Naui ajusshi

My Ajussi is far, far, FAR from the average Korean TV drama, though the vital part of longing and lingering feelings runs as deep as ever in this dark, brutal and beautiful story of love. Lived. Lost. Abandonned. Found.

The drama is gifted with strong characters. Also in the supporting roles. All struggling and wrapped in the curse and poetry of daily life filled with dark corners and moral choices.

From the perspective of a Scandinavian viewer, the story is told with a strangely familiar "Nordic Noir" grip and is definately some of the best Korean drama I have ever wiewed. Adding that I have viewed a lot.

This drama is a unique drama that does not portray the fantasy/romance world of dramas, but instead shows the value of life.

I started K dramas mostly for romance and I won't be wrong if I say that I always go for genres that are listed as romance and comedy. But after reading the reviews and popularity of My Ahjussi I thought of giving it a try. When I started with it I was at the verge of dropping the show but I continued. And just after 1 episode I was hooked. My Ahjussi is not an easy watch and it won't be shocking if you cry bucket full tears as I did. But if you are looking for something deep with no- nonsense stuff then you need to be patient and watch this show. It depicts humanity in the most purest form and the power of kindness. It has some of the most powerful dialogues backed with powerful performances by the actors. I was not able to point out a single plot hole in the whole run of 16 episode. It is a must must watch and do not miss this gem of a show.

I have watched all the episodes 4 times already. Nothing more to recommend. Watch it and feel it. Everything is excellent from Directing, Writing, Acting and all OSTs.

I was fooled by the poster of this series with the goofy-looking characters having a good time, thinking it is a feel-good comedy. How wrong I was. Without giving away the storyline, the male and female leads are ordinary people who live their miserable lives one day after another. What is not ordinary is their humanity as they cross paths with each other, the decisions they make and the actions they take that impact the other, for better or for worse.

The tone of the show is dark and at the same time we are intermittently sprinkled with rays of hope and joy till the very end. How much can you love another person, be that person your brother, son, spouse, childhood friend or... someone who was a perfect stranger until recently? How strong is your love or friendship without asking anything in return? Characters we would uncharitably reject as losers at first gradually but unequivocally become endearing to us as their life stories unfold. We feel their pain deeply. We want them to prevail and have a happier life. At the same time we understand how difficult it must be for them to break free from their past or simply from the constraints that society or the characters impose upon themselves. Despite their character flaws and their burden, none of our beloved characters demand our pity. Instead they want us to see them for who they are, to recognize their integrity and be proud of the love and friendship that binds them to each other in their neighborhood community.

And what a fabulous ending that is totally in character, even if I usually dislike ambiguous endings and I do long for more between our hero and heroine. It's several days after I finished the show and yet I still wonder how they relationship will develop in their next meeting...

If you rate a show based on your enjoyment after it ended and the lingering questions and thoughts it continues to provoke in you, this will have a perfect 10/10. In that respect, this is the best character-driven kdrama I have seen so far. As a matter of fact, it is among the very best shows I have seen, simply. Kudos to the directer, writer and fabulous actors.