[mslee's thoughts] MISAENG - The Drama That Is So Easy To Connect With

If Misaeng is a book / novel, this is one of those that are hard to put down even for a moment. If this is one, it will be something that will make the reader not only ponder but not aware of the passing time while reading.

A good thing this is not a book but a drama with two episodes each week. There is time to think after each episode ends and to look ahead for the next week's installment. The nice thing about this drama is that it is so easy to connect with the very realistic scenarios it offers and shows. One can find themselves through the struggles of Geu Rae and almost all the characters in this drama, main or those passing by. Every one has their own stories to tell that is like anyone else's stories, too.

The flexibility of the story from anyone's point of view comes as not good or bad but opens door for understanding how and why some are standing in one side and the other half in this side. There is no true villain here. Everyone's action is according to what they see or know as right and wrong. The division is clear for each team's loyalty that somehow made them trust each other. The consequences of betrayal is something that will be forgiven but will not be easy to forget.

In this week's episodes, Gue Rae became the star, became anyone's topic of conversation. He who is a newbie and a contractual became known and anyone heard of the success of the Sales Team 3 presentation. It is not about being greedy of another team's project or somebody's failure due to corruption. Jang Geu Rae is the young man who made his team believed in him and his controversial and unconventional ideas. But it put a lot of pressure to him particularly when he is with his three other rookies. He is uncomfortable on how to react with the sudden popularity he is getting. He only did what he thinks should be done but everyone is making a big deal out of it. But then, it is a big deal when the CEO is very much impressed with him and his skills. 

Baek Ki who thinks less of him during their early days at the company feels jealous but he is not admitting to the feelings even to himself. He who has a good educational background and who will be working for a long time in the company unlike Geu Rae who can be dismissed anytime is feeling insecure of his abilities. But I like how his boss told him that even though their team is not controversial, in any way, their team is the most stable one in the trading company. It comes down to doing their work in the best way possible and achieving their success silently. Baek Ki needs to realize that Geu Rae is not a competition but a colleague who had it tough since the beginning until now. 

Suk Yool is someone who wants to fight back against a boss that is showing a bad side but in doing so, he earned the criticism of other employees. I guess it showed that loyalty should come first despite  opposite personalities or different ethics inside a team. But I like how he continues to show his love for Geu Rae and not even bothered by his progress. He has become the source of laughter by viewers and a brief time out from serious matters that the story is telling.

Young Yi continues to be happy for Geu Rae and even helps out on errands. She still has issues when it comes to gender, receiving unfair treatment from Mr. Ma and no one in her team has the guts to  defend her. But she is enduring all of it not because she is tough but she is taking each day as it comes.

The bad part of the episodes is about Geu Rae being a temporary worker and there is no means for him to be permanent. Not even if he works so hard will he get the chance because of his educational attainment. Mr. Oh see the struggles he tried so hard to hide but it shows through his face. The heartwarming lines Geu Rae uttered is that, he is not concerned about being permanent or temporary worker but he just wants to work in their team as long as he can. I think this is one thing that gives him happiness. To be with Sales Team 3, despite what work he is asked of. To be able to work each day in the company of people he learned to appreciate, like and respect.

I feel the dilemma it caused Mr. Oh about Geu Rae because it also reminded him of what happened in the past. Now I had a glimpsed of what came between Director Choi and Mr. Oh. They started as a team, worked on ideas and projects and Mr. Oh was like Geu Rae, not minding about politics inside the company. But when the project they were working on brought problems that needed someone to take the  responsibility for it, Mr. Oh had no choice but let Dir. Choi then finished or wrapped up the mess. A certain young woman who works with Mr. Oh who was also diligent was dismissed. 

What can be this scenario is trying to tell? That Dir. Choi's decision turned out to be good for the company and the rest of the team while his action put someone in despair and future became bleak. While Mr. Oh could be right or had the heart to protect his teammate but in the process, he could only promise and not follow through which became the painful truth that separated him and Dir, Choi.

Choices has to be made. It can either be good or bad, advantageous or not, can be painful to others, can be the salvation of another, but life must go on because one has to live with it.

Mr. Oh has learned his lessons well. There should be no empty promises. There should not be false hope between him and Geu Rae. Whichever way he goes, it both leads to unhappiness. But that is the reality of life. And that is Geu Rae's reality. That he is not the only one holding on to his work but many who are more qualified are out there, hoping to be in his position right now, however temporary it may seem.

I like how Geu Rae has gathered his self esteem back when he heard his mother being proud of who he is while knowing what struggles he is putting up with everyday. Knowing that is enough to encourage him and to feel okay.

I like to think that the message in this week's episodes is about taking each day as it comes and working hard for the task at hand without any motivation besides doing the job properly. It is tough, for Geu Rae, for Suk Yool, for Baek Ki and most to Young Yi. But they are given these opportunities to do, show their talents and skills even in the most bad situation. They have to endure and hope for the best that their future will still be with One International.

Again, great episodes. 

Siwan just landed the best role for him yet. He acted with vulnerability, naivety and positiveness that makes Geu Rae like a real person. I think he has given so much for this role that it will last for a long time after the story ends. 

-mslee1107-