This 2018 K-Drama Just Got Crowned “All-Time Favorite” by Industry Insiders +Why

It’s been seven years since tvN’s beloved K-drama ''My Mister'' wrapped on May 17, 2018. And yet, time hasn’t diminished its emotional impact. The series continues to be hailed as a “life-changing drama” by many viewers, praised for its deeply human gaze and weighty, lasting comfort.

Recently, ''My Mister'' was honored once again—this time by the employees of CJ ENM, who voted it No. 1 in a special “All-Time Favorites” poll. As part of CJ ENM’s “Visionary” project celebrating 30 years of cultural content, the company hosted an internal campaign called the “Visionary Fans’ Choice Edition,” and ''My Mister'' came out on top. On May 20, CJ ENM held a special “My Mister Homecoming Fan Meeting” at its headquarters in Sangam, Seoul, bringing together the drama’s creators and devoted fans.

Director Kim Won-seok and screenwriter Park Hae-young attended in person, sharing insights into why the series continues to resonate. Speaking to an audience of over 80 CJ ENM staff members, they reflected on the creative journey, the enduring power of content, and the philosophy behind its emotional storytelling.

Director Kim said, “There were many challenges before we could bring this series to life, but I’m so thankful that it still receives so much love seven years later. I think it stands out as a ‘real’ drama—something that feels more truthful than flashy or cinematic.”

He emphasized that distinctiveness is the most important quality in content, and that ''My Mister'' is a prime example of this principle at work.

Writer Park Hae-young added, “This project was only possible because hundreds of staff members worked with one heart and one purpose. It reminded me again how essential perseverance and the power of collective creativity really are.”

A Story of Healing, Humanity, and Honest Emotion

''My Mister'' aired from March 21 to May 17, 2018, for a total of 16 episodes. The story follows three middle-aged brothers, weighed down by life, and a young woman hardened by loneliness and struggle, as they begin to heal through each other’s presence.

Lee Sun-kyun played Park Dong-hoon, a quietly enduring man carrying emotional wounds, while IU (Lee Ji-eun) portrayed Lee Ji-an, a young woman weathered by trauma. The drama’s ensemble cast—featuring Park Ho-san, Song Sae-byeok, and Go Doo-shim—delivered a powerful and immersive viewing experience.

Lee Sun-kyun’s restrained, nuanced performance earned him praise as “a man who lives like a life-sentenced prisoner,” embodying the image of the kind of adult the world desperately needs. IU, in a complete departure from her typically bubbly persona, offered a heartbreaking, layered portrayal of Ji-an that many consider her best work to date.

Park Ho-san stood out as the warm but troubled eldest brother, Park Sang-hoon, while Song Sae-byeok impressed as the irritable yet deeply thoughtful Park Ki-hoon.

Critical and Commercial Success

''My Mister'' was not only a critical darling—it was a ratings powerhouse. The finale achieved a nationwide household rating of 7.4%, peaking at 8.8% across cable, satellite, and IPTV platforms (according to Nielsen Korea). It ranked No. 1 across all channels in its time slot, including terrestrial networks, and dominated the 2049 demographic, with ratings as high as 5.0%.

Remarkably, the show topped its time slot across every age group—from teens to those in their 50s—proving its wide appeal and lasting emotional grip.

A Drama That Speaks to the Human Condition

What sets ''My Mister'' apart is its focus on people—not events. Rather than relying on extravagant plot twists, the drama offers a raw, sensitive portrayal of everyday struggles: humiliation at work, tension at home, loneliness, and quiet despair. Park Hae-young’s empathetic dialogue and Kim Won-seok’s warm direction gave the series a tender emotional texture that struck a chord with viewers.

Week after week, the drama delivered sincere comfort to its audience—something rare and precious in today’s crowded media landscape.

A now-iconic quote from the finale, spoken by the character Bong-ae (played by Son Sook), still lingers in viewers’ hearts: “It’s a beautiful connection. A precious one. When you look closely, all relationships are miraculous and valuable.”

Few dramas stand the test of time. Even fewer maintain their cultural relevance seven years later. ''My Mister'' has done both. Its depth, compassion, and unwavering focus on the human experience prove that stories rooted in sincerity will always endure.

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