

     

    @Latte_Anyday

    "I love what Mi Jung said in this ep. on tryin' to find your own 5min of bliss daily. I should try that. We're now down to the finale, let's go~ "

     

    Basically, it's what I have been practising over the years.

    It's also the noticing the little things in life. That bird chatter you heard this morning - it's not every morning. That's an up. A walk you managed to take, despite a busy work day - another up.  Etc.

     

    BABY Steps - for everything. Life can feel overwhelming if you don't go with its flow.

    For problem solving, for getting through a day - baby steps. Focus on the little HAVES in the day, vs the have-nots.  It's self-empowerment encouraging.  We tend to beat ourselves up with what's not done.

     

    Making little differences even if for 5 min - helping, imo helps yourself too. Even if it's only a small gesture - you never know if that small gesture added light in someone else's dark day. Saying thank you or thanks for noticing that!  to a pizza call centre/a hassled waiter -  or just trying to be nice (compared to how many complaints they get ... seriously it makes someone's day.

     

    And helping generally in turn, makes one feel good. 

    Like if someone's lost in the supermarket aisle looking for an item - and if you just saw it ... initiate help, be a bzbody and let them know. Initiating help to a Senior standing at traffic lights with grocery bags etc.

     

    MJ and Gu  -it can go either way.

    1) I LIKED you - could be a foreshadow. Remember that - it's a past thing

    2) His Alcoholism is real ... no one can abuse their body like that (he doesn't eat too! while drinking), and live happily ever after. Even if they do - it will come back to bite later. So realistically - he's not really a candidate for living even up to 50.

    3) Ok nevermind the Alcoholism or his detested Host past + gaggle job - how about his job, what he's involved in? Can he just quit and say I choose to be homeless? Does Chairman Shin care that much about him, and does he have many enemies, once he's down?

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    22 hours ago, the_sweetroad said:

    = ==>

    Two thoughts:

     

    1. When the market vendor told Mi Jung's mom that Mi Jung was crying over a dog she had lost, we were supposed to think that Mi Jung was crying over Gu's departure, right? Not actually over the wild stray dogs that had been caught? And MJ's mom realized MJ was brokenhearted over Gu.... Is that how you all read that scene?

     

    2. It's interesting that Mr. Yeom gave MJ's number to Gu two times, no questions asked. He trusted Gu with his daughter. This is hypothetical, but if he knew the kinds of shady things Gu was running from (when he first arrived in Sanpo) and what he was involved in (when he re-visited Sanpo) do you guys think he still would have trusted Gu?

     

    My thinking is that after spending hours with Gu every day and seeing his work ethic, he felt he knew the man and accepted him. However, as a parent I'm not sure I would entrust my kid to someone I knew so little about. Of course, MJ is also an adult and free to make her own decisions...but from what I understand parental approval is still very important in Korea. So I go back and forth a bit - on the one hand it's very touching that Mr. Yeom is the key player in helping MJ and Gu connect again. But on the other hand I'm like, "Wait, don't you want to know more about what he's been up to??"

     

     

    (1) I took it to mean Mom's later more intense crying and retrospective thinking as she sits there at the kitchen table after her long walk home  = Yeom-Ma also sees herself reflected in her daughter

     

    MY - who's very much like her Dad (reticent, stoic, private, quiet doesn't say much compared to her 2 siblings) + yet is also her mom (resilient, hardworking, responsible, 'nurturing'  - MJ's very protective) =>  Yeom-mom's initial anguish was for MJ crying over Gu (who also reminds Yeom-Mom of  'man of few / no words' Dad, and whom Yeom-ma also mothered ... knowing Gu's likes for sweet potato stems etc).

    MJ is resilient, among the Yeom children, but somehow for her mom to hear MJ cried =  I think it also mirrors Yeom-Ma's own realization that they both have the same 'Saviour' take care of underdog NURTURING personalities.

     

    (Yeom-Ma was remarking that is how she is where she is today = when she felt empathy and sympathized with Yeom-Dad). I see a parallel - MJ starting the whole 'worship' thing not just bec she wasn't feeling whole but also in a bid to 'save' Gu from his endless drinking.

     

    Despite how quiet he was, and how unapproachable - Dad was reliably there providing for the family all this while.

    Just as Gu would show up for work at the factory and the fields daily, without fail - regardless of whatever happened the night before. Not even taking a break when his foot was injured.

     

    (2) I find BOTH her dad and mom very UNjudgemental, accepting - kinda like MJ.  (GJ was appalled she was dating Gu, until she realized her sister hit the jackpot). 

    Even when Mom learned she was dating Gu = life went on, there was no drama-no lectures or nagging.

     

    And Dad as you said - unquestioningly gave out MJ's number to Gu, not just once but twice. (Even AFTER Gu just upped and left - and left his daughter behind alone).

     

    Yes Yeom-dad trusted the dude - enough to open up and talk to him sometimes, and enough to offer Sanpo Sinks to him, if he wanted to stay and take over.

     

    Compared to KJ and CH, his own kids = this one (Gu, like MJ) can run marathons ... ie yes bec they've good work ethic, and they're responsible.

    NOT the types who run short sprints only but those who are there for endurance marathons type workers.

     

     

    p/s:

    Does anyone know the title of that very beautiful song DH started strumming (when the 3 guys were together reminiscing about "life, death and when you know it's time's up"?  -> CH saying his own goodbye; respectfully burying with much love and care, mom's artificial body part that he retrieved?

     

    Thanks in advance.

    The melody is beautiful, but the lyrics are even more poignant-beautiful.  :dissapointed_relieved::heart:

     

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    Ep 13 and 14 brought on :dissapointed_relieved: so naturally - but in part also  :tired:  that this is the 2nd last weekend before this very Extraordinary Drama wraps up. (while some undeserving dramas that really should cut out after 12 episodes, gets additions)

     

    Every little detail, every scene is so carefully thought out in this journey … leading to another significant piece in the carefully crafted seamless jig-saw Masterpiece that is this very special drama. Quite unlike other usual entertaining buffers, which can pad so many winning dramas out there.

     

     

    Random Thoughts:

     

    Ep 14 - so beautifully done, after the total shocker tragedy in ep 13 of Yeom-ma's regretful passing.

    It was so realistic (the closure, how each person processed ma's sudden passing - the burned rice, the unwashed blouse - as if the person was there, but yet not here) ... I could even picture Mama-Yeom worried and fretting that she'd passed without getting these tasks completed!  = scenes so poignant, so uplifting, so mellow and yet also felt so regretful.

     

    The right time:

    Loved the scene of the 3 friends chatting about Mama-Yeom ... the 'right time for a death' .... ending with the beautiful OST Doo-hwan starts strumming on his guitar. (the lyrics are so apt, heartwarming but yet tear-evoking at the same time ... and WITHOUT being maudlin). Hats off to the writer, director and actors.

     

    CH finding the connection between the moments in his life connecting with some incident that happens later. Him quitting his job and now manning the responsibility for the household - voluntarily working the fields, cooking, groceries etc. Tasks so taken for granted that the late Yeom-ma filled so seamlessly, daily, 7 days a week without any break.

     

    That 'Bigger Picture' in CH's life we keep hearing about - when many little incidents and things that don't make sense back then have more clarity later in life. (quitting his job = > being available for dad, the family)

     

    Kudos the true-to character CONSISTENCY writing:

    CH = even in his sensitivity to go wipe his tears while lunching with Dad, to keep + bury Mom's artificial body part ... will just in typical CH style (and he knows HA will be ok with it too)  ... "will you marry me" at Mom's funeral, final departure and for family bonding never forgetting to promote his mantra so far: "we need a CAR!" hahahaha :lol:

    GJ = Who, no matter how hard she tries = sorry, I cannot see as a sensitive genuinely-caring step-ma to TH's precocious and reticent daughter. True to character all the time - GJ's honest without filters, instant gratification and very SELF-absorbed nature kicks in.  Finally when the child stops being the clam and gets motivated enough to open up to talk: "grownups miss their mothers too?"

    PROGRESS!  And what does GJ INsensitively and opportistically do? =>  " Will you accept me as your step ma? "  (there's a time and a place. sheer insensitivity ... OMG! Hullo GJ ... subtle BABY Steps! with this kid!) :confounded:

    And while everyone else has stepped up to take on more chores - you see GJ frustrated with just lifting the heavy kimchi-banchan box out of the freezer. The same weight and tasks a Senior Yeom-ma (and prob MJ) has uncomplainingly done all this while.

     

    MJ  = good for our tough girl! She changed her no. because as she has said - she can always be linked or found in Sanpo.

    Even though she has moved to Seoul (although of all the 3 siblings, she's the one who never felt the attraction of Seoul - being very matter of fact that Sanpo is home full of smashed frogs, nameless goats to eat, wild dogs and "cute things she wants to squeeze and eat" :blush:

    In stoic tough MJ ... I think the late Yeom-mom sees some of herself in the most contributing and helpful uncomplaining kid of the Yeom family.  Which is WHY the sobbing and then heavy reflection sitting at the table at the end too, before laying down to rest - it's as much for MJ as well as herself .... Mom felt sorry for a vulnerable Dad back then ... just as MJ also 'rescued' and nurtured Mr Gu (as reticent quiet as her own husband Yeom-dad)

     

    DH = strumming his guitar, for all the lonely souls (which totally includes himself). This dude, in all his loyalty and genuine sweet heart - is such an unconditional great friend to have. (This beautiful OST with all its lyrics ... was so :bawling: but without being maudlin)

     

    GU   = ever dryly-humourous, in charge and yet gentlemanly consideration prodding ... about the woman he misses, and worships.

    " Is there a man who worships you" consideration + "lose that weight - in ONE hour".

    In his life, MJ is like an angel who saves him; that he so cherishes and holds almost in 'awe'. That 'light' he sees in the dark bleakiness (the daylight shining through,  from the blackout curtains), the dark tunnel (the walkway in his house surrounded by bottles, the walkway to his underground? office) that is his hell-life tunnek ... with no 'daylight', no way out.

     

    Gu-Mi reunion:

    Gu - there're mixed feelings conflicting here, from me as a viewer. While my heart celebrates, my brain processing it comes with reservations too.

     

    In REALITY - an alcoholic who's probably done irreversible damage to his bod with all that endless hard-liquor drinking, and often on an empty stomach too!  ... to numb himself.

     

    While technically, he's NOT 'ghosted' MJ;  as in, the premise of their 'relationship' is really UNconditional acceptance.  NO expectations with NO strings attached, no promises, no prying (as in questions can be asked, but can go unanswered if they're deemed intrusive); where worshipping-validation substitutes for love/genuine affection for each other.

     

    So them getting together again .. while an organic genuine reunion - from the nervous anticipation on his part that only MJ can evoke, to the happy peal of spontaneous laughter from MJ (so seldom heard from her) that only Gu can evoke ...  and him remembering everything she's said and finding MJ so adorable-irresistible that "he wants to squeeze and eat her up"

     

    But in reality  - no girl in real life, should wait around for a guy like that.

     

     

    Beach Scene - Quality vs Quantity

    Mixed Feelings for that beautiful mellow 'quality' beach time/down time CONNECTION =  that family 'connection' that they s'times never ever got even when sitting down together eating and working daily together. QUALITY (just this one moment memory) vs Quantity.

     

    It was regretful Yeom-ma didn't get to enjoy this one moment with the family, but at least Dad has this family memory - as he lives out his life on Sanpo, the way he prefers it.

    We learn (through Gi-jeong's vents ... dad's love for that sister, their Aunty (dad's sis, who dad bailed out). Someone who now keeps throwing them unsuitable banchan like Anchovies Dad doesn't even enjoy. For once, I am at one with GJ = do NOT accept Aunty's banchan so she can feel like she's doing the family a favour.  Because who knows what agendas it harbours? Cut off ties, bury the family seal so it cannot be used for any financial liability.

     

    This scene is tinged with melancholic poignancy too - bec we DO know it's a cherished memory NOT going to be oft repeated ... the 3 siblings moved away eventually fr Sanpo, after this rare family outing.

     

    The IN-crowd

    Folks who are accepted in society as the in-crowd, the revered popular golden boys and girls ... can be such nasty, fake, superficial shallow vapid (or intelligent) bimbos/himbos.

    Unfortunately, shallow superficial niceties and pretentious fakes in the correct 'packaging' (the right trendy pants and bikini vs the one-piece of MJ's)  are accepted as Winners in life.

     

    More unfortunately these eloquent, articulate, lying Winners can be influential; they may be vapid, they may be intelligent but they're folks who in turn influence or are admired by other people.  Worshipped by equally shallow groupies who aspire to be them. Mean Bullies who can step on others, and yet can get endorsement.

     

    It’s an unfortunate pyramid.

     

    The norm in most societies,  while those who are 'different' but with more DEPTH to them like MJ; who has the STRENGTH and CORE to be different = are deemed Misfits.

     

    I  LOVE how she/her family sees no biggie in having a Mom in a urn, housed in the living room.  A mom she obviously loves (hence MJ does all her duties very respectfully - she's the child who never gives much trouble although we know she DOES have a firm will and mind of her own, and more strength of character than the entire superficial bi@tchy group at office put together : starting with the feisty slipper throwing, and staring down the wild dog, and marches to her own drumbeat -> approaching Gu - > initiating the worshipping etc).

     

     

     

    <<< BIG HUGS>>> :kiss_wink: to those with the Moms and Dads who have moved on. Reaching some eventual peace with the huge void;  and to the rest of us who also live in trepidation that the day will eventually come when our moms/parents who know us so well since babyhood ... will also one day no longer be with us. That mother's and father's days - which may be a source of stress to make time for, in the treadmill of our busy lives (to look for thoughtful gifts, to have lunches-dinners) may one day NO longer even be an occasion we can celebrate.

     

    And a shout out to the writer for highlighting so beautifully  - Yeom-mom  - who represents so many women out there and who are so taken for granted. SELFLESS Women who seamlessly wear so many considerate hats -  thoughtfully being a daughter, a wife, a daughter in law, a mother, a grandmother, a worker in the office, a housekeeper at home ... an energizer bunny who NURTURES so many, who remembers all the details for so many's lives while putting their own needs lasts ... Making personal sacrifices, people who keep going and going even in mild sickness like colds, and in health. Until their own batteries run out.

     

    Yeom-mom asked for so little, and also received so little but took her contentment just from seeing her kids' pictures on the wall, recalling them as kids back then ... life can be so unfair.

     

    And yet some women are always pampered in their lives, for doing almost nothing - in their high SELF LOVE', they make sure everyone around them knows that every little thing they do is a 'favour' and such a big deal - for the husband, for the family. Discontented and wanting more, even with hired help.

     

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    11 hours ago, Paperx Atelier said:

      Ep13; I have to take time to weep over the mum passing. She had been their anchor all these while, the reason all 3 travel to and from home. After her passing, the dam broke and all 3 decided its time to move from the nest. I almost can't believe the dad remarried in such short years, but he was a quiet man to begin with, nobody knows what he's thinking most of the time. This ep one of the colleagues and the manager angered me the most, causing misunderstanding and taking advantage of Mi Jung's silence and non confrontational methods as entitled. I would just pour hot coffee over them but lawsuits would be knocking on my door. Sigh. But I would still do it.

     

    This writer is just W:open_mouth:W, amazing. No wonder the actors are totally acting their hearts out. As viewers we just reel from one ordinary scene to extremely hilarious or extreme powerful angst.

     

    Blindsided totally by the ordinary reactions just before that; ordinary reactions of selfless Moms who put their own lives on the back burner do:  from  the tsk tsk tsk cautiousness reaction to Dad's totally unexpected competitive adrenalin surge =  > the feelings she felt for her kids (vicariously feeling happy or sad when they are)  -  happiness euphoria over KJ, followed by the crying over MJ ...  

     

    Then POW ....  this totally hit  straight centre, when it came out of nowhere. I bawled :bawling:when the unexpected happened. Life is so unfair.

     

    This taken-for-granted mom was the stabilizing glue of the family (even for Mr Gu, and her thoughtful observation that he enjoyed Potato Stems banchan); someone who expected so little, and also got so little.  (I notice no one ever says Thanks either, in the Yeom household).

    A mom; who took her contentment and satisfaction from seeing her kids well and happy.

    Someone who was seamlessly wearing so many hats (like most women - as a daughter, a mom, a wife, a worker, an unpaid housekeeper etc)

    Ouch, this scene was so powerfully heavy to digest. :sleepy:  :cry:

     

    (Maybe some of my crying was for the fact too that we have only one weekend left of this captivating Drama. I really could watch an entire year of this unraveling of layers of Onion Skins (as each character has their past demons  and baggage),  power script and the director / actors putting their all, in together. Rom-Coms while fun entertaining, but very forgettable even with great acting and glitz-packaging once the next one rolls along).

     

    1) I totally hear you about how fast Dad ended up with another companion - but the fact that he had land to sell, plus the factory might have been very attractive to the bzbody ladies in the marketplace. Also men tend compartmentalize more easily. A drawer opens, and shuts.

    For many Women ,.. those drawers are linked.

     

    2) And at the rate Mr Gu drinks hardcore liquor like water (on an empty stomach too - he just downs it all, without eating - to be able to cope with what actions he metes out) .... it's really :anguished: to think how long he's going to last realistically  -  long term damage to liver and body is already done.

     

     

     

    @deandraluv

    "I am intrigued by MJ's words when she said that she was not angry but sad.  I think the fact that when we are sad when someone leaving us shows that we truly love him/her.  It is not about the decision that make someone leave prompts us to be angry but the presence of our dear ones that makes sad.  Because as she said before, in a convo with Hyun-a and Gi Jeong that she would support her man even if the man left and became successful.  I think MJ's words when she said that she was sad were truly meaningful.  (As you can see, Gu's eyes became red upon hearing this as tears welled up his eyes!  Excellent acting!)  "

     

     

    Sadness and Dissapointment are often more quietly powerful, and stab more at a person's conscience than anger.

    "Anger" as a reaction ties in with Ego (self-centred, selfish caring about Self) .... Sadness and Dissapointment is something else ... it's quiet but makes the other person feel worse. Which is why Gu whenever he's about to deliver something awful - is always defiant, challenging almost - twice, he used the same kind of delivery to MJ.

    1) when he wanted to distance himself from her and came up with how much of an arsehole he is and his Ex's story 2) the actual moving to Seoul scene - where he also not just with challenging defiant masking something else body language but  also with words to ask MJ verbally to hit him.

     

    The quiet reaction of MJ is actually more painful to witness and digest for Gu - it hits much harder. Anger is lashing out, and it takes some of the energy-sadness out, when it is unleashed.  Gu totally understands the pain of reining in himself - these 2, are like 2 peas in a pod.

     

    Gu's ruthless recklessness in the store, yelling with no care or consideration  = MJ's own not caring wild recklessness aka bravery confronting the dogs too.

     

     

    @Latte_Anyday

    "Chang Hee may be an annoying doofus but he comes out with the most relatable gems. I get his frustration of not havin' a specific goal & that it hurts their father treat a stranger better than their own kids."

     

    I am now seeing parallels in some ways between Dad, and Chang Hee.

    Dad = quietly living out his life in Sanpo, though not particularly happy - the plodder cautious approach living out the rest of his life, after getting seriously burned trusting a friend.

     

    But in that crazy van racing -  we see that reticent Dad is very reined in too. That there's a crazy side of him that can be competitive-foolhardy driven, as CH can be .... in that crazy van vs car competition. And after the neighbours competitively flaunted their bigger potatoes

     

    And Senior Yeom's quiet dissappointment that CH turned out to be an UNDER achiever? (CH won the school race as the prize runner. and Dad had witnessed it with pride). We still don't know that much of Dad's past except for his misplaced trust in a friend but he seems to be just 'existing' too -  none of the plan/goal he keeps asking CH about.

     

    Hierachy/Competition

    -MJ and Dog

    -The entire Host club Hierachy - the hosts, their managers, Gu the top honcho .... and his bigger bosses.  One chatroom (like Seungri's) can unleash so much including out unseen anonymous involved VIPs and sponsors

    - The neighbouring sweet potato patch ... their car vs the Sanpo truck

     

     

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    "It still looked like Gu was chasing CH out of anger though, LOL. Especially because he never told CH otherwise. But maybe that's a good thing; it made CH reflect on his actions!  "

     

     

    @the_sweetroad:

     

    Same ... but not so much out of Anger as to give CH a good shake and scare (hahahah and CH was - that yelp!) and make him gulp hahahah!   (PANT! pant... pant)

     

    Afterall, Gu's been sitting throughout at their family dinners to hear all CH's venting .... prob heard CH complaints, and life rants during all those group drinking night-gatherings from his window ... plus Gu also badly needed to release all his conflicted pent-up emotions himself.

     

    And witnessed all the parents' and MJ's frustrations with CH throughout his stay there at Sanpo. Then how CH behaves after getting loan of that car.

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    On 5/16/2022 at 12:34 PM, philosophie said:

    Still can’t believe Gu used to work as a host...0.0

     

    Chairman Shin is Big Daddy to all these Head Honchos, of various 'departments'

     

    I took it to mean Gu is Head Honcho of (department) host clubs. NOT a host himself, per se.

    (unless he was, after being a runner-athlete.  and that explains why he's so tired of all the meaningless gaggle. folks who gaggle, then he has to think of things to gaggle in return ... and hate himself ultimately, for all the tiring gaggle).

     

    Just as Baek ran his club ... Gu ran his, which were Host clubs. (my take anyway)

     

    It is challenging to see/envision him though, because these folks all need high PR and EQ skills (and to 'fake it') ... and the silent Gu? :confused:

    For sure, even as Head Honcho, there's a lot of pleasing and fake-talking/flattery to do. There're loads of influential folks they cannot offend, so it's a huge diplomacy game. He would almost be like a male Mama-San, in charge of hosts and operations.

     

    While it's ethical Gu doesn't endorse Drugs in his club , as Baek does ... host/hostesses clubs = prostitution and control issues always looming bigtime as well. There are influential customers, who may be even folks Big Daddy Chairman Shin has to kowtow to - and we have all seen enough shows where once when someone big-$ impt sets their eyes on a target they obsess over ... no never ever means no.

     

     

     

     

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    It is inevitable that he leaves. There's NO way he can continue with the threat of her safety-the Yeom family safety looming over his head daily, even as he tries to go about daily routines as usual.

     

    1 year old => could mean as a REBORN Gu, rebirth from his past life.   (Can I say again ... LOVE MJ! Given how stoic she is; unfazed-calm but yet totally letting it go when she's had enough - the 'let sleeping dogs lie' is definitely her. her bark and bite will arise, once provoked ... i can totally see her as Club Mama!)

     

    Life from scratch, whatever it means - she supports his choice and she will be there to be found, in Sanpo. She's throwing the choice back to him - if it's Seoul so be it/ if it's Sanpo so be it.

    She will support Gu, at his (re-set) ONE yr old but she will be here in Sanpo for him.

     

    I think it also ties in with that serene scene from before (they were sitting on stairs somewhere), when he said ... she can still be in his life when he's 90 or something, despite not knowing him earlier (or vice versa, him knowing the younger her in the family picture.).. sorry I forget the details of this conversation

     

     

    All the DRINKING (he's back to it again, among his men) to mask all his misery.

    At some point - won't his Liver quit? Alcohol Poisoning yo! :anguished::cry:

     

    He's drinking again, while pretending to laugh at Baek's death to mask the pain inside -  at what he had to leave behind and has to return to. Given who he is = I doubts he enjoys Baek's death at all ... he doesn't even mete Death out himself, no matter how angry he is.

     

    As for the Club ... it kind of reminded me of the operation BigBang's Seung-ri was running : Burning Sun

     

    6 hours ago, Jolie Bijoux said:

    Aah Today’s episode is so gloomy,

     

    as much as I want to see Gu and MJ together, but come to think about it, the breakup is necessary, this relationship is not fair for MJ, she knows nothing about this man, not even his real name, his work, his parents etc. She was so brave and courageous to continue the relationship. But she did the right thing to let him go.

    it was painful to watch bc its  also something against their will. 
    Gu needs time to be liberated from his gangster world (if thats what he wants) 

     

    after this I really don’t know where this relationship heading to. And what choice they will make.  
     

    Seems like we will see CH and HA together soon. Im waiting for their story 

     

     

    I LOVED today's episode, compared to yesterday's Ep 11 (which was ok but nothing like today's which showcased really power writing + acting

     

    It was powerful. The super-hilarious marathon :joy: which was also his life marathon journey - the release he needed to all the pent up conflict  ... 

    And the roller coaster highs and lows of an emotional ride it took us the viewers - the humour = > the poignant raw anguish ... whoa!

     

    Whatever it is ... please keep the seperation short, or at least allow them to work it out - even if it's pure silence of them together.

    With only 4 precious episodes left - 1 episode of just GJ and CH antics would be hard to stomach and cause indigestion: "Let's Sleep Together, next time we meet" :grimace:

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    18 hours ago, xinabu_1 said:

    It actually bothered me a little and made me think what Gu and MJ did after the kiss that she had to wash hair when she’s back home. :relieved:

     

    I wouldn't be surprised if it was supposed to low-key mean they went all the way together.

     

    This writer is effectively powerful subtle.  Like being in 2019 wasn't even obvious until we saw 2022. (and re-affirmed by the calendar today of Dad's)

     

    These 2 and their interactions are just so low profile and very natural-organic.

    I love you = I worship you ... it would make total sense that a bed scene would just happen after the back rubbing and kiss.  It's just in character, with both the couple and how this writer maps out the unexpected. 

     

    Like the (unexpected) super-hilarious run = marathon journey of life too ... and DH popping up to offer water omg ... :sweat_smile:

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    The 2 people I really worship in this Drama

    MJ and Gu  = peas in a pod = they really don't give a damn abt what gets folks-the world salivating or excited (including the car or just Wealth).  Strong Cores/Strength of Character.

    Kindred Spirits who are: "“free from people, from tedious people” bec they really honestly don't give a damn about such tediousness - the superficial nothings/the meaningless gaggle called 'socialization' and going through the motions just to belong. Tthe superficial facades like the rat-race treadmill => accumulation of Assets (which can be so transient - as with the recent Crypto crash).

     

    Not just the unconditionally accepting-bonding-at peace with each other … they have a good sense of Responsibility (compared to how GJ and CH are at home, with the parents, with friends and siblings – how selfish and opportunistic those 2 can be).

     

    Worship = now has organically taken on new meaningful layers, beyond the Unconditional-Acceptance.

    Worship = Validation fr co-worker. (if you're good, you're good). It's the reason that ar*se of a boss is getting meaner and vindictively dissing her, putting MJ down with personal attacks now.

    Worship = "I  Love You" - so beautiful, so quiet, so in character with this couple

     

     

    (Btw, like how some others mentioned initially at the start of the Drama ... I'd thought it was MJ who was going to be paired with Lee Ki-woo aka Tae-hoon)

     

    GJ = has impulse-control issues. In a way, the way how she just says things without any filters, and how she just described she cannot stand line-ups etc ... it's very candid-funny how she describes it , how she does things or snarks … but it’s almost like her mind is on ADD hyper mode. 

    Another gem today (when talking about TH)
    "I am emitting this huge energy into the universe, how could it not reach him?" :joy:

    How is their relationship realistically going to work? She's DESPERATE, she wants someone/anyone! ... but she doesn't really know Tae-hoon, nor he - > her.

     

    Cannot see GJ as a loving-caring unconditional step-mom,sorry.
    1) she's too into herself - she doesn't even help out at home
    2) she's unstable, the way she yo-yos
    3) she's selfish, self-absorbed.
    She's desperate for a relationship with anyone and can MAKE herself into what the party wants (a Nirvana soul-mate for example) but a Mom?!!

    Sure, maybe she might be able to make herself become one but it isn't a genuine spontaneous kind of natural. What she said at the start about a single dad with baggage (child) – to me sums up more candidly who she is/how she really thinks

     

    @Latte_AnydayShe is entertaining, but totally yes to this: "Gi Jung has always struck me as immature and desperate"

     

     

    CH = totally nodding when Dad had a rare moment to speak gold:

    “Do NOT drive someone else’s car.” YES, and worse – flaunt it everywhere to everyone, and offer them rides.

    What if it gets stolen/into an accident? What started as a favour is getting out of hand, the way CH just uses the car  - parking it for folks to admire, or take rides.

     

    LOL @Jolie Bijoux:  “meanwhile the Real owner of the car is driving the Sanpo Sinks truck".  :sweat_smile::joy::smirk:

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    10 hours ago, Paperx Atelier said:

     Ep11 perspective; Chang Hee and his obsession with car is almost like a long con for ppl (prpduct placement), he became one of those chic magnets with car..he negotiated his self value and confidence and compensated it with the car value. Gu requesting more time cox he has something outstanding, the worship that he promised Mi Jung almost like an anchor. This reminds me of a perspective; a person self worth linking to their wish to keep a promise, if a person is good they will try their best to keep that promise, if not they will just take the cowardly way out and justify their actions with excuses. End of the day, only themselves know what they negotiated with themselves.

     

    CH  - because of who he is, and someone who has hung around with people like that - placed emphasis on all these EXTERNAL factors.

    While he has some redeeming factors and a heart within, no one sees those = to me, he comes across as the typical aspiring Wannabe  - > nouveau-riche hick. Then once newly  arrived  = flaunting (in a hick's very ostentatious way) that some of the old wealthy won't do. And s'times adopt an air of pretentiousness too (the nouveau-riche Gangnam crowd for eg, who worship Western, eating Western - just check out the Hyundai department store stuffed with Western goodies including $5 macaroons in Gangnam, Apujjeong. Denying the Kimchi they grew up with or even squishing the fact their Moms sold kimchi to raise them, help feed the family etc. )

     

    Materialism. The sad power of Consumerism. 

    Bec he believes such External Accessories are what will give him power/for folks to 'worship' /respect him.  Based on what he has - those external assets.

     

    To the pt he's now flaunting something that is NOT even his!

    (Which is why I said right fr the start when he was kissing and grovelling in front of that Rolls ... it's damn SAD. Sure, it is celebratory he finally got to ride in wheels he always coveted and wanted, but it's sad bec of what he and the message he got from what Society worships. $/clout/power - which he felt was lacking, bec he lived in Sanpo.

     

    Dude has a very Wannabe hanger-on groupie attitude but lacking sincerity ... or willing to swallow sincerity, if he feels it might get him something better. (it still bugs me how he treated Du-hwan).

     

    Gu - as you said - strength of character. Core.  Whether a person will take the higher road, or succumb (with endless justifications).

    for eg: it can be a child -> adult who grew up watching alcoholism or domestic violence. When life gets tough and throws curve balls - (1) that child-adult can decide to RISE above or steadfastly resist.  OR (2) default to the dysfunctional role-modelling he saw growing up, which is inbuilt patterning. Succumb to the exact same, and yes JUSTIFY it all.  Blame it on parents, childhood, attribute it to stress; OR find the strength within and determination to say NO, I am never going to break this promise to self to perpetuate the pattern.

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

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    Posted

    On 5/13/2022 at 6:35 AM, aria26 said:

    That is the nature of showbusiness (and maybe even life). there are flavor of the moments. Last month it was nam joo hyuk, now it's son sukku, then someone else again.

     

    Yes 'LIFE". Musicians, Artists, you name it - sometimes it's just that break-through one work needed,  which speaks to mainstream. Some don't even get that lucky break - Van Gogh. 

     

    Also, I realized pretty early on - sometimes it's NOT the actor - it's the role/character for me.

     

    for eg: much of Hallyu started after Winter Sonata (2002-3) - and Bae Yong-jun gained himself legions of global fans.  I just wasn't crazy about Winter Sonata, nor BYJ the actor. 

    But I had watched an earlier drama of BYJ, before WS ... and decided to check WS out.

    It wasn't BYJ I liked, and WS confirmed that  -  it was the role/character BYJ had played in Hotelier. 

     

    Gong Yoo - first seen in either My Tutor Friend (Kim Ha-neul) or in some other movie with Kim Soon-ah. Totally UNmemorable! More impressionable was Biscuit Teacher with Gong Hyo-jin.

    Silenced ... Coffee Prince ... A Man and A Woman, Train to Busan etc were more what defined Gong Yoo, for me.

     

    Some actors are eye candy. (Sung-joon and Song Seung-hun would be among those for me). Some  can also act - but after a while, their expressions-range are fairly predictable if you watch enough - for me this is Lee Byung-hun after a while, although he's internationally acclaimed these days. Some I can watch all the time - So Ji-sub, Lee Dong-wook prob, though they never get the hype LBH does

     

     I probably won't register Son Seok-ku as much  - unless he's Gu the character.

    With his entire emotive range of grimace-smirk-flinch-smile-gazes-stares-glares and side stink-eye ... in his broody silence smouldering the room with his silence, his quiet chemistry with MJ.

    (Notice he was in Suits, and I don't recall him at all  ...  as David Kim)

     

     

     

     

    On 5/13/2022 at 2:27 AM, africandramalover said:

     

    It's kinda sad on the other hand... Many actors have solid filmographies but never appreciated until hype. Specifically, if (my husband:D) Gong Yoo had never hyped this drama on his IG, let's be honest, many people in Korea wouldn't be watching it and the ratings wouldn't be rising.

     

    Mr Gu has loads of talent, which Koreans missed by not watching dramas like Be Melodramatic and Matrimonial Chaos. (Lee El was also in Matrimonial Chaos.) Their ratings were abysmal, yet the talent of the cast is beyond amazing!

     

    Jeon Yeo Bin was beyond brilliant in Be Melodramatic, but it took the slightly-above-average-but-overhyped Vincenzo for her to be recognized. I couldn't believe the 1% ratings of Be Melodramatic when it aired yet when it was rerun, Koreans were so wowed by the drama to the extent that it's become a mini-cultural landmark of a drama. I'm still waiting for the equally brilliant Chun Woo-Hee's star to shine one day soon.:tears:

     

    I feel really badly for talented actors who are not given their due, when it is their due. I'm learning to reconcile myself to the realities of the industry. Hype over talent. No wonder actors with talent peak so late in life.  But that's life.

     

    High Ratings for a Drama doesn't do it for me. They also don't mean anything to me if I check into some popular drama with loads of hype, but somehow don't feel the hype / enjoy the acting-script-chemistry whatever. 

     

    It's different strokes for different folks. Some quiet Dramas with low ratings may have some magic pull to you personally, because there may be things in there which speaks to you and you only, and have value. Not everyone mainstream will get it, or ever understand it or see what you see that draws you in.

     

    So while it's kinda sad - many pple do have talent but don't have the break-through one that make them stand out to the masses. And s'times it's a whole combination-collaboration that must work - that compelling chemistry between the actors, and a very good solid script.

     

    This one, has all of that - but not many are willing to sit through it, since it's slow and non-pretty, to even get to the very SOLID gems it has ... to find out how amazing good the writing-acting all is.

     

    In Son Suk-ku's case, this is as GU the character in My Liberation Notes - it's all of that, which is prob speaking to me.  (I am not quite sure I would be as interested if I had checked out an earlier  work ). I can see also how My Liberation Notes, comes across as 'depressing' to some folks who cannot appreciate this drama. The bleakness of Sanpo, the monologues can be intimidating to those who are looking to KDramas for a distraction. (no jumpout eye candy actors - Lee Min-ki himself, is a niche group.  no YSL-Chanel lipstick to ape, no Balenciaga to check out)

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    14 hours ago, Jolie Bijoux said:

    This ! Maybe it’s just me but I like him better this way, his hair , his patchy thin beard, his demeanour and his depressed self are the whole package! Very attractive !!



    I prefer this than the “clean look” and well dressed Mr.Gu (the “clean look” makes him look like other actors)
     

     

    Totally ... Gu the character - the broody look, his reticence;  the many ratty sweat-stained tees and his slicked back hair,  silence, extensive range of so many expressions  ...  is much more mysterious-cool manly.

    Than the 'sharp dresser' Mafia one. (bec yes, that imaging just makes him really just like any other actor - could be anyone ....  Tony Leung, Leslie Cheung or Chow Yuen-fatt in A Better Tomorrow).  

     

    Only NOT quite so hot look for me - is Gu in SHORTS with those tees - somehow that combination is not so sexy, sorry.

     

    And sorry broody character Gu is cool,  when compared to the actor in real life. (esp with his hair-down - no!) 

    spacer.png

     

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    Enjoy!   :heart::love:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhOfTJkBKa0&list=RDIhOfTJkBKa0&start_radio=1&rv=IhOfTJkBKa0&t=234

     

    • Like 3
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    • Where's My Oppa? 1

    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    On 5/9/2022 at 6:38 AM, americanchai said:

    I'm not sure if Gu loves MJ or if he mostly is in awe of her. They don't know each other well enough to "love" but I think there's a mutual admiration of two people who recognize similar qualities in each other and are intrigued. I think he's more scared of her than she is of him. She is kind of blindly walking towards him, mainly with her own agenda. I haven't watched the last 15 minutes of ep 10 yet as I had to go to sleep but I still really like them together and the weird way they kind of express themselves to each other.

     

    Gi Jeong: this girl is so frustrating. I hate how girly she starts speaking to Tae Hun because she's still trying to impress him or be sorry towards him. He's 100% seen her at her worst. If she just acted semi-normal around him, they could get somewhere. But now that his older sister is being so mean and possessive, I want them to get together. I agree though that GJ would be better suited to her co-worker, even though in my American work harassment brain, I'm like, "not a good idea to date co-workers!"

     

    CH: He is such a man-child. The hero worship of Gu is unbelievable and hilarious. Gu has to be a saint because if somebody barged into my house in the middle of the night to poop in my bathroom instead of their own house about 500 yards away, I would stab him to death. Yet CH has somehow matured at work into trying to accept the unacceptable Areum. 

    :joy::joy::joy:  "Gu has to be a saint because if somebody barged into my house in the middle of the night to poop in my bathroom instead of their own house about 500 yards away, I would stab him to death." 

    Full Agreement - Non Emergency day and night, and a poop at that!  omg.:confused:

     

    Gu's Expression to this irritant fan  - this dude's one look one side glance or stink eye conveys sooooo much - NO words necc 

     

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    Gu and MJ = he prob is more scared of her, while in  respectful awe of her 'bravery' . But I do NOT doubt he loves her, even from that last loaded interaction we got of them eating Mandu (dumplings) together. And other interactions - he may be kinda awkward-subtle shy at expressing it hence his dimpled grimace on seeing her  - but for a man of few words his actions mean a lot ad she knows it.

     

    Since she really has no clue how 'scary' his background might be too (she can guess but even if she guessed right - she doesn't  give a damn either. bec she's fearless - like her screaming like a banshee at those dogs daring them to attack. And for someone 'fearless' (his definition in the mafia world) to actually wholly care for you fearlessly ... whoa! he's smitten. 

     

    They met on UNconditional terms ... no expectations ... quite exposed 'raw', meeting each other at where they're at  = she in debt she was trying to hide and feeling really shitey abt it / he with no pretences being a total alcoholic bum almost. They connected.

     

    While not saying much like any conventional relationship where 'good fronts' are presented  - they totally connected, slowly, gradually.  

    I don't think he's not in love; part of that too is bec she can read him so well, and he relishes that 'transparency' enough to pull himself out of his slump.

     

    16 hours ago, jma030201 said:

     

    Anyways, has anyone noticed that the dad seems to approve of Gu despite not knowing who he really is? He was telling Gu that the cabinet business can bring in good money, which is like saying if Gu stays and marry MJ, he can take over the cabinet business and live comfortably.

    Gu prob reminds him of himself too - in their daily silent companionship and camaraderie built up working/resting taking a break/eating together ... Dad just knows what kind of a man he is, just by how he is as a worker. 

     

    Just as Gu understands Dad. Without much words necc. 

     

     

    On 5/10/2022 at 2:48 PM, the_sweetroad said:

     

     

     

    I was really struck in the last two episodes how often people seeing him would bow to him. He's in scruffy clothes, he's sweaty, he looks like a laborer, and guys in suits and ties are bowing to him immediately upon seeing him. That says a lot. And he's still wielding his authority when he goes to the night club; he's not scared or anything. It's very interesting.

     

     

    Those look so good! :wub: And MJ and Gu look so comfortable together.

     

    Anyone else think the way he looks at her is gold?

     

     

     

     

    Especially in contrast to his look at Chang Hee when Chang Hee is pressed up against the Rolls Royce:

     

     

     

    Chang Hee might be in a love triangle - but Gu only has love eyes for MJ. :D:wub:

     

    You know how they say "you wear the clothes, not let the clothes wear you"?

     

    Some folks can wear $10 000 Zegna or whatever ... and still look-act like insecure thug minions/ or crass low life, despite their expensive facade. Even some super competitive people - it stems from some inner unrest, from childhood baggage which makes them looking insecure (with little revealing details) ...  even when seemingly 'successful'. 

     

    Gu has Confidence, Irreverence ... and he's in his element - that Authority and Security from within shows. He's in pain yes, but he's also quietly Confident, and doesn't take it seriously.

    Confident in what he has done/have-had in life - in what he CAN do (including his measured bionic jump), and what has experienced - a kind of 'been done that' - with his risk-taker, and no big deal kinda attitude. He just doesn't care, and so folks cannot touch-hurt him.

     

    He's the type who is prob NOT easily impressed.

    But MJ impresses him - bec she really has no fear, no pretences. Nor is she trying to impress him by defending him (fr the wild dogs etc) and he can tell. 

     

    That kind of Nonchalence, no one can take away.

    Even if gabbed in $10 000 outfits ... if you don't feel secure or carry insecurity-competitive baggage within ... it's useless, and just a facade to fit in or feel better. 

     

    " In Love" =  how Gu looks at almost narcissistic CH, who is in Rolls-delusion Hyung loves him too. spacer.png

     

     

    CH on the other hand ...

    I guess it's celebratory he finally got what he wanted (since he can be such a hardworking decent person at work, and saintly to put up with his own irritant work mate. and he has a heart enough to listen for 2h and counsel that lady who calls him each time). 

    BUT ..... I also find it damn sad at the same time.

     

    It's an obsession with him to be RICH, to get out of Sanpo slump. To have these surface things, and to even grovel and worship that Rolls. It's kinda SAD. How society judges what is a 'Winner', based on all things superficial.

     

    These 'assets' that are meaningless to Gu, and that he doesn't consider all that important anymore (been there, done that, and they matter nothing to him).

     

    And it's sadder how CH treated his thick and thin (even through crazy escapades like the staged  hilarious motorbike snatch thief incident) childhood buddy ... Du-hwan, even throwing a pebble at him. Du-hwan who has a heart of gold ... when GJ fell - he was honestly so concerned he ran after her (without visor, goggles too :sweat_smile:)  Stooopid yes, but he's genuine-pure without pretences.

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    7 hours ago, Latte_Anyday said:

    Mi Jung and Mr. Gu are attracted to all things macabre apparently. Well as Chang Hee put it; like attracts like after all. It was all so strange and bizarre the conversations Mi Jung had ha-ha with the dead animals.. things that look \

     ====>

    Turns out Gu and Mi Jung were destined from the beginning. He did get off the wrong station but stayed eventually for Mi Jung LoL He worshipped her even then eheh. When will they hug though LoL, I'm not asking for a kiss or anything ; just a hug. They just seem so cold. If they end up like her parents oh boy LMFAo.

    1) MJ and KJ are matter of fact ok with all things macabre.

    Gu is the one grimacing, cringing in the dark ... while he tries to 'protect and save' her from the dead animal corpse ... she is quite at home with 'splattered frogs flying like confetti' complete with Sound Effects!:lol:   (Gu, poor dude listening next to her,  who we hear cries over a dead dog.)

     

     

    2)  He only got off at the wrong station  - bec MJ is that screamer.

    In the train. He didn't know her then ... but got off bec of that scream. And that getting off at the wrong station = saved his life. He only realized way later - when she screamed the same thing at CH again, as they walked past him.

    2 hours ago, Elchan said:

    suspect Gu is a wealthy chaebol, the reason why he didnt want to get paid for working. GiJeong looks down on him thinking he's a "nobody", the rest of the family treats him fairly. End up Gu is a good catch for MiJung and they are destined to be together.

    Still think he's an athlete, and fairly well-off.  Somehow got mixed up with the shady BIL's sister.  That's prob more to the background.

    • Like 5
    • Blob 1

    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    On 4/30/2022 at 4:29 PM, Latte_Anyday said:

     

        Yup the term "worship" comes off wrong to me.. still.. don't ask me why it just does ok LoL. I mean I can understand why if Mi Jung was Beyonce ahahahah!??!

        It's funny how a fearless Mr. Gu get spooked by someone like Mi Jung ha-ha. She is truly a weird one. She is like a shriveled wallflower in front of her family, co-workers, etc but is a different person in front of Mr. Gu. Is she bipolar ha-ha?! Does she have a multiple personality disorder instead..? Maybe she should try that - fake a persona like Beyonce LoL. She has an alter ego - Sasha Fierce. Mi Jung should do that NOT worship.:tounge_xd:

        I knew it! Mr. Gu is definitely a loan shark/thug. Yup dude is a very bad .. baaaddd boy LoL. I now worry for the Yeom family's safety as his past are comin' back to haunt the poor guy.

        The lady from the Joy Club Center has the perfect face for a kindergarten teacher ha-ha. Kids will love her! I relate so much to the short guy with glasses on how he has nothin' to show livin' a routine life. He looks at the time and sees it pass by quickly..

        Chang Hee was logical ha. He said that when you know the results, you're confident and not nervous. However when you don't, you get nervous and your heart beat faster. Folks if your heart beat faster go get your heart checked LoL. It could be stroke or cardiac arrest.:tounge_xd:

     

    (1) "Worship" = my interpretation is (as it is mapping out), is really Acceptance. Meeting someone where they're at - Non-judging, Unconditional, Listening yet Non-prying too when they don't want to elaborate ... and basically just Supporting and Caring, being there for each other.

     

    As relationships/friendships should be ... but are often not.

     

    Mr Gu "spooked" = I don't think he is - he's just bemused. And bemused by his own reactions and 'obedience' - how MJ just matter of factly (boldly) calls out his "liking her" to his face. How he offers his worship item (HIS noodles hahahah!!) only to have her demand Water next. The damn cheek, the sheer audacity!

     

    And yet he does it! :kiss_wink:Note how he deliberately SETS that Water down ... with the gesture - to  like "so there you go - then what else now?" (like he's so aware, amused and yet so bemused by himself just responding and playing along too ... and enjoying it! MJ's like totally conditioning him, and he knows it (as he expressed out loud - again, prob another biggie for him, to communicate like that)

     

    Also him getting all nervous and snatching the bag of goodies fr the cashier ...  bec it was now running late and he'd impulsively gone in there for Water, Ice Cream? for his Queen who was arriving on the train. Hahaha! He so looks forward to these walks.

     

    So it isn't 'scary' or 'spooky' in that sense - but rather, how he is bemused by his own spontaneous obedience + responses to MJ :kiss_wink:, and how his actions will please-meet her approval. My 0.02 take on it anyway ... which is why he's always smilling his way.

     

    (2) Chang-hee is just hilariously bizarrely logical. In all his philosophies about pple, his rants - he's also quite spot-on about pple/interactions in all his observations.

     

    "My dad is an introvert = yet he managed to have 3 children" hahahaha! even as Dad almost bursts a blood vessel each time CH opens his mouth with a request

     

    "Life is a series of embarassing moments, from the moment you're born. You're born naked" omg :lol:

     

    To add to  the "face in construction" gems this Writer just keeps popping out.

    That helmet-goggles scene ... no words ... just ROFLMAO. They even had a signal! (and then Du-hwan forgetting to put on his goggles and just running after her hahahahah!)

     

    (3) Somehow I do NOT feel Mr Gu will turn out to be some Mafia Boss. It seems like it, but as with all the preview scenes thus far - none really lead up to the expected outcomes we think they do.

     

    The hardcore drinking Alcoholism is scary (and the consequences and toil on his body after months of doing this daily).

     

     

    He may be an Athlete (somehow his precise knowledge of the 11 mins and what kind of momentum is necc for Chang-hee to imitate his jump and how it was going to fail ... it's not just a Mafia kinda action knowledge). And that bionic jump of his!

    Maybe there's Sports Rigging, maybe he offended some big Sponsor or there was illegal betting in his sport and he didn't deliver ... whatever.

     

    Obviously something, somewhere happened and it was devastating.

    He may be damn disappointed in himself or someone he's close to (like that Ssaebi he kept asking about) or like MJ - he placed his trust wrongly in someone and it impacted someone else and he cannot forgive himself.

     

     

     

     

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    [Drama 2022] My Liberation Notes, 나의 해방일지

    in k-dramas & movies

    Posted

    The JOYS and old-Kdama kinda feels this drama brings each week!

    The crack-addiction type that makes me want to do a rewatch of a highly-anticipated episode (very seldom these days) and actually want to comment about it - again have not done that in a looong while.

     

    Soooo GOOD! the whole satisfying writing + acting + directing combination.

     

    1) The humanness of the Tae-Hoon ... as he hesitates over his spontaneous feelings and words, what it implies and then changes his text msg

    2) Chang Hee and his 'wisdom' rants (so much sense in that real feelings are a sense of contented peace and well being, and not a racing heartbeat really)

    3) The metaphorical simmering (of boiling water in pot) to MJ's emotions as she runs, all the way back to Mr Gu's house

    4) How they now sit TOGETHER on the bus, vs in seperate seats, alluding to the gradual closeness they now share vs being seperate entities

    5) How hilarious it is she ORDERS him to bring Water, on top of serving her the Noodles he was intending for self. The utter audacity of how bold she is, outing him as 'liking her' ...  ... seeing the humour himself obeying 'Queen' orders, and plopping Water in front of her.

    Q: Did I feel asleep somewhere- am NOT understanding the female who returns her call and talks to her about no $ (and who is in the background screaming through what seems like a domestic violence situation, with the guy)

    Who is this female? Is this a good friend who her former bf is now living with?

     

    • Like 6

    [Mainland Chinese Drama 2020] Dating In The Kitchen 我喜欢你

    in Mainland China

    Posted

    On 10/5/2020 at 7:59 AM, Malin Kim said:

    What I like about this drama is chemistry between the main leads. They act so well even their  conversations are well spoken. It just feels so genuine. I cant find any other dramas that can match their chemistry and also the comedies are gold i laughed till my stomach hurts everytime i repeat all their funny scene. Anyway i dont care about age gap at all just 15 years old and i tend to like older guys thats why this drama is my favorite. Lujin and Nannan fighting!!! 

    Try Centimeter of Love, which just ended today @ 44. The first episode is a little OTT, but the rest imo is quite fluid natural.

    To me, this one took #1, after Dating.

     

    There ARE folks like that from China, among the old crowd, their old-new worlds and expectations  - I have many, among my clientele. which is 90% China.

     

    The chemistry between the Centimeter leads is soooo natural, like Dating in the Kitchen.  I am currently watching Fate aka Just To See You which is pretty addictive (and imo it is still wanting,  when compared to Centimeter and Dating in the Kitchen in fluid-entertaining-chemistry level). Another watchable addictive one is Love is Sweet.

     

     

    On 11/3/2020 at 8:49 AM, Nodame said:

    @jessica somerhalder If you share the link, I will join you!

     

    Right @Malin Kim @pawla?

     

    Count me in too, please.  Thanks!

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