The protagonist of My Sweet Mobster is a former convict who is attempting to reform the lives of other ex-prisoners, and viewers are commending the K-drama for its authentic portrayal of a prevalent bias.
In the June K-drama, Seo Ji-hwan used to be a criminal and a member of a gang, but he has since reformed his ways. He is currently the CEO of a food distribution company that specifically employs former convicts, aiming to provide them with a fresh start and a sense of purpose.
Despite making efforts to turn over a new leaf and become upstanding citizens, the protagonist and his employees in My Sweet Mobster continue to encounter discrimination for their past actions.
“One fan on X/Twitter expressed their appreciation for the first episode of the drama, commenting on the intriguing premise of the main character’s business and how it avoids glorifying his previous world. They also enjoyed the show’s mix of cuteness and realism.”
In Episode 1, there was a notable incident where Ji-hwan’s employees were promoting their new kid-friendly sausage product at a nearby fair. While attempting to give a sample to a child, one of the employees was stopped by the child’s father who expressed concern that the sausage could potentially be laced with drugs.
The father caused a scene, declaring that the food was prepared by former convicts and unsuitable for children. The altercation was captured and shared on the internet, leading to public criticism of the company.
“My Sweet Mobster emphasizes Ji-hwan’s determination to challenge the negative stereotypes associated with being an ex-convict. He intervenes when a young boy attempts to steal from a nearby dumpling shop and reminds his colleagues that they should not be defined by their past actions.”
Despite their good intentions, he also informs the female lead that people at the food fair only perceived what they wanted to see.
“Another fan noted that what makes this drama intriguing is not only its exploration of prejudice against ex-convicts, but also the male lead’s constant reminders to himself and his group not to overlook this fact.”
Another Redditor concurred, noting that My Sweet Mobster addresses a prevalent societal issue in South Korea.
The fan expressed their appreciation for the positive message portrayed in this drama. Growing up in Korea, they find comfort in knowing that dramas like this and Daily Dose of Sunshine may indicate a shift towards a society with less intense stigma and judgment. They acknowledge that dramas are not a reflection of reality, but they like to believe it represents the changing attitudes of the time.
Despite his intimidating exterior, it should be noted that Ji-hwan is not as cold and dangerous as he appears. In truth, he shows genuine concern for his employees, becomes bashful around a girl he fancies, and can easily become flustered. Ji-hwan’s persona challenges the stereotype of an unredeemable gangster.
Viki offers streaming of My Sweet Mobster, where you can also find out why The 8 Show has left Netflix fans dissatisfied, why Uncle Samsik has welcomed Tiffany Young, and what other series are available for streaming in addition to K-dramas.
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