That is a phenomenal choice. My Mister (2018), also known as My Ahjussi (나의 아저씨), is widely regarded as one of the best and most impactful South Korean dramas of all time for its raw, realistic, and deeply human portrayal of loneliness, suffering, and healing.
It is a story of profound platonic connection, not romance.
| Detail | Information |
| Genre | Slice-of-Life, Drama, Psychological |
| Original Run | March 21 – May 17, 2018 (16 Episodes) |
| Network | tvN (Available globally on Netflix, Viki, etc.) |
| Director | Kim Won-seok (Misaeng, Signal) |
| Writer | Park Hae-young (Another Miss Oh) |
Plot Summary
The drama centers on the unexpected and healing bond between two individuals from vastly different walks of life who are both suffering in silence:
Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun): A middle-aged, quiet, and stoic structural engineer in his 40s. He carries the heavy burden of supporting his two unemployed brothers and his aging mother, while silently enduring a crumbling marriage (his wife is having an affair with his ruthless boss, Do Joon-young) and corporate backstabbing. He lives his life entirely for others and is utterly exhausted.
Lee Ji-an (IU / Lee Ji-eun): A young woman in her 20s. Cold, hardened, and working a temporary job at Dong-hoon's company. She lives a brutal existence, drowning in debt to a violent loan shark named Lee Kwang-il, and cares for her deaf, disabled grandmother. She has been forced to endure extreme hardship since childhood and has never known kindness.
The Catalyst: Ji-an is hired by Dong-hoon's jealous boss to spy on and sabotage him. However, as she bugs his phone and listens in on his private life, she is exposed to his profound decency, his silent pain, and his unwavering kindness toward others.
The Relationship: Through their shared, deep-seated misery, they form a unique, unspoken bond of empathy and mutual protection. She initially acts to betray him but gradually becomes his fierce guardian, and he, in turn, offers her the first glimpse of unconditional humanity and comfort she has ever known. The drama masterfully portrays how they silently save each other from their dark circumstances.
Why It's Highly Rated
Realism and Empathy: It is praised for its realistic portrayal of everyday life struggles, corporate politics, and financial hardship without exaggeration.
The Power of 'Jeong': The drama beautifully captures the Korean concept of jeong, a deep feeling of affection, loyalty, and connection that binds a community (especially the members of the neighborhood bar).
Healing: The core of the story is redemption and healing. The simple act of Dong-hoon telling Ji-an she is a "good person" is one of the most emotional and pivotal moments, signifying her first step toward recovery.
