Misaeng. A popular Korean drama about an ex-Korean insei, who enters society as a company worker after failing to become pro.

Misaeng (未生), translated literally, might me something along the lines of "not yet alive". It's a Go term, and as Go players, we might be familiar with its feeling. That is, the feeling of being "not yet alive". Maybe you've invaded into your opponent's moyo. If you live, you win the game; if your opponent kills your dragon, you'll lose. You're not yet alive.

But the drama is more about work life than about Go. So why is the drama called "Misaeng"? A scene from the drama illustrates what the drama's name is all about:



Translated, it might read: "We're all 'Misaeng'. In this world, there's no such thing as being 'completely alive'." As an office worker, myself, this sentiment rings clearly. I work to support my family. Money is necessary. And in the "game" of work, nothing is certain. However small, there's always risk of layoff, being fired, or other undesirable outcomes.

As long as I'm still working, the game is not over. The risk is always there. I'm "not yet alive". As the drama alludes to, in this world, there's no guaranteed assurance of my livelihood. A feeling of certain safety doesn't seem to exist.

In some sense, this is disheartening. It would give peace of mind to know for sure that "everything will be alright". That I'll do well at my job. That I'll provide for my family... That I'll be successful (what does that mean?). Similarly, in the game of Go... It'd be reassuring to know with certainty the outcome of the game. To know that I'd win. To know that my dragon won't die. It'd be nice to be "completely alive".

I suppose that such reassurance would make the game of Go boring. If I already knew the outcome, would there be much point to playing it out? Perhaps the same is true in life. If I knew for certain the way that my life played out... Would it be worth playing out?

Maybe that's what life is. And maybe that's why it's interesting. I don't yet know the outcome. I'm "not yet alive". Maybe trying to live... Maybe that's what life is about...

No particular point here. Just some things I've been thinking about.

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be immersed

Hi Kirby,

Off topic:

Kirby,

If the game is something as obvious as your job, then you are definitely okay because you are smart and presumably skilled. You can always get another job, you can always play another game. You will win in the end.

If the game is life, I guess it's a bit deeper, and there are so many ways to play. Choose your path and play your best. If you think winning means getting rich and famous, well, that is a hard path, that disappoints more people than it satisfies, but it is perhaps doable. If you are content with some level of comfort, and a good set of friends, and feeling that the world is better off with you in it, that is easier, and perhaps just as satisfying.

My go-related tip on choosing your path - Always be ready to tenuki. Life brings many interesting opportunities if you are open to them.

Just remember and be comforted by the fact that even though your situation is unique, everybody is in the same boat. Even millionaires die in car crashes. And waitresses sometimes hit the lottery.

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- Brady
Want to see videos of low-dan mistakes and what to learn from them? Brady's Blunders