Mi-saenng, Incomplete Life

Mi-saenng, also known as Incomplete Life, is a critically acclaimed Korean television drama that explores the intricacies of corporate culture and the deeply woven complexities of life. As its title suggests ("mi-saenng" means "an incomplete life" in Korean), the show is driven by the notion of pursuing dreams, personal growth, and the search for one's true identity amidst the pressures of society. This 2014 drama, which is based on a web comic by the same name, rose to fame not just for its compelling narrative, but also for its relatability and stark realism.

The narrative sets its foothold in the dynamic realm of the corporate world, giving the audience a peak into the rigorous life within a big corporation. The central character of the narrative is Jang Geu-rae, portrayed by actor Im Si-wan, a former professional GO player who ends up working as an intern at a large trading company called One International.

The story commences when Geu-rae's dream of becoming a professional Go player shatters, pushing him to join a mainstream job market where he is clearly an underdog due to his lack of educational background and professional experience. However, Geu-rae proves that unyielding perseverance and resilience can outshine any formal education. The narrative follows his struggle to survive in a highly competitive work environment.

In the realm of Mi-saenng, the company's office is depicted as a battlefield, where politics, power struggles, and corporate hierarchy leaves little scope for compassion. Survival within the corporation comes to signify survival in life itself. Intricately interwoven in this main narrative are the lives of other members of the company who represent the manifold faces of the corporate world, from the ambitious power climbers to those struggling against the system's ruthlessness. Each interaction and relationship in the narrative offers a new perspective on corporate life and societal pressures.

In a refreshing departure from other dramas, Mi-saenng infuses a great deal of realism into its portrayal of characters and scenarios. This lends the series a sense of relatability, with the struggles and triumphs of Geu-rae and his colleagues striking a chord with many viewers who've experienced the same trials in their professional lives.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Mi-saenng is its successful culmination of different genres into one. While it orbits around the genre of corporate-drama, the narrative beautifully and seamlessly incorporates elements of psychological drama and slice-of-life storytelling. This tasteful amalgamation makes the series reflective and thought-provoking.

From an acting perspective, the cast of Mi-saenng is the gem that gives life to its well-written characters. Im Si-wan delivers a strong performance as Jang Geu-rae, embodying a young man who is quiet, yet filled with an inner strength. The supporting cast, which includes Lee Sung-min, Kang So-ra, and Kang Ha-neul, also shine through their portrayals of distinctive personalities within the company's hierarchy.

The series also masterfully utilizes the game of Go as a metaphor. Drawing on Go’s strategy and philosophy, the show illustrates the corporate world, where employees strategically compete with one another for position and power. The raw depiction of the trials, tribulations, and victories, whether large or small, presents a profound and shared human experience.

The high production value of the series is evident through its detailed set designs, well-paced editing, and the meticulous attention paid to the depiction of office routines. The show's comprehensive portrayal of the workplace environment provide glimpses of the monotony and pressure that comes with corporate life.

The series also incorporates an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the unfolding narrative. The music creates appropriate emotional responses without overpowering the scenes, enabling the narrative to take center stage. The recurring theme song, “Butterfly," beautifully echoing the development of the characters, is a standout in the score.

A study of corporate fatigue and the relentless pursuit of success, Mi-saenng - Incomplete Life examines the struggles of day-to-day lives faced by many people in contemporary society. With its nuanced portrayal of personal and professional growth and powerful performances, this series presents an engrossing narrative that leaves a lasting impact.