The Stories of Decent People - Reflecting on the Drama 'My Mister'

Prologue: An Era Longing for Good People

We often use the phrase 'a decent person,' but we rarely take the opportunity to reflect on its meaning. Sometimes, this expression may sound like another name for mediocrity, but it is, in fact, not a term that refers to an ordinary person. A 'decent person' is someone who thinks of others first, who doesn't lose their dignity even in the hardships of life, and who quietly holds their position. They are someone who is not easily shaken, does not harm anyone, and at times, gives space to others without saying a word. We refer to such individuals as 'decent.' The drama 'My Mister' tells the story of such decent people. The background is unremarkable. The main stages are offices, homes, narrow alleys, and shabby taverns. However, the inner lives of the characters living in that space are deep and complex, and none of them easily gives up. Some crumble, while others endure, facing each day. Even amidst it all, they do not lose their humanity. At the center of this is the character 'Park Dong-hoon,' played by actor Lee Sun-kyun.

He was Dong-hoon Park, and Dong-hoon Park was a nice person.

"My Mister" begins from the perspective of a middle-aged man, Park Dong-hoon. He is a man in his 40s who lives as a team leader at work and as the head of his household. He is not used to expressing emotions outwardly and speaks little, but he has unwavering principles when it comes to interacting with others. In any situation, he considers the perspectives of others first and quietly takes on responsibilities. He is a person who proves himself through actions rather than words that is Park Dong-hoon. Lee Sun-kyun portrayed this character with extreme restraint. Without revealing emotions, he conveyed feelings even more deeply. The subtle tremors in his gaze and his footsteps made Park Dong-hoon not just a simple character, but a living person. His performance was filled with sincerity, rather than just playing a role. That sincerity remains in the memories of many even now. As he has left us, we remember him not just as an ordinary actor, but as a person who knew how to perform with sincerity. He was Park Dong-hoon, and Park Dong-hoon was a rare, good person of our time.

A good person saves someone.

Lee Ji-an is another focal point of this drama. Her life is heavily overshadowed by poverty, violence, death, debt, and loneliness. To the extent that the word 'youth' becomes meaningless, she has already endured a lot. She does not trust people, is wary of help, and uses her expressionless demeanor as a weapon to survive. However, Park Dong-hoon does not judge her. He packs a lunch for her so she won't be left alone at the company dinner and silently leaves the seat next to him empty. He does not intervene more than necessary, yet he never lets her be alone. That is the kindness that Park Dong-hoon has shown. In the end, Lee Ji-an does not give up on life. It is not because she has achieved something, but because she has experienced being respected as a human being in someone's gaze. That person who gave her that experience is Park Dong-hoon, a truly kind person. A truly kind person can save someone without saying a word.

Being good is not proven by words.

This drama has very few declarative lines. Instead of phrases like 'I will help you' or 'I am on your side,' small actions build the characters' sincerity. Quietly handing a cup of coffee to a weary colleague, sending alarm messages every morning, stepping back for a colleague's promotion. Park Dong-hoon does not put himself forward. Despite his humble demeanor, he maintains his own standards and never loses sight of his responsibilities toward those he must protect. That quiet strength is the true form of a 'good person.' The drama captures this goodness without exaggeration, quietly. The script by Park Hae-young does not waste emotions, and the direction by Kim Won-seok focuses on the characters' inner lives. The actors, in turn, portrayed their characters with genuine vitality at the center of it all. Thus, *'My Mister'* was completed.

I want to be a good person too.

Those who have watched this drama often say, 'I want to become a certain kind of person.' This does not mean wanting to become a 'successful person' or a 'cool person.' Rather, it means wanting to be someone who can quietly stay by someone's side. Someone who can look at a wounded person without judgment. Someone who can comfort others with their own quiet contentment. It is a resolution to become such a person. This resolution goes beyond simple sentiment. A good story has the power to change people. 'My Mister' tells us that even if the world does not easily change, we can become a little better. If we do not give up on that possibility, someday we too can become a 'good person' to someone.

Epilogue: In Memory of Him

Now Lee Sun-kyun is no longer with us. His sudden obituary was a shock and sadness to many. Yet, even as time passes, his acting and presence continue to live on. Among the many characters he left behind, 'Park Dong-hoon' remains the most resonant. An adult who stood unwavering amidst a collapsing life. A person who silently stood by. And the hope of 'I too want to be such an adult one day.' 'My Mister' is not just a simple drama. It is a quiet record of decent people, and a heartfelt tribute to the solidarity they showed. And at the center of it all, actor Lee Sun-kyun will forever remain in our memories with a warm gaze. The stories of decent people are not over yet. Those stories are still quietly, but definitely, continuing in someone’s life right now.