Three Years Later: ‘My Liberation Notes’ Proves its Timeless Essence

My Liberation Notes is a masterclass in realistic storytelling, offering a raw and relatable exploration of life, love, and the search for meaning.

Words Felicity Anne Castor
Photo courtesy of JTBC
April 30, 2025

April 9 marks three years since My Liberation Notes first aired—a slice-of-life K-drama that quietly captured the hearts of many. Despite the time that’s passed, its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced characters have kept it deeply relevant. Today, more than ever, it stands as a timeless classic.

The story follows the Yeom siblings as they search for freedom from the monotony of their lives. Mi-jeong, the youngest, yearns to break free from emptiness and eventually finds her way to self-love. Gi-jeong, the eldest, is a romantic determined to fall in love before winter ends. Chang-hee, the middle sibling, dreams of a more comfortable life and brings a disarming charm.

Their lives shift with the arrival of Mr. Gu, a mysterious man whose quiet presence—especially in Mi-jeong’s life—becomes a source of quiet transformation. Exploring themes of hope, fulfillment, and the beauty in the mundane, My Liberation Notes continues to speak to anyone searching for meaning in everyday life.

Realistic cinematography

My Liberation Notes adopts a vérité style, portraying life with quiet realism. Most of the story unfolds in Sanpo, the siblings’ rural village, surrounded by open fields and green landscapes. In contrast, scenes in Seoul—where they work—are busy and crowded, emphasizing the divide between rural and urban life.

The family’s cluttered home and the characters’ plain, repetitive outfits add to the show’s relatability. They resemble people you might see every day, making the viewing experience feel almost intrusive—like watching real lives unfold. This subtle authenticity is what gives the series its unique charm.

Love in different lenses

The Yeom household is defined by distance and non-confrontation, a dynamic common in many Asian families where affection isn’t always openly expressed. This influences how the siblings approach love.

Mi-jeong, despite past heartbreak, decides to love Mr. Gu unconditionally, hoping they’ll both grow by winter’s end. Gi-jeong, though struggling with Gi-hun’s family, pursues love with unwavering passion. Chang-hee faces his own insecurities in his relationships with Ye-rin and Hyeon-a, marked by his stubbornness.

Though distant, the Yeom family’s love is evident, especially after their mother’s sudden death. Her passing is unexpectedly raw, and the family’s quiet support for each other through grief reflects a deeply real connection. These moments are painful yet relatable, striking a chord with viewers.

Religious symbolisms

My Liberation Notes is rich in religious symbolism, starting with the concept of reverence in the first episode, which becomes a key part of Mi-jeong and Mr. Gu’s complex relationship. Worship as a form of love is rarely explored outside of spiritual contexts, but the show seamlessly weaves it through their dynamic.

In one poignant monologue, Mi-jeong reflects on her prayers in church, seeking answers about her existence and the desire to experience heaven while alive.

The story of Salome and John the Baptist is echoed when Gi-jeong claims she’d pick up her lover’s head if needed, underscoring the extreme lengths she’s willing to go for love. Later, when Gi-hun gives her a broken rose, she tenderly places its head on a soy sauce dish, making the reference even clearer.

Chang-hee, meanwhile, appears deeply connected to death, almost as if he has a sixth sense. He recalls witnessing the deaths of his mother, grandmother, and childhood friend, Hyeok-su. "Just like this, my soul knows and my body just follows," he says. By the end, he finds himself in a funeral director class, seemingly by fate, and chooses to stay.

While My Liberation Notes is layered with symbolism, it never loses its raw, realistic portrayal of life. It captures our struggles, existential questions, and the search for meaning, turning them into a powerful and relatable work of art that continues to resonate.