I have this to-watch list where I list down all the drama i'm planning to watch (I have another 20+ on the list) and I actually list down most of the prime time dramas as long as I feel like watching whether it's because of the writer/director/cast or even the teasers but Misaeng wasn't initially on the list, I even skipped watching the teasers because I was just simply not interested in it. As Misaeng started showing, it received rave reviews and loads of attention which surprised me, how on earth does a drama about typical office workers get so much attention? I was curious and it was this curiosity that made me start the drama, and I don't regret a single bit.
Misaeng is one of those rare master piece that depicts reality in such a interesting way, despite the show's background being about relationships of co workers and working in the office, the show is a learning journey and enjoyable for all age groups. If you are a child, through the drama you will understand what your parents are going through everyday and maybe be more understanding, if you are at the studying age (below 21 I guess), like I am, you will learn the importance of studying hard and that the world isn't as easy and innocent as the way it seems. If you are an adult looking for a job or already have a job, you will find the drama as a pillar of strength, if you are having a hard day, you will realize that you are not the only one, plenty of others are facing the same situation and feeling the same way you feel so you are not alone. If you are a housewife/house husband, you will realise how hard your wife/husband or children are working and maybe learn to be more understanding towards them.
Misaeng is a drama that certainly emphasises on quality, each episode was special and filmed beautifully (they actually when to Jordan to film that few scenes..). The relationships between the workers are done so well, it wasn't just a one man show for Im Si Wan, all the characters have their time to shine, the drama also tackles many day to day problems faced by normal people (because we are not chaebols that are afraid that our multi billion company will be stolen away), the problems are something we face everyday which may sound uninteresting but that's the exact reason why Misaeng is so successful, the realistic characters and problems makes it easy to touch the hearts of viewers, Misaeng is a drama that tells viewers in the face that they do understand what everyone of us are facing everyday and you are not alone.
THE CHARACTERS
Im Si Wan as Jang Geu Rae
Jang Geu Rae isn't your usual drama lead material, he isn't successful nor talented nor is he a chaebol but he is a earnest, sincere, diligent and a calm man that honestly, we don't actually see often in our life. One thing I really like about Geu Rae is that he thinks a lot and we get to hear his thoughts (well, some dramas don't let us hear the thoughts of the character and just expects us to do guessing), he isn't the kind of person that will regret his words or actions because he thinks clearly before talking or making an action because he is simply not reckless (which you have to admit, it is kind of rare). Geu Rae worked many part time jobs in the past having to give up school due to financial issues and failing at becoming a professional go board game player so he can only use his physical strength to find jobs but through connections, he got into the company as a intern and many of the interns disliked him because he does not have the ability or a university cert but he outshined them all and prove everyone wrong by making through till the end and manage to clinch a two year contract with the company. The journey of Jang Geu Rae's work life (because he doesn't actually have his own personal life as he isn't exactly sociable nor interested to have a girlfriend) is memorable, I love seeing how Geu Rae grows and what he learns as he faces problems and how he overcomes them, Geu Rae isn't smart but the only reason why he outshined the rest is that he is sincere and calm and hardworking which makes viewers absolutely love Geu Rae.
It was surprising for me when they announce that they casted Im Si Wan as the lead in a show about ordinary salaryman because firstly, he has this baby face that can pass off as a student, secondly, he is a idol and idols are usually casted as students/singers/actors or in typical rom com but well most importantly because I have never seen Im Si Wan act and I never knew he is such a strong actor (I kind of quite forgotten the fact that he wasn't a full time actor and instead, he is a idol-actor throughout the show which was a good thing. p/s i'm not against idol actors, I got absolutely nothing against it but SOME idol actors have serious acting issues so....). Im Si Wan certainly stands out as one of the top actors of his age, Geu Rae isn't an easy character to portray, he is quiet and calm so if the acting job is not done properly, it might seem that Geu Rae is a stiff and emotionless fellow but Im Si Wan did a great job so he show cased Geu Rae's feelings clearly even despite the little emotions that Geu Rae has.
Kang So Ra as Ahn Young Yi
Ahn Young Yi is a really talented intern, she knows many languages and practically does everything well and she is extremely pretty cause she is Kang So Ra *goals* She started off being quite annoyed by Geu Rae's inability to even do simple stuff like answering the phone and he's cry for help every single time the phone rings haha, but as she starts interacting with Geu Rae, she starts admiring Geu Rae's hardworking personality and sincerity. I'm actually quite happy Young Yi isn't a character that exist just for the sake of giving Geu Rae a love line (in fact, they didn't have a love line), Young Yi has her own story and faced hardships in the past that made her have a strong personality (which I like).
The web toon writer stated that he/she is quite worried that Kang So Ra is too pretty for the role and I totally agree that she is too pretty. In reality, if someone like Kang So Ra appears in your office, guys will probably swarm around her like bees but that's not the case in the drama (except Kang Ha Nuel's character that shows interest). I did watch Kang So Ra in Doctor Stranger which I later drop and also Dream High 2 in which I stop after one episode so this is my first official Kang So Ra drama, she is pretty strong as an actress and a pleasure to watch so I finally understand why she has such a huge fan base.
Kang Ha Nuel as Jang Baek Ki
Jang Baek Ki is also a intern, he is smart and confident and he is also initially the only one that wants to help Geu Rae because he pities him but soon he starts getting jealous of Geu Rae due to his success and how much people like him. Baek Ki is a character that actually can be easily found around out life but something that I admire about Baek Ki is that he learns from his mistakes, despite being really confident and all, but when he is at fault, he admits it and tries to change it. Baek Ki has a little crush on Young Yi so he gets a little jealous when Young Yi seems to be extremely nice to Geu Rae haha but it was quite harmless since the drama does not bother setting any love lines.
Kang Ha Nuel with glasses, formal dressing and a weird haircut and I can't even recognise him anymore. Baek Ki is quite different from Kang Ha Nuel's previous roles, I watched him play student twice (Heirs and Monstar) and in Angel Eyes where he appeared for a while as the child counterpart, he was quite impressive in his previous roles and he is really cute but he gave me a completely different feeling here. When watching him as Baek Ki, I forgotten completely that this is the same Kang Ha Nuel that played the cute second male lead that didn't get the girl in Monstar, Heirs, his change of appearance did play a huge part but his acting contribute largely too. He did well here, in fact I think he made quite a large improvement from Monstar (He actually barely appeared in Heirs...), hopefully drama land gives us more of cute Kang Ha Nuel next haha.
Byun Yo Han as Han Suk Ryul
Han Suk Ryul is another intern and also the finale intern that got the two year contract. He started of pretty unlikable, having to be a pervert and a free loader that makes Geu Rae do all the work and he gets the attention tsk but as the drama goes on, I started liking Suk Ryul, he became much more than what he was portrayed in the first few episodes. Suk Ryul is probably the only character that knows fun in the drama haha because everyone else is just too serious, he often lightens up the mood and cheer everyone else up (but when he is upset, nobody seems to be there for him *cries*).
Byun Yo Han is quite unknown until Misaeng, I've never heard nor seen him before, maybe it's because that he mainly did movies and Misaeng is his first drama but whatever it is, he has certainly caught my attention now and certainly has a bright career ahead of him having to make Suk Ryul so freaking memorable and lovable despite he's flaws.
Kim Dae Myung as Kim Dong Shik
Kim Dong Shik is the assistant manager of sales team three in which Geu Rae works in (and viewers absolutely love), he started off quite upset that instead of some talented intern he gets the clueless and talented in nothing Geu Rae as their group's intern but as the drama goes on, he starts loving Geu Rae and kinda treats him as a little brother, he understands and tries to put himself in Geu Rae's shoes and helps him as much as possible.
Kim Dae Myung probably looks closest to the actual webtoon character as compared to others haha, Actor Kim Dae Myung and Kim Dong Shik, the character shined so much in the drama, the large cast didn't make us forget about him and his character.
Lee Sung Min as Oh Sang Shik
Saving the best for last, we have the beloved manager of sales team 3, Oh Sang Shik. Oh Sang Shik initially disliked Geu Rae (well, who will like an intern that is clueless and good at almost nothing) but as he starts understanding Geu Rae and notices how hard he works, he starts admiring him and take cares of him. Oh Sang Shik is realistic which I really like, he is careful with his words and actions (sometimes) and he is probably the type of boss we all want to have. I really love the interactions and relationship between Oh Sang Shik and Geu Rae, Oh Sang Shik is kind of a father figure to Geu Rae and their relationship is actually better than a love line. It was touching and hit me really hard with overflowing emotions so this will probably be my all time favourite bromance (along with Bridal Mask's).
Lee Sung Min and Im Si Wan probably makes magic, it's the second time they are working together and both are a huge success. They first worked together in the commercial and critically successful movie, The Attorney (which I didn't watch but I may give it a try) and after shortly, they get to work together for Misaeng which was also a ratings hit and received rave reviews, they two have serious chemistry together. (not the girl-guy chemistry obviously) I first saw Lee Sung Min in My Princess which I actually strongly disliked and then in King 2Hearts but I didn't exactly notice him so it was until Miss Korea that I like him, he had a great role in Miss Korea so I love him and his character there and so i'm happy to say he manage to hit me in the right spot and come out with another fantastic role and performance here.
STORY AND DIRECTING
Title: 미생 / Misaeng
Also known as: Incomplete Life
Tagline: 아직 살아 있지 못한 자 (Not yet alive)
Genre: Drama
Episodes: 20
Broadcast network: tvN
Broadcast period: 2014-Oct-17 to 2014-Dec-20
Air time: Friday & Saturday 20:40 (ep 1-2), Friday & Saturday 20:30 (ep 3-)
Original Soundtrack: Misaeng OST
FROM DRAMAWIKI
I wasn't crazy addicted to Misaeng which I usually am if I give the drama a 10 because each episode of Misaeng feels like a new beginning, Misaeng doesn't stop at climax and make you want to know what happen and thus continue watching the next episode but even without that, I still wanted to watch Misaeng because each episode made me feel differently and I learn something new after each episode and most of the episode manage to pile loads of emotions on me. The drama doesn't try hard to be funny but it was just naturally funny, it was entertaining despite it's storyline that sounds simply boring and plain and the drama definitely gave much more than what was expected of it. Both the web toon writer and screenwriter are brilliant, the webtoon writer's ability to make everyday problems interesting and ability to touch viewer's hearts is certainly impressive and the screenwriter's ability to portray the story well within 20 episodes and make the drama so impactful to viewers. The directing was no doubt great too, despite large amount of the drama having to be in the office, it wasn't boring and I love the way it started (although I have to admit, the starting was confusing, I almost thought I am watching the wrong show). The chemistry between the cast was great too, sales team three and the intern-turn-two-year-contract-workers will certainly be kept in my mind for a long time.
IN CONCLUSION
Despite all the great things I have to say about the show, the drama may not be everyone's cup of tea. I have heard of my friends or others that gave up on the show because they found it quite boring and that the drama becomes pointless as it goes on but I didn't feel that way. The drama can seem boring as compared to stuff like Pinocchio and Birth Of A Beauty because of it's calm way of story telling and the story line and it doesn't have a love line but I think it's lack of huge drama (you know, stuff like revenge/fighting over power/cheating spouse and other dramas we see in drama land) is something that attracted a huge part of me.
Personal Ratings: 10/10
How much it deserves: 10/10
Misaeng is one of those rare master piece that depicts reality in such a interesting way, despite the show's background being about relationships of co workers and working in the office, the show is a learning journey and enjoyable for all age groups. If you are a child, through the drama you will understand what your parents are going through everyday and maybe be more understanding, if you are at the studying age (below 21 I guess), like I am, you will learn the importance of studying hard and that the world isn't as easy and innocent as the way it seems. If you are an adult looking for a job or already have a job, you will find the drama as a pillar of strength, if you are having a hard day, you will realize that you are not the only one, plenty of others are facing the same situation and feeling the same way you feel so you are not alone. If you are a housewife/house husband, you will realise how hard your wife/husband or children are working and maybe learn to be more understanding towards them.
Misaeng is a drama that certainly emphasises on quality, each episode was special and filmed beautifully (they actually when to Jordan to film that few scenes..). The relationships between the workers are done so well, it wasn't just a one man show for Im Si Wan, all the characters have their time to shine, the drama also tackles many day to day problems faced by normal people (because we are not chaebols that are afraid that our multi billion company will be stolen away), the problems are something we face everyday which may sound uninteresting but that's the exact reason why Misaeng is so successful, the realistic characters and problems makes it easy to touch the hearts of viewers, Misaeng is a drama that tells viewers in the face that they do understand what everyone of us are facing everyday and you are not alone.
THE CHARACTERS
Im Si Wan as Jang Geu Rae
Jang Geu Rae isn't your usual drama lead material, he isn't successful nor talented nor is he a chaebol but he is a earnest, sincere, diligent and a calm man that honestly, we don't actually see often in our life. One thing I really like about Geu Rae is that he thinks a lot and we get to hear his thoughts (well, some dramas don't let us hear the thoughts of the character and just expects us to do guessing), he isn't the kind of person that will regret his words or actions because he thinks clearly before talking or making an action because he is simply not reckless (which you have to admit, it is kind of rare). Geu Rae worked many part time jobs in the past having to give up school due to financial issues and failing at becoming a professional go board game player so he can only use his physical strength to find jobs but through connections, he got into the company as a intern and many of the interns disliked him because he does not have the ability or a university cert but he outshined them all and prove everyone wrong by making through till the end and manage to clinch a two year contract with the company. The journey of Jang Geu Rae's work life (because he doesn't actually have his own personal life as he isn't exactly sociable nor interested to have a girlfriend) is memorable, I love seeing how Geu Rae grows and what he learns as he faces problems and how he overcomes them, Geu Rae isn't smart but the only reason why he outshined the rest is that he is sincere and calm and hardworking which makes viewers absolutely love Geu Rae.
It was surprising for me when they announce that they casted Im Si Wan as the lead in a show about ordinary salaryman because firstly, he has this baby face that can pass off as a student, secondly, he is a idol and idols are usually casted as students/singers/actors or in typical rom com but well most importantly because I have never seen Im Si Wan act and I never knew he is such a strong actor (I kind of quite forgotten the fact that he wasn't a full time actor and instead, he is a idol-actor throughout the show which was a good thing. p/s i'm not against idol actors, I got absolutely nothing against it but SOME idol actors have serious acting issues so....). Im Si Wan certainly stands out as one of the top actors of his age, Geu Rae isn't an easy character to portray, he is quiet and calm so if the acting job is not done properly, it might seem that Geu Rae is a stiff and emotionless fellow but Im Si Wan did a great job so he show cased Geu Rae's feelings clearly even despite the little emotions that Geu Rae has.
Kang So Ra as Ahn Young Yi
Ahn Young Yi is a really talented intern, she knows many languages and practically does everything well and she is extremely pretty cause she is Kang So Ra *goals* She started off being quite annoyed by Geu Rae's inability to even do simple stuff like answering the phone and he's cry for help every single time the phone rings haha, but as she starts interacting with Geu Rae, she starts admiring Geu Rae's hardworking personality and sincerity. I'm actually quite happy Young Yi isn't a character that exist just for the sake of giving Geu Rae a love line (in fact, they didn't have a love line), Young Yi has her own story and faced hardships in the past that made her have a strong personality (which I like).
The web toon writer stated that he/she is quite worried that Kang So Ra is too pretty for the role and I totally agree that she is too pretty. In reality, if someone like Kang So Ra appears in your office, guys will probably swarm around her like bees but that's not the case in the drama (except Kang Ha Nuel's character that shows interest). I did watch Kang So Ra in Doctor Stranger which I later drop and also Dream High 2 in which I stop after one episode so this is my first official Kang So Ra drama, she is pretty strong as an actress and a pleasure to watch so I finally understand why she has such a huge fan base.
Kang Ha Nuel as Jang Baek Ki
Jang Baek Ki is also a intern, he is smart and confident and he is also initially the only one that wants to help Geu Rae because he pities him but soon he starts getting jealous of Geu Rae due to his success and how much people like him. Baek Ki is a character that actually can be easily found around out life but something that I admire about Baek Ki is that he learns from his mistakes, despite being really confident and all, but when he is at fault, he admits it and tries to change it. Baek Ki has a little crush on Young Yi so he gets a little jealous when Young Yi seems to be extremely nice to Geu Rae haha but it was quite harmless since the drama does not bother setting any love lines.
Kang Ha Nuel with glasses, formal dressing and a weird haircut and I can't even recognise him anymore. Baek Ki is quite different from Kang Ha Nuel's previous roles, I watched him play student twice (Heirs and Monstar) and in Angel Eyes where he appeared for a while as the child counterpart, he was quite impressive in his previous roles and he is really cute but he gave me a completely different feeling here. When watching him as Baek Ki, I forgotten completely that this is the same Kang Ha Nuel that played the cute second male lead that didn't get the girl in Monstar, Heirs, his change of appearance did play a huge part but his acting contribute largely too. He did well here, in fact I think he made quite a large improvement from Monstar (He actually barely appeared in Heirs...), hopefully drama land gives us more of cute Kang Ha Nuel next haha.
Byun Yo Han as Han Suk Ryul
Han Suk Ryul is another intern and also the finale intern that got the two year contract. He started of pretty unlikable, having to be a pervert and a free loader that makes Geu Rae do all the work and he gets the attention tsk but as the drama goes on, I started liking Suk Ryul, he became much more than what he was portrayed in the first few episodes. Suk Ryul is probably the only character that knows fun in the drama haha because everyone else is just too serious, he often lightens up the mood and cheer everyone else up (but when he is upset, nobody seems to be there for him *cries*).
Byun Yo Han is quite unknown until Misaeng, I've never heard nor seen him before, maybe it's because that he mainly did movies and Misaeng is his first drama but whatever it is, he has certainly caught my attention now and certainly has a bright career ahead of him having to make Suk Ryul so freaking memorable and lovable despite he's flaws.
Kim Dae Myung as Kim Dong Shik
Kim Dong Shik is the assistant manager of sales team three in which Geu Rae works in (and viewers absolutely love), he started off quite upset that instead of some talented intern he gets the clueless and talented in nothing Geu Rae as their group's intern but as the drama goes on, he starts loving Geu Rae and kinda treats him as a little brother, he understands and tries to put himself in Geu Rae's shoes and helps him as much as possible.
Kim Dae Myung probably looks closest to the actual webtoon character as compared to others haha, Actor Kim Dae Myung and Kim Dong Shik, the character shined so much in the drama, the large cast didn't make us forget about him and his character.
Lee Sung Min as Oh Sang Shik
Saving the best for last, we have the beloved manager of sales team 3, Oh Sang Shik. Oh Sang Shik initially disliked Geu Rae (well, who will like an intern that is clueless and good at almost nothing) but as he starts understanding Geu Rae and notices how hard he works, he starts admiring him and take cares of him. Oh Sang Shik is realistic which I really like, he is careful with his words and actions (sometimes) and he is probably the type of boss we all want to have. I really love the interactions and relationship between Oh Sang Shik and Geu Rae, Oh Sang Shik is kind of a father figure to Geu Rae and their relationship is actually better than a love line. It was touching and hit me really hard with overflowing emotions so this will probably be my all time favourite bromance (along with Bridal Mask's).
Lee Sung Min and Im Si Wan probably makes magic, it's the second time they are working together and both are a huge success. They first worked together in the commercial and critically successful movie, The Attorney (which I didn't watch but I may give it a try) and after shortly, they get to work together for Misaeng which was also a ratings hit and received rave reviews, they two have serious chemistry together. (not the girl-guy chemistry obviously) I first saw Lee Sung Min in My Princess which I actually strongly disliked and then in King 2Hearts but I didn't exactly notice him so it was until Miss Korea that I like him, he had a great role in Miss Korea so I love him and his character there and so i'm happy to say he manage to hit me in the right spot and come out with another fantastic role and performance here.
STORY AND DIRECTING
Synopsis
The drama follows the lives of ordinary salary men and details their struggles in the workplace.FROM DRAMAWIKI
I wasn't crazy addicted to Misaeng which I usually am if I give the drama a 10 because each episode of Misaeng feels like a new beginning, Misaeng doesn't stop at climax and make you want to know what happen and thus continue watching the next episode but even without that, I still wanted to watch Misaeng because each episode made me feel differently and I learn something new after each episode and most of the episode manage to pile loads of emotions on me. The drama doesn't try hard to be funny but it was just naturally funny, it was entertaining despite it's storyline that sounds simply boring and plain and the drama definitely gave much more than what was expected of it. Both the web toon writer and screenwriter are brilliant, the webtoon writer's ability to make everyday problems interesting and ability to touch viewer's hearts is certainly impressive and the screenwriter's ability to portray the story well within 20 episodes and make the drama so impactful to viewers. The directing was no doubt great too, despite large amount of the drama having to be in the office, it wasn't boring and I love the way it started (although I have to admit, the starting was confusing, I almost thought I am watching the wrong show). The chemistry between the cast was great too, sales team three and the intern-turn-two-year-contract-workers will certainly be kept in my mind for a long time.
IN CONCLUSION
Despite all the great things I have to say about the show, the drama may not be everyone's cup of tea. I have heard of my friends or others that gave up on the show because they found it quite boring and that the drama becomes pointless as it goes on but I didn't feel that way. The drama can seem boring as compared to stuff like Pinocchio and Birth Of A Beauty because of it's calm way of story telling and the story line and it doesn't have a love line but I think it's lack of huge drama (you know, stuff like revenge/fighting over power/cheating spouse and other dramas we see in drama land) is something that attracted a huge part of me.
Personal Ratings: 10/10
How much it deserves: 10/10
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