'My Liberation Notes' depicts three siblings' search for happiness

From left, actors Lee El, Lee Min-ki and Kim Ji-won pose during a press conference for JTBC's drama “My Liberation Notes” in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of JTBC

By Kwak Yeon-soo

“My Liberation Notes” revolves around family bonds, friendships and romantic relationships that are sure to strike a chord with viewers. The new JTBC drama is about three siblings who are completely different from each other but commute together to work from their home on the outskirts of Seoul.

Director Kim Suk-yoon, who was behind JTBC's “Dazzling” (2019) and “Law School” (2021), said the upcoming series follows various trials and tribulations of the three siblings as they navigate life and search for happiness.

“I think liberation carries a broader meaning in our drama. This drama looks at how adults achieve personal growth because we never stop learning until we die. It will offer plenty of cathartic moments,” he said during an online press conference for “My Liberation Notes,” Friday.

On collaborating with star drama writer Park Hae-young, who penned tvN's “Again Oh” (2016) and “My Mister” (2018), he said they had fun discussing and exchanging ideas on different scenes.

“We have known each other for over a decade since we worked together on KBS' 'Old Miss Diary' (2006). Instead of holding face-to-face meetings, we simply exchanged ideas through a messaging app,” he added.

Lee Min-ki stars as the oldest sibling, Chang-hee, who seems to be living aimlessly. “In fact, Chang-hee has big life plans, but people think he has no goals or ambitions in life. That makes him an approachable character,” he said.

On starring alongside the two actresses, Lee El and Kim Ji-won, he said that they felt like his real sisters. “I don't have a sister in real life, but while filming, I thought it would be nice if El and Ji-won were really my sisters. We really felt like a family. Together, we laughed a lot and really enjoyed filming,” he said.

Lee plays the role of Ki-jung, who is unhappy in her current life and work situation and is desperate to find love.

“Ki-jung is clumsy and immature. However, she is the most realistic and endearing character who would be lovely to befriend in real life,” she explained.

Kim Ji-won stars as the youngest sibling Mi-jung, an introvert who avoids socializing. She is so used to being alone, but she is eager to make a change.

“Mi-jung is an outsider who doesn't have many friends. She is hardly visible at home as well. I was drawn to the character because we have similarities. I like to be awake at dawn, and I am shy yet courageous,” she said.

Son Suk-ku appears as Mr. Gu, a mysterious neighbor who is new to town. He gradually regains a sense of purpose in life after getting along with the three siblings.

“My Liberation Notes” will air every Saturday and Sunday on JTBC at 10:30 p.m.