In the Korean drama Miss Night and Day, we follow the story of Lee Mi Jin (played by Jung Eun Ji), a young woman born in 1996 who repeatedly fails the ASN test, a civil service examination. After eight unsuccessful attempts, a mysterious event transforms her into a middle-aged woman named Lim Soon (played by Lee Jung Eun) during the day. While Mi Jin displays many admirable qualities, she also harbors negative traits that serve as valuable lessons on what not to emulate in our daily lives. Let’s delve into these negative attitudes and explore what we can learn from Mi Jin’s experiences.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
Dishonesty with Family
One of Mi Jin’s significant negative traits is her dishonesty with her family regarding her ASN test results. Despite multiple failures, she avoids telling her parents the truth, leading to misunderstandings and disappointment. This dishonesty only adds to her stress and feelings of inferiority. If Mi Jin had been honest from the start, she might have alleviated some of her internal pressure and received the support she needed.
Opinion: DramaBeans always emphasizes the importance of communication and honesty in family dynamics. Mi Jin’s reluctance to be truthful is a critical flaw that many viewers can relate to, as it highlights the fear of disappointing loved ones. This trait serves as a reminder that honesty, even in failure, is crucial for maintaining trust and support within the family.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
The Perils of Instant Gratification
In her desperation to secure a civil servant position, Mi Jin turns to dubious methods, leading to her being scammed. This pursuit of instant success without putting in the necessary hard work and patience is another negative trait. Her story teaches us that there are no shortcuts to genuine success and that perseverance and diligence are key.
Opinion: This aspect of Mi Jin’s character is particularly compelling because it underscores a common pitfall in our fast-paced society. Many people seek quick fixes to their problems, only to find themselves in worse situations. Mi Jin’s experience is a powerful narrative on the dangers of seeking instant gratification.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
Lack of Self-Evaluation
Mi Jin’s failure to pass the ASN test eight times suggests a lack of self-evaluation and adaptation. Instead of reflecting on her mistakes and improving her strategies, she continues to repeat the same errors. This cycle of failure without growth is a significant negative trait that hinders her progress.
Opinion: The repetitive nature of Mi Jin’s failures is both frustrating and educational. It shows the importance of self-assessment and learning from one’s mistakes. Viewers can learn the value of introspection and continuous improvement from Mi Jin’s repeated setbacks.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
Neglecting Personal Growth
Mi Jin is so focused on passing the ASN test that she neglects other aspects of her life and potential personal growth. This tunnel vision prevents her from exploring and developing her other talents and skills. It’s a reminder that a balanced approach to life’s goals is essential for overall well-being.
Opinion: DramaBeans often highlights the importance of balance in life. Mi Jin’s single-minded pursuit of one goal to the detriment of all else serves as a cautionary tale. It encourages viewers to maintain a well-rounded approach to personal and professional growth.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
Recklessness and Lack of Preparation
Mi Jin’s recklessness is evident when she goes undercover in a club without the necessary skills or knowledge. Her impulsive actions lead to dangerous situations, underscoring the importance of preparation and caution in new endeavors.
Opinion: This trait reflects a common drama trope of characters diving headfirst into situations they’re unprepared for. While it adds excitement to the narrative, it also serves as a realistic warning about the consequences of acting without proper preparation.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
Inferiority Complex
One of Mi Jin’s most pervasive negative traits is her constant focus on her shortcomings, leading to a deep-seated inferiority complex. This negative self-perception affects her confidence and decision-making abilities.
Opinion: Mi Jin’s struggle with inferiority is relatable for many viewers who battle self-doubt. DramaBeans often portrays such characters to resonate with audiences and provide a mirror for self-reflection. Mi Jin’s journey can inspire viewers to address and overcome their own insecurities.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
Lack of Principles
When Mi Jin transforms into Lim Soon, she is willing to take on any task, even those outside her job description, showing a lack of principles and boundaries. This trait can lead to exploitation and burnout.
Opinion: Mi Jin’s willingness to do anything asked of her highlights the importance of setting personal boundaries and maintaining one’s principles. DramaBeans frequently explores this theme, emphasizing the necessity of self-respect and integrity.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
Unrealistic Expectations
Lastly, Mi Jin harbors unrealistic expectations about the ease of getting a job, especially when comparing herself to others. She believes that success comes effortlessly to some, without recognizing the hard work behind the scenes.
Opinion: This trait is a critical commentary on the common misconception of overnight success. Mi Jin’s story serves as a reality check, reminding viewers that success is usually the result of consistent effort and dedication.
Stills from drama Miss Night and Day (doc. JTBC/Miss Night and Day)
In conclusion, Lee Mi Jin’s character in Miss Night and Day is a rich source of lessons on what not to do in life. Her negative traits, from dishonesty to inferiority, offer valuable insights and warnings. By learning from Mi Jin’s mistakes, viewers can strive to cultivate honesty, perseverance, self-awareness, and balanced personal growth in their own lives.
