Incomplete Life

In the last few years, big thanks to Netflix's wide range of international shows, I have started watching Korean and Chinese TV series and when these shows are good, they are just so brilliant unlike anything I have ever seen. These shows are much better than most of the British dramas, other International TV shows and shows that come out of Hollywood. There is no comparison, in my opinion.

Misaeng is no exception. The story of brutal Korean corporate/working culture and its effects on people of different backgrounds is so real/relatable and the acting so natural and unpretentious. The story grips you from the beginning and makes you take on a journey with every character. All the actors were so convincing in their roles especially the actors playing Jang Geu-rae and Oh Sang-shik. Sometimes, I completely forgot I was watching a TV series.

Thank you to everyone that made this thought-provoking & at times hilarious and infuriating show possible. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.

I'm not usually one for Korean TV, and before seeing Misaeng, I never thought I'd enjoy an 'office drama' so much.

Featuring structures of the traditional 'bildungsroman', snapshots into the grueling lives of salary-men and office politics, the show intertwines these concepts with humour, emotion, reflectiveness, wisdom, finely executed through a fitting soundtrack, impeccable cinematography and directing and outstanding acting.

A solid show thematically, it handles with great sensitivity and deftness the many delicately captured aspects of human nature and society. The characters and their development throughout the story are extremely well written and by far one of the most impressive aspects of the show, fleshed out by the complexity and subtle nuance of the relationships depicted. Entirely believable in both their strengths and vulnerabilities, the show allows an audience to connect with the characters on a very fundamental level.

You will find something of yourself, or someone that you know reflected in the characters of the show, the persistent underdog in Gurae who struggles against all odds, the talented but down to earth Young Yi whose exceptional ability as a woman incurs the resentment of her colleagues, the at first seemingly stoic Oh Sang Sik who over the course of the show reveals his deep capacity for empathy and self-sacrifice. Even the 'villains' are never cliché, one-dimensional cardboard cutouts to fill a gap in the story, but all serve towards Misaeng's intimate and moving exploration of the human condition.

Misaeng shows many aspects of mundane life, but never itself, becomes mundane, taking the viewer on a at times beautifully poignant, vividly evocative and greatly inspiring journey from start to finish.

As I believe this is a show that leaves a viewer of any demographic something to take away, I'd urge anyone reading this to give it a try.

For me, Misaeng certainly gave another small unexpected fragment to the missing pieces of my 'incomplete life.'

I've had my doubts when checking out the cast - it sure looked like an office romance to me, but man, I was wrong.

This is not romance nor is it a mere office soap. It's about people working in an office and the moments they share with each other. You got each office type you'd meet in real life portrayed as realistitc as possible for a drama series. You get to know each person's flaws even and yet you never end up fully hating on anyone. Every person has a believable storyline, motives, motivations.

On a sidenote, I'm an offive employee as well. Most of Misaeng is what my life is about - the work, the colleagues, the problems and epically funny moments, the bullying, the psychos, the coffee breaks... Wish I was as ambitious as Jang Gu-Rae, but mostly I enjoyed his naivety when facing problems and his loyalty towards Oh Sang-Shik and his colleagues.

My favourite characters would be Oh Sang-Shik, Kang Hae-Joon and Han Seok-Yool. I remember my first job as an intern and that first boss. The only boss so far I've ever actually looked up to (well, before that I'd worked at schools which was a completely different experience anyhow). Oh Sang-Shik reminded me of my boss, the only boss I've ever met that was absolutely loyal and who everyone was loyal to because of that. I've learnt alot from him and will always be grateful. Manager Kang, oh well, not gonna lie, I have a weakness for people like that and I loved his taste in women - I think this is the manager I'd definitely learn the most from. While on the other hand, Seok-Yool, that one co-worker you really need in an office, who has more empathy than anyone else, yet sometimes seems like a dork. He's that good soul that'll keep the group together no matter what.

I don't really want to go to work tomorrow, it's a heck load of work and people are sick these days, so it's more work for those who aren't on sick leave - but I feel motivated after finishing Misaeng.

10/10 would recommend because Misaeng has that spark - that charisma that so many k-dramas are missing.

I am completely captured by the competence of the writers, director, actors and producers that created this series of highly thought provoking and insightful themes of everyday working culture. Thank you for making me think and review, the complex strategies revealed in the stories and in the acting portrayed. An intelligent and unconventional K-drama that's terrific as it is polorizing.

This is a beautifully done simple story about an office, teamwork and relationships. After an episode or two, you are fully invested in the character Im Siwan plays and will be cheering him on. While there are no action scenes or fighting or even romance, it will grip your heart and at the end, you are disappointed it is finished.