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Kolorful Palette: Jumping in Jordan [Misaeng]

For a long time now I’ve been putting off watching Misaeng, despite coming close several times. I made the mistake of looking at screenshots before giving it a go, which pretty much just gave me the impression that it features a lot of cubicles and office personnel standing around doing nothing. Turns out all that nothing is a whole lot of something, and I finally get why you guys love this show so much. It gets me right in the feels.

Granted, I probably don’t actually understand how great this show is just yet since I’ve literally only watched one episode (a super fun bout of food poisoning kept me from watching more, but I think I’ll be caught up before long). I’m very grateful to all you fans though because one episode is better than none, and it’s the Beanie vote that really put me over the edge and got me to finally hit play. In retrospect I was a complete idiot for hemming and hawing for so long since it ended up only taking about 30 seconds for Misaeng to capture my interest. Pretty sure I spent more time than that looking at screenshots.

This show is surprisingly mundane, but I think that’s what makes it work so sell. Sure, watching some kid have his entire family murdered to then fall victim to extreme betrayal and poverty is sad, but that sort of story always makes me feel somewhat manipulated, and there’s only so much relating I can do. Despite nothing particularly dramatic happening in the first episode I found myself getting teary-eyed several times, and tears are usually something I reserve for dog videos and 49 Days.

Almost everything Geu-rae went through in this episode was relatable to me, and I think even people with the easiest of lives would be able to empathize with him. Who hasn’t felt inadequate or been the brunt of a joke? Who hasn’t had to throw away at least a little bit of pride to achieve a goal, and who hasn’t failed to achieve one? When we’re kids we’re always told that we can do anything we set our minds to, but unfortunately life isn’t always that simple, and Geu-rae is a prime example of that. The worst part is that he just blames himself for everything, but I actually find that pretty admirable of him (even if it is a little heart breaking). So many people choose to blame fate and circumstance for everything, but at least Geu-rae’s perspective motivates him to keep trying instead of just giving up. The end of a dream isn’t the end, and I really hope Geu-rae manages to find some happiness for himself.

The main thing giving me hope for him is that opening sequence in Jordan, showcasing him as anything but a useless little intern. If I got hit by a car I would probably go to a hospital instead of jumping insane distances between buildings, but I am kind of a wuss. Geu-rae is apparently a badass. That’s the main reason I drew this scene (this is right before he makes the jump) but have I mentioned that I loooove when material is filmed on location? There’s a lot that can be done with sets, but lighting is always unique, even with modern equipment and filters. Even without seeing the city it’s pretty clear in just one shot that we’re somewhere different. It makes me want to travel!

Misaeng is also pretty mundane in its style, and I think that’s working for it too. There are no cheesy love ballads, bouts of wallowing sorrow, or slow-motion skinship accidents. As much as I enjoy the cliches of Korean dramas (I wouldn’t watch them otherwise) it is nice to see something so different in tone, and it really makes this show stand out against its competitors. Diversity is a wonderful thing, and can only make the Korean drama scene stronger.

Of course there’s tons I’m wondering about this show, like what Geu-rae’s company connection is or why he ends up in Jordan, but there’s not much point in guessing since I’m sure everyone else here already knows! Plus I know you’d all just be secretly mocking me for my absurd hypotheses. I’m looking forward to getting caught up so I can talk about the current details and be tuned in for the finale. I have to say though, I am a bit worried about how heart wrenching this is all going to be. When Geu-rae had to dig through barrels of squid in the suit his mom couldn’t afford (in the freezing cold no less) I wasn’t sure I could handle it. Then he dropped his phone in a barrel. Then his co-workers pranked him. Then he still had the tenacity to face them and go back to work, all the while blaming himself for his situation. It’s a miracle I survived! I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.

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Welcome aboard the Misaeng fandom Fanderay. So happy you chose to draw Geu-Rae. He gets his chance to shine in the light and represent on Kolorful Palette.

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wooohoooooo!! Beautiful! Since watching E1 I've watched that opening sequences multiple times. Geu-rae is indeed a badass and that sequence in comparison with the Geu-rae we see for the remainder of the episode piqued my interest.

I LOVE this show so much. I think about it on weekdays thinking what obstacles uri Geu-rae will overcome the following weekend. He's converting people one at a time. Two more weeks of this spectacular show to go. I love every single actor in this ensemble. ❤❤❤

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Just a question: you talked about real paints in your last post...so which colours do you use for the drawings here?

I love Misaeng and I'm glad you joined the bandwagon :)

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I am sorry to say I am one of those smirking as you make your conjectures. All I can say is: get a box of tissue ready. I have gone through one already. That is not to say you won't be laughing too. I do thank you for doing this part of the episode because I wasn't a fan of media res until you wrote of it.

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well Fanderay, actually the aired episodes haven't yet explained why Geurae ends up in Jordan. But still, this show is a gem. And you just hit the perfect drama to watch, so congratulation :)

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Welcome to Misaeng, you will be needing lots of tissues, at least I do. We don't exactly know why he is in Jordan yet either, we can guess but we are still clueless. This show has lots of character development and the majority of the show does happen in the office. Lucky you who can marathon almost all the episodes in a row, because it is hell to have to wait for Fridays and Saturdays. You are in for a ride of lots of life lesson hardships and times when you are going to wish you could go to through the screen to hug them and tell them everything is going to be alright or to punch somebody lol. That is what is special about this show, the writer makes you care for the characters. Also their relationships are priceless especially GR and Manager oh, my love for that character is endless.

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Also I forgot to mention not all is hopeless, there are some pretty funny jokes in moments in the show. :)

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I also predict that maybe you are going to be doing alot of drawings for this drama, they are just so many moments worth drawing and talking about, if you can keep us posted to see what you think about this show.

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I laugh as much as I cry with drama. There are always hilarious moments too... subtly hilarious sometimes but I still end up laughing out loud every episode.

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hahahaha, exactly how i felt when i watched episode 1. clicked on one of the mid episodes and i got interested. i guess we can all relate to the issues in an office - politics, sucking up, the egos, etc. now im rooting for geu-rae, i hope it gets smarter since he is a go player.

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well, welcome aboard! as the others had suggested, watch with a box of tissues, or in my case, a small towel! the thing about misaeng is it represents the colours of life. the bright ones, the cheery ones, the dark ones, the grey ones, etc. we all have been through a lot of emotions in our lives and misaeng reminds us of those memories. so, sit back and enjoy the rollercoaster ride along with our sales team 3 and the fab four!

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What a lovely sepia tone feel to this painting ~

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Better late than never!

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Welcome aboard the Misaeng bandwagon, Fanderay!! and thanks for choosing to draw it - love the colour, it really captures the heat of Jordan and the mood of that scene!

I'm one of the ones also hoping that you'll continue to watch (and draw) scenes from Misaeng (even though I'm also watching Birth of a Beauty and reckon it also has some very sketchable scenes)! Another thing Misaeng does well is the backdrop of the changing seasons, and the music is just so understated and goes so well with the show!

Like the point you made about the show being about the mundane everyday moments. You get so used to cliches being "normal" in kdramaland, that it's refreshing to see a show that's almost entirely slice-of-life!

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This drama is indeed amazing. Episode 6, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. I'm so excited to see you latching on to such a terrific, deserving drama. You're in for one amazing, inspiring (and at times, heartbreaking) ride. ^_^

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Enjoy! I have no doubt you're going to love the ride. Yes, keep tissues at hand.

I watch each episode twice: Once because I just can't wait, so I watch it at soompi; later at viki, as soon as their subs are complete. I don't know Korean, but with Misaeng especially I'm getting more subtlety from viki's subs, plus they sub the OST... and there are some moving lyrics.

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Good to know you're on board too now! Better late than never.
Misaeng is my fave drama for this year, it has so many heartwarming moments and I'm just so invested in Geu Rae's journey. The newbies and Chief Oh are all winners to me.
Who knows life in office can be so colourful? All the depressing and victorious moments, love them all.

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At one point tonight, looking at Chief Oh's rumpled hair I thought "I'd like to marry him.". Huh??? Where did that come from?

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Get in line, I want to marry him as well :D

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Lee Sung-Min, heartthrob. Who knew.

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I have had the same thought - I adore him, all gruff and twinkly-eyed, and good-hearted, and tough when he needs to be. Seemingly married to his work, but brought to tears by his son's school video. I love him!

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<Turns out all that nothing is a whole lot of something, and I finally get why you guys love this show so much. It gets me right in the feels.

Yup. Misaeng is pretty much my number #1 k-drama of all times. I really hope drama writers learn something from this drama and that at least some of them give us more of this in the future – i.e. that they start breaking conventions more often and dare doing down more atypical ways. Slice of life is a wonderful genre. The mundane can be so meaningful. And love triangles between chaebols and candies and superior-exes-that-think-they-have-rights aren't all that make a story.

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yeah, drama writers of the world. be like geu rae. think outside the box. be radical!

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My favorite line is that GR doesn't even know there is a box.

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yep. that boy is still innocent to office politics and whatnots. he only focuses on the goals, as mr. oh said. the other kdrama writers should take note.. what are the goals of your story? there are few dramas that had good potentials only to lost their ways(plots) halfway thru the show. examples.. triangle, night watchman's journal, doctor stranger...

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Well put, alua.

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+1 "The mundane can me so meaningful" I couldn't agree more who knew the story of office salary man could teach so much. My love for this show is unconditional.

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When are the recaps for 15 and 16 coming please. There so much happened with such gloominess , if it weren't for the first episode showing Gue Rae in Jordan already , I think a chunk of the audience would have had a negative feel towards what is going to happen to JGR in the future. Not sure of this would have affected the viewership base. It would have gotten pretty dark. I for one would have stayed on but it still hurts to watch the 1st and 2nd episodes even today. Great series though although a lot of melodramatic moments pepper the show.

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Oh no! Food poisoning? I hope you're doing well now?

I never read any of the Kolorful Palette articles this is the first one because of Misaeng! Your drawing is wonderful!

Welcome aboard to watching the show and I'm sure you will enjoy it like all of us :)

Just a tip: don't do a marathon, because if you managed to catch up to the latest episode, you'll die waiting for another week.

Cheers.

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If you liked episode one, you'll love the rest of the series. I enjoyed Ep1 enough to watch on, but it was actually one of the weakest of the series. So, get ready to fall in love ... it gets even better, a lot better IMO.

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WELCOME ABOARD ON THE MISAENG HYPE TRAIN

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The OTP of this show is a young guy and his middle aged, over-worked, hard drinking boss. And that is what I love about it.

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I am sincerely in love with this drama and its characters. The best part is that it is one that is actually really good. Plus, rewatching is even better. I think by the end of episode 2 is when it really takes off.

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+1. Always wondered what the hoopla was around this office-based drama, but fell in love with it right away on watching! Am always waiting for the next episode every week.

I just love this show and am always rooting for Gue Rae and his friends ... though Baek Ki gets on my nerves at times for his attitude towards GR. Young Yi and Suk Yool are treated so bad, especially the former just coz she is a SHE! And yeah, Suk Yol looks nice in his new hairstyle in the latest episode! :D

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YES I felt the same way when I decided to watch episode 1 after putting it off for so long. I made a video on my reactions to episode 1 and honestly I thought this drama was going to be a comedy about office life...but it's really quite deep and philosophical. Love it

Fancy Nancy’s YouTube

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Glad you're on board! From your reactions to episode 1, you are going to continue to love it!

Liked your commentary. For anyone who wants to see it, the direct link is:

Korean Drama Review: 미생 Misaeng First Impressions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFQmupLMIJQ

Sorry Fancy Nancy... the link you gave above goes to your Too Cool for School Glossy Blaster Tint Review, which is also interesting. :-)

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The more the merrier! I'm so glad you joined in watching Misaeng because even though you have only watched one episode, your description is spot on. Enjoy the ride, the highs and lows are the reason why no one wants to get off :) But i do regret watching it now only because i'm tearing my hair out waiting for each episode to air (i should have waited for it to fully air!).

This show deserves the hype it gets and my eagerness for season two is boundless.

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You're right, I seriously hope we'll get more of these kinds of Kdramas in the future. It feels like the popularity of Kdramas in recent years has increased the amount of awfully mediocre rom-coms that are made, therefore it would be really wonderful to see some more diversity and creativity take place.

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As a fellow cubicle worker, I love this show and every character in it. I especially like the way that characters that I couldn't stand in the beginning slowly grow on me until I grudgingly understand them. I absolutely adore the way that Team 3 has adopted the puppy Gu Rae and been repaid handsomely for their efforts - they are now truly a team to be reckoned with! I can't wait for Chief Oh to realize that he and Geu Rae have baduk in common. I also really enjoy how most episodes concentrate on the home life of one of the characters, even if it isn't a main character. It makes everything more real and relatable. I can't say enough good things about this show. I'm glad I stuck with it after the first two incredibly painful to watch episodes.

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Beautiful sketch! And yes! to mundanity. We need more of that in dramaland. It feels weirdly refreshing.

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