The drama is set in the fictional Seoul suburb of Sanpo, Gyeonggi-do.[a]My Liberation Notes is about three siblings, (Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won and Lee El), all of whom have to make a long commute to Seoul, and a mysterious stranger (Son Suk-ku), who works for their father in the sticks. All of them wish to escape from their dead-end lives amid office politics, gap between rich and poor, and skeletons in their closets.
On September 24, 2021, Chorokbaem Media announced that it had signed a contract with JTBC Studios to produce and supply the series with "8 billion won worth of budget for a total of 16 episodes".[4]
The series drew attention for its dialogues and monologues with deep metaphorical meanings, and realistic and relatable storyline.[50][51] Novel concepts of "worshipping" (Korean: 추앙; RR: chuang)[b] and "liberation" (Korean: 해방; RR: haebang)[c] brought up in the drama were well received by the audience.[52][53][54] The series was also praised for its depiction of social pressure that captures the frustrations and challenges of young adult life in Korea.[55]
Pierce Conran writing for South China Morning Post stated "With four intricate and distinct lead characters, terrific dialogue and a bounteous array of intimate moments for all the smaller characters in the cast, My Liberation Notes is far and away the best drama on TV right now"[56] and gave 4.5 stars out of 5.[57] Park Han-na of Korea Herald described the series as "a portrait of a generation trapped by the preconditions set by themselves and the society".[54] Seo Byeong-gi of Herald Business praised the writer Park Hae-young for drama's stimulation of empathy in everyday life.[58] During the broadcast, actor Gong Yoo on Instagram, recommended his fans to watch My Liberation Notes[59] and after the series finished airing he left a review in his fancafe, praising its direction, screenplay and performance of actors.[60]
The series enjoyed modest viewership share: the first episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 2.9% and reached the highest rating with the last episode, which recorded the 6.7%.[61]My Liberation Notes topped TV popularity ranking in last four weeks of its eight week run[62] while Son Suk-ku and Kim Ji-won took first and second place respectively in drama performers popularity ranking for five consecutive weeks.[63]
The series debuted at number nine on the Netflix's Global Top 10 for non-English television in the list issued for May 16–22, 2022,[64][65] ascending to number five in the following week.[66][67]
My Liberation Notes : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. There is more info on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.
Season
Episode number
Average
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1
0.651
0.622
0.574
0.538
0.579
0.900
0.769
0.902
0.848
1.006
1.000
1.212
1.149
1.462
1.443
1.545
0.950
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[68]
In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
This drama aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).
^Though Sanpo is a fictional village, Gyeonggi-do, where it's based, is a real province.[7] Sanpo is often described as a village near Suwon, a real city in Gyeonggi-do.
^Yeom Mi-jeong asks Mr. Gu to 'worship' her since love is not enough for her to feel whole.
^Yeom Mi-jeong forms a Liberation Club with two other co-workers of her company, in order to be liberated from their mundane daily life.
^ abcdePark, Soo-in (July 9, 2021). "이민기 김지원 손석구 이엘 '나의 해방일지' 출연 "내년 첫방송"(공식)" [Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Seok-gu, and EL appear in 'My Liberation Journal' "First broadcast next year" (official)] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^Kim Joo-hee (May 27, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' OST 합본 발매…'추앙송' 수록" ['My Liberation Journal' OST Combination Released... Included in 'Cheong Song'] (in Korean). newsis. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abChae, Seong-oh (September 14, 2021). "초록뱀미디어, '나의 해방일지' 80억 계약 체결" [Chorokbaem Media, 'My Liberation Journal' signed a contract of 8 billion won] (in Korean). Blotter. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^"평범한 인생, 한 번은 채워지고 싶다! JTBC '나의 해방일지'" [An ordinary life, I want to be filled at least once! JTBC 'My Liberation Diary']. JTBC (in Korean). March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
^Jung, Yu-jin (April 22, 2021). "[단독]이엘, 박해영 작가 신작 '나의 해방일지' 출연" [[Exclusive] EL, writer Park Hae-young's new work 'My Liberation Journal' Appears] (in Korean). SpoTV News. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^Shim, Eon-kyung (July 20, 2021). "[단독]천호진, '나의 해방 일지' 합류...이민기·김지원과 호흡" [[Exclusive] Chun Ho-jin joins 'My Liberation Journal'...Breathing with Lee Min-ki and Kim Ji-won] (in Korean). SpoTV News. Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^Kim, Soo-jung (March 4, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 이민기, 천호진에 설움 폭발 "키스는 어디서..."" ['My Liberation Diary' Lee Min-ki and Cheon Ho-jin explode with anger "Where did we kiss..."] (in Korean). X-port News. Archived from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2022 – via Naver.
^Cheon, Yoon-hye (November 24, 2021). "전혜진, '나의 해방일지' 출연 확정..이민기-김지원과 호흡[공식]" [Jeon Hye-jin confirmed to appear in 'My Liberation Journal'...Immigration-Kim Ji Won and Breathing [Official]] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^Park, Pan-seok (April 9, 2022). "첫방 '나의 해방일지' 이민기X이엘X김지원, 이별 당하고 무시 당하고 사기 당하는 삼남매[종합]" [First episode 'My Liberation Journal' Lee Min-ki X EL X Kim Ji-won, three siblings who are separated, ignored and deceived [General]] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim, Hye-jeong (April 8, 2022). "배우 양준명 '나의 해방일지' 합류[공식]" [Actor Yang Jun-myung joins 'My Liberation Journal' [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2022 – via Naver.
^Son Bong-seok (May 9, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 양준명, 연기력으로 견인한 민규 캐릭터의 매력" ['My Liberation Journal' Yang Jun-myeong, the charm of Mingyu's character, driven by his acting skills] (in Korean). Sports Trend. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022 – via Naver.
^Jang, Woo-young (April 17, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 이민기, 전수진과 이별 뒤 숨겨진 진실..감정 폭발 열연" ['My Liberation Journal' Lee Min-ki, the truth behind the breakup with Jeon Su-jin..emotional explosion] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022 – via Naver.
^Jung, Yu-jin (April 26, 2022). "이주영 주연 '윤시내가 사라졌다', 6월 개봉 확정...JIFF 초고속 매진" [Lee Joo-young's 'I Disappeared', starring Lee Joo-young, confirmed for release in June...JIFF Super Speed Sold Out] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022 – via Naver.
^Hong, Se-young (July 15, 2021). "이기우 '나의 해방 일지' 출연확정 [공식]" [Lee Ki-woo confirmed to appear in 'My Liberation Journal' [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^ abcKim, Myung-mi (March 30, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 이기우→박수영, 명품 신스틸러 활약 예고" ['My Liberation Journal' Lee Ki-woo → Park Soo-young, previewing the activity of a luxury scene stealer] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on March 30, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^Jo Eun-ae (May 15, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 김지원, 손석구에 사랑 고백? "사랑스러운 걸 보면 터뜨려 먹고 싶어"" ['My Liberation Journal' Kim Ji-won, confessing love to Son Seok-gu? "When I see something cute, I want to burst it and eat it"] (in Korean). Sports Korea. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
^Lee Joo-won (May 22, 2022). "이엘 "우리 결혼해요" 이기우 "그럽시다" (나의 해방일지)" [EL "Let's get married" Lee Ki-Woo Lee "Okay" (My liberation diary)] (in Korean). MBC Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim, Do-gon (April 23, 2022). "'나의 해방일지', 이민기X김지원X이엘에게 찾아온 설렘" ['My Liberation Journal', Lee Min-ki X Kim Ji-won X Lee El's excitement] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022 – via Naver.
^Ahn Tae-hyun (May 8, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 손석구, 최민철과 날 선 대치…긴장감↑ [N컷]" ['My Liberation Journal' Sohn Seok-gu, Choi Min-cheol and a sharp confrontation... Tension↑ [N cut]] (in Korean). News 1. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kang Bo-ra (May 21, 2022). "구씨 구자경, 지독한 단란주점 사장 "술 먹을 땐 좋았지?"" [Goo Ja-kyung, the dreadful owner of a pub, "Isn't it good to have a drink?"] (in Korean). Single List. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
^Seo Yuna (May 30, 2022). ""마음에 사랑밖에" 손석구, 금주 암시 김지원과 해피엔딩(나의 해방일지)[어제TV]" ["Only love in my heart" Sohn Seok-gu, Kim Ji-won and Kim Ji-won suggesting this week Happy Ending (My Liberation Journal) [Yesterday TV]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^Seo Yuna (May 30, 2022). "이민기, 사업 망한 이유‥전혜진 시한부 전 남친 임종 지켰다(해방일지)[결정적장면]" [Lee Min-ki, the reason why the business went bankrupt… Jeon Hye-jin kept her ex-boyfriend from dying (liberation journal) [Decisive Scene]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^"또 말실수한 이엘´◡';; 정영주가 내공 담아 말하는 '오십'" [Elle who made a mistake again ´◡`;; 'Fifty' spoken by Jung Young-joo] (in Korean). JTBC. May 28, 2022. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
^Lee, Chang-gyu (October 5, 2021). "이민기, 넬이 보낸 커피차 인증...9년째 이어지는 특급 인연" [Lee Min-ki, Nell's coffee truck certification...A special relationship that continues for 9 years] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^"나의 해방일지 OST" [My Liberation Journal OST]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. May 29, 2022. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 1" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 1]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. April 10, 2022. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 2" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 2]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. April 16, 2022. Archived from the original on April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 3" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 3]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. April 17, 2022. Archived from the original on April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 4" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 4]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. April 23, 2022. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 5" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 5]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. April 24, 2022. Archived from the original on April 24, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 6" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 6]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. April 30, 2022. Archived from the original on April 30, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 7" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 7]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. May 1, 2022. Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 8" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 8]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. May 7, 2022. Archived from the original on May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 9" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 9]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. May 8, 2022. Archived from the original on May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 10" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 10]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. May 14, 2022. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2022 – via Melon.
^"나의 해방일지 OST Part 11" [My Liberation Journal OST Part 11]. YG Plus. Studio MaumC; JTBC Studio. May 15, 2022. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2022 – via Melon.
^Cha Hye-young (April 13, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 공허한 마음에 퍼지는 온기…단 2회 만에 쏟아진 명대사" ['My Liberation Journal' The warmth that spreads in the empty heart... Famous lines poured out in just 2 episodes] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^Yoo Byung-cheol (May 18, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 추앙할 수밖에 없는 매력 포인트 넷" ['My Liberation Journal': Four attractive points that cannot but be admired] (in Korean). Korea Economic TV. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^Yang Seung-jun (May 12, 2022). ""날 추앙해요" 시대의 '밈'으로... 공정과 닮은 아우성" ["Worship me" as a 'meme' of the times... a cry that resembles fairness] (in Korean). Hankook Ilbo. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^"[삶과문화] 추앙한다는 것" [[Life and Culture] To worship] (in Korean). Segye Daily. May 13, 2022. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^Seo Byeong-gi (May 18, 2022). "[서병기 연예톡톡]'나의 해방일지'는 어떻게 추앙받는 드라마가 됐을까" [[Seo Byeong-gi Entertainment Talk Talk] How 'My Liberation Journal' became a revered drama] (in Korean). Herald Business. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Seonghyun (April 19, 2022). "'나의 해방일지'에 푹 빠진 공유… "시청률? 갈구하지마"" [Gong Yoo fell in love with 'My Liberation Diary'... "View rating? Don't crave it"] (in Korean). YTN. Retrieved July 23, 2022 – via Naver.
^"'나의 해방일지' 추앙하는 공유" [Gong Yoo, a tribute to 'My Liberation Journal']. Allure Korea (in Korean). Retrieved July 23, 2022.
^Kim Ye-Rang (May 30, 2022). "추앙 신드롬 '나의 해방일지', 자체 최고 시청률 6.7%로 종영" [Chuang Syndrome 'My Liberation Journal' ended with its highest rating of 6.7%] (in Korean). Korean Economy. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Ha-young (May 31, 2022). "'나의 해방일지' 종영, 4주 연속 화제성 1위" ['My Liberation Journal' ends, top topic for 4 weeks in a row] (in Korean). Sports Trend. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Ha-young (May 31, 2022). "손석구, 5주 연속 드라마 출연자 1위" [Son Seok-gu, 1st place in drama cast for 5 consecutive weeks] (in Korean). Sports Trend. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kang, Bo-ra (May 25, 2022). "'우리들의 블루스' '나의 해방일지' 韓 휴먼 드라마 인기, 넷플릭스 10위권" ['Our Blues' and 'My Liberation Notes' Korean human drama popularity, top 10 on Netflix]. Single List (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
^Kang, Bo-ra (June 1, 2022). "손석구, 해외서도 구씨앓이? '나의 해방일지' 넷플릭스 5위" [Son Suk-ku, suffers from Goo aboard too? 'My Liberation Notes' ranks 5th on Netflix]. Single List (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
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^Yoon, Sang-geun (October 8, 2022). "수리남' 하정우, 2022 코리아드라마어워즈 대상 "드라마 대상 처음"[종합]" [Suriname' Ha Jung-woo, the 2022 Korea Drama Awards Grand Prize "Drama Grand Prize for the first time" [General]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via Naver.