To celebrate 30 years of cultural contributions, CJ ENM launched the ‘Visionary’ project to reflect on its achievements in broadcasting and film. As part of the ‘Visionary Fans Choice Edition,’ My Mister was selected as the top life-changing work by CJ ENM staff.
On May 20, CJ ENM hosted a My Mister Homecoming Fan Meeting at their Seoul Sangam-dong Center, bringing together the production team for a special event.
The fan meeting featured director Kim Won-seok and writer Park Hae-young, who shared insights on why the drama remains celebrated, their creative challenges, and their philosophy on sustainable content. Approximately 80 employees attended, reminiscing and connecting deeply with the work.
Director Kim Won-seok said, “Despite many challenges during production, I’m delighted that the drama is still loved after seven years. Its distinctiveness as a ‘realistic drama’—even among ‘dramatic dramas’ or ‘cinematic films’—is why it’s remembered.” He added, “The most important aspect of content is its uniqueness, and My Mister is a prime example of that.”
Writer Park Hae-young reflected, “The collaboration of hundreds of staff members working in perfect harmony created a meaningful work. This reaffirmed the power and perseverance of collective creativity.”
Aired from March 21 to May 17, 2018, over 16 episodes, My Mister follows three middle-aged brothers enduring life’s burdens and a young woman living a harsh, lonely existence, finding healing through each other. Lee Sun-kyun played Park Dong-hoon, a diligent but wounded family man, while IU (Lee Ji-eun) portrayed Lee Ji-an, a jaded young woman. Supported by actors like Park Ho-san, Song Sae-byeok, and Go Doo-shim, the cast delivered immersive performances.
Lee Sun-kyun’s restrained portrayal of Park Dong-hoon, described as a man living “like a diligent life prisoner,” embodied the ideal of a compassionate adult. IU, departing from her bright, lovable image, delivered a nuanced performance as the hardened Ji-an, earning praise as her career-defining role. Park Ho-san shone as the relatable eldest brother Park Sang-hoon, and Song Sae-byeok proved his reliability as the prickly yet warm-hearted Park Ki-hoon.
The drama achieved strong ratings, with its finale recording an average 7.4% and a peak of 8.8% (Nielsen Korea, paid platforms, nationwide), setting a series high. It topped cable and comprehensive channels in its time slot, including a 4.2% average and 5.0% peak in the 20–49 demographic, ranking first across all channels, including terrestrial, and dominating viewership across all age groups from teens to 50s.
Above all, My Mister is remembered as a drama about ‘people.’ Rather than flashy or dramatic events, it deeply explored everyday struggles like workplace humiliation, family conflicts, loneliness, and depression. Park Hae-young’s compassionate dialogue and Kim Won-seok’s warm perspective imbued the drama with emotional depth. Over its nine-week run, it offered profound comfort to viewers.
The final episode’s line from Son Sook as Bong-ae, “What a wonderful connection. A precious one. If you look closely, every connection is miraculous and valuable,” remains iconic, encapsulating the drama’s heartfelt message about people and relationships.
Few dramas remain beloved over time, and even fewer retain such prominence as a top ‘life-changing work’ after seven years. My Mister’s deep empathy, resonance, and sincerity toward humanity prove its enduring value in an era flooded with content.
