My Liberation Notes

“당신은 무엇으로부터 해방되고 싶으신가요?”

“What do you want to break free from?”

When people ask for K-drama recommendations, there are several that come to mind. Of the most recent ones, MY LIBERATION NOTES is near the top of my list. Obviously because of the charming characters that feel too real to be in a fictional story. But mainly because the message of this series is so relatable for all young adults (and just human beings) navigating the “real world” and finding their purpose and place in this world. The characters work to identify their internal suppressors and break free from whatever it is that is stunting their growth - whether it be childhood trauma, depression, their ego, etc.

Another reason why this drama stood out is because the current K-drama trends are…

1) Webtoon Adaptations - which are often a combination of very cartoon-like characters with superpowers & an extraordinary premise.

2) Revenge Plots - usually characters are fighting the extreme injustices in society (school bullying, police corruption, etc.) by getting back at them tenfold.

These aren’t the types of stories that I’m naturally drawn to, personally. I’m curious about human nature, the details and complexities in human relationships, and intimate stories that feel real.

So naturally, after this series was released in 2022, I have found myself rewatching episodes at random; it feels like warm, soupy, comfort food in the midst of an overwhelming flood of super spicy, intense, and overstimulating TV.

우리 다 행복했으면 좋겠어. 쨍하고 햇볕난 것처럼 구겨진 것 하나 없이.

I’d like everyone to be happy. Bright as sunshine without a crease on their hearts.

In this drama, we find people who are broken. They long to find meaning in their ordinary lives; in other words, to find liberation from whatever is keeping them captive. It takes a while to find one’s footing as an adult. What does it even mean to be a “good adult”? In a world that is so fast-paced and where things are valued over people, the characters in this story take baby steps, not long strides, to live life to the fullest. To be fully themselves and accept others as they do their own.

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In Korean, there is this one saying: “그릇이 큰 사람”

Translation according to Google: A person with a large bowl

Iris’ Context: The more mature a person is, the bigger their “bowl”; the bigger the capacity to store and pour out love, empathize with others, and be gracious with themselves.

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This phrase has a positive connotation. You would typically use it to describe a person you respect and look up to — that doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be older. A young person (even a child) could have a “large bowl”.

It describes someone that has a bigger-than-average heart, is generous and respectful to all those around them, and has the capacity (and maturity) to consider others before themselves. Someone that chooses to see the bright side in life and is wise enough to learn from their trials and tribulations. They are honest and know when to own up to their mistakes.

Throughout this drama, we come to realize that Mi-jeong has a “large bowl”. The hope is for all of us to continue to grow in our capacity to love ourselves, and subsequently pour out onto others. There isn’t much else to life after all… right?