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Mr. Sunshine (미스터 션샤인; Miseuteo Syeonsyain) is a 2018 South Korean television series written by Kim Eun Sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, starring Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Kim Min Jung and Byun Yo Han. The series is set in Hanseong (the former name of Seoul) in the early 1900s, and focuses on activists fighting for Korea's independence. The series aired every Saturday and Sunday on tvN starting from July 7, 2018, and ended on September 30, 2018. It premiered internationally on Netflix. As of April 2020, it is the sixth-highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history.
Mr. Sunshine recorded the 6th highest ratings for cable television with its final episode reaching 18.129% and netting an average rating of 12.955%, which is the second highest average rating ever recorded for cable television. It received critical acclaim for its cinematography and storytelling. Critics praised the drama for its "deep storytelling" and its ability to raise viewers' awareness of history. The Korea Times applauded the drama for shedding light on those deemed peripheral in society, such as women and the lower classes, and for successfully laying out contradictions and hope in the fast-evolving late Joseon period; it also praised the shows strong female characters. Mr. Sunshine won the Drama of the Year award at the 6th APAN Star Awards, as well as Grand Prize for Lee Byung-hun.
Synopsis[]
| “ | A young boy who ends up in the U.S. after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to Korea at a historical turning point and falls for a noblewoman. | ” |
—Official Description[1] | ||
Mr. Sunshine centers on a young boy born into a house servant's family and travels to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea). He returns to his homeland later as a U.S. marine officer. He meets and falls in love with an aristocrat's daughter. At the same time, he discovers a plot by foreign forces to colonize Korea.[2]
Cast[]
- Lee Byung Hun as Choi Yoo Jin / Eugene Choi
- Kim Kang Hoon as 9-year-old Choi Yoo Jin
- Jeon Jin Seo as 12-year-old Choi Yoo Jin
- Eugene Choi was born into slavery and witnessed his parents' murder at the hands of their landlord. He managed to escape to the United States with the aid of a missionary, and returns to Joseon an American, a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and freshly minted U.S. Acting Consul. Choi is treated as a Korean in American, but as an American in Joseon; he falls in love with Go Ae-shin, a Joseon noblewoman who is secretly part of the Righteous Army.
- Kim Tae Ri as Go Ae Shin
- Heo Jung Eun as Young Go Ae Shin
- A Joseon noblewoman who lost her parents as an infant. She trains as a sniper and become part of the Righteous army.
- Kim Min Jung as Kudo Hina / Lee Yang Hwa
- An influential widow who runs a hotel in Joseon. She was married off to an old, rich Japanese man for money by her father, Lee Wan-ik. Upon her husband's mysterious death, she inherited the "Glory Hotel" and successfully operates it on her own.
- Yoo Yeon Seok as Gu Dong Mae / Ishida Sho
- Choi Min Young as Young Gu Dong Mae
- A son of a butcher who flees to Japan upon his parent's death and becomes a fearless samurai and member of the Musin society, which is part of a Yakuza group. As a teen, he was helped by young Go Ae-shin and for that, he is grateful and has deep affection for her.
- Byun Yo Han as Kim Hui Sung
- A Joseon nobleman who is considered to be the richest after the Emperor in terms of land ownership. He is emotionally tormented by his grandfather's actions and lives over a decade in Japan to avoid marrying the woman his grandfather chose for him. Once Hee-sung returns to Joseon, however, he discovers that his fiancé is Go Ae-shin and falls for her, only to realize that there is no place left for him in her heart.
- Kim Gab Soo as Hwang Eun San
- Choi Moo Sung as Jang Seung Goo
- Sung Yoo Bin as Young Seung Goo
- Shin Soo Yun as Su Mi, Do Mi's sister
- Kim Nam Hee as Colonel Takashi Mori
- Lee Jung Eun as Haman Daek
- Kim Byung Chul as Il Shik
- Jo Woo Jin as Im Jung Soo
- David McInnis as Major Kyle Moore
- Shin Jung Keun as Ah Beom
- Yoon Byung Hee as Kim Yong Ju
- Choi Jin Ho as Lee Se Hoon, the minister of Foreign Affairs
- Kang Shin Il as Lee Jung Moon
- Lee Seung Jun as King Go Jong
- Oh Ah Yun as So Ah, the lady in red at the Geisha house
- Bae Jung Nam as Chun Shik
- Yoon Joo Man as Yu Jong, Dong Mae's man
- Kim Eui Sung as Lee Wan Ik / Renoie Hiroaki
- Park Ah In as Go Ae Sun, Ae Shin's cousin
- Seo Yoo Jung as Hong Pa
- Lee Ho Jae as Go Sa Hong, Ae Shin's grandfather
- Kim Na Woon as Lady Cho
- Kim Dong Gyun as Kim An Ping, Hee Sung's father
- Lee Hak Joo as Young Hee Sung's father
- Kim Yong Ji as Hotaru, a fortune teller
- Kwon Hyuk as Gojong's royal interpreter
- Jung Hee Tae as Mr. Jung, the police chief
- Lee Shi Hoon as Ko, Eun San's apprentice
- Jang Dong Yoon as Joon Young
- Kim Shi Eun as Gui Dan
- Kim Hye Eun as Lady Yun, Hee Sung's mother
- Jung In Kyum as Japanese Minister Hayashi
- Kim In Woo as Ito Hirobumi, the 1st Prime Minister of Japan
- Go Woo Rim as Do Mi, the consulate's aide
- Kim Min Jae as Teenage Do Mi (Ep.24)
- Lee Joo Bin as Minister Lee's concubine
- Kim Jung Hee as Lee Deok Mun, Wan Ik's aide
- Ariane Desgagnes-Leclerc as Stella, an English teacher
- Son Kyung Won as a court minister
- Kim Kang Il as Dr. Matsuyama
- Kim Ri Woo as Dong Mae's man
- Im Chul Soo as Jeon Seung Jae
- Nam Sang Ji as Deok Mun's concubine
- Park Bo Mi as Ae Shin's friend at the English school
- Shin Young Kyu as Do Hoon
- Yoon Seul as Nurse Park
- Tak Woo Suk as a rickshaw runner and freedom fighter
Soundtrack[]
Episodes[]
In this table, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
| Episode | Aired | Average audience share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGB Nielsen | |||
| Nationwide | Seoul | ||
| Episode 01 | July 7, 2018 | 8.852% (1st) | 10.636% (1st) |
| Joseon stands firm against U.S. incursion. Yu-jin survives in America— as Eugene. Ae-sin knows that great change is afoot with global ramifications. | |||
| Episode 02 | July 8, 2018 | 9.691% (1st) | 11.511% (1st) |
| The empress has been murdered: For Ae-sin, words are useless against rapacious foreign powers; she'll take up arms instead. Eugene gets a new post. | |||
| Episode 03 | July 14, 2018 | 10.082% (1st) | 12.386% (1st) |
| In an age of imported coffee and fashions, Ae-sin prefers her German gun, but wonders what the English word "love" means and whether Eugene is a friend. | |||
| Episode 04 | July 15, 2018 | 10.567% (1st) | 11.865% (1st) |
| Suspicions run deep as U.S. troops lose a gun on a train. Ae-sin shows Dong-mae compassion, Hui-seong returns to Joseon, and Eugene considers revenge. | |||
| Episode 05 | July 21, 2018 | 10.835% (1st) | 12.717% (1st) |
| Ae-sin meets Hui-seong for coffee at the hotel. Eugene deals with Japanese troops at the U.S. legation, and wants to know why Ae-sin defends Joseon. | |||
| Episode 06 | July 22, 2018 | 11.713% (1st) | 13.481% (1st) |
| Ae-sin gets a new mission. Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seong have something in common. Eugene delves into his past, and finally gives Ae-sin his answer. | |||
| Episode 07 | July 28, 2018 | 11.114% (1st) | 12.563% (1st) |
| Ae-sin learns love's real meaning and crushes a thug. Emperor Gojong asserts Joseon's authority. Eugene reveals his Korean name to Ae-sin. | |||
| Episode 08 | July 29, 2018 | 12.330% (1st) | 13.912% (1st) |
| Despite being advised to lay low as a noble lady, Ae-sin undertakes a dangerous operation. Eugene makes a surprising move and Hui-seong probes his past. | |||
| Episode 09 | August 4, 2018 | 11.695% (1st) | 12.763% (1st) |
| Eugene wants to know why Ae-sin can't pull back, but her path is with the Righteous Army. Hui-seong disagrees with Ae-sin and offers an alternative. | |||
| Episode 10 | August 5, 2018 | 13.534% (1st) | 15.400% (1st) |
| The emperor seeks Eugene's aid. Hui-seong visits the tailor. Ae-sin feels conflicted after hearing Eugene's story, but later sees him on a snowy night. | |||
| Episode 11 | August 11, 2018 | 12.792% (1st) | 14.227% (1st) |
| Ae-sin apologizes to Eugene, but he hopes that she'll keep fighting for her Joseon. Hui-seong takes a streetcar ride with Ae-sin and proposes a plan. | |||
| Episode 12 | August 12, 2018 | 13.399% (1st) | 15.378% (1st) |
| Reaffirming her commitment, Ae-sin stands by her decision and settles on an unforeseen pact over castella cake. Eugene investigates an old photograph. | |||
| Episode 13 | August 18, 2018 | 13.327% (1st) | 15.576% (1st) |
| Ae-sin and Eugene take a ride out to the sea. A nefarious traitor shows great interest in Hui-seong and Eugene. Lord Go Sa-hong meets with Hui-seong. | |||
| Episode 14 | August 19, 2018 | 15.626% (1st) | 18.126% (1st) |
| Eugene gets devastating news, Dong-mae is apprehended, Ae-sin asks Hina for help and Hui-seong comes to the rescue when Eugene finds himself cornered. | |||
| Episode 15 | August 25, 2018 | 12.893% (1st) | 14.686% (1st) |
| A disquieting sight vexes Emperor Gojong. Ae-sin defies Lord Go, Eugene refuses to forgive, and Hui-seong visits the Go family estate. | |||
| Episode 16 | August 26, 2018 | 15.023% (1st) | 17.370% (1st) |
| Hui-seong starts a newspaper and makes a personal sacrifice. Lord Go marshals support, Ae-sin imagines a different life, and Eugene goes to the palace. | |||
| Episode 17 | September 1, 2018 | 7.694% (1st) | 8.140% (1st) |
| After giving up that which means the most to him, Hui-seong gets a friend a gift. Lord Go leads an urgent appeal, and Ae-sin faces Japanese troops. | |||
| Episode 18 | September 2, 2018 | 14.722% (1st) | 16.387% (1st) |
| Eugene contends with a viperous imperialist. Seeing Lord Go's incarceration, Hui-seong publishes a special edition. Ae-sin snubs a Japanese official. | |||
| Episode 19 | September 8, 2018 | 14.114% (1st) | 14.775% (1st) |
| Lady Ae-sin loses a part of herself. Lord Go counters mounting imperialist schemes, Hui-seong avenges Ae-sin and Emperor Gojong strikes down a snake. | |||
| Episode 20 | September 9, 2018 | 16.500% (1st) | 18.178% (1st) |
| The Righteous Army retaliates against Japanese troops and Ae-sin seeks justice. War breaks out in Joseon— and Eugene gets orders to return to the U.S. | |||
| Episode 21 | September 15, 2018 | 14.280% (1st) | 16.013% (1st) |
| Called an American imperialist, Eugene later asks Ae-sin why she persists in a futile cause. Hui-seong helps Ae-sin out of a bind. An ally joins Ae-sin. | |||
| Episode 22 | September 16, 2018 | 16.588% (1st) | 18.749% (1st) |
| Emperor Gojong tries to shield the nation but is thrust into an impasse. Finding herself behind the eight ball, Ae-sin concedes that words have power. | |||
| Episode 23 | September 29, 2018 | 15.419% (1st) | 17.272% (1st) |
| Seeing the explosion, Hui-seong, Dong-mae and Eugene fear the worst. The world's indifference dismays Emperor Gojong, but Joseon's defiance gets bolder. | |||
| Episode 24 | September 30, 2018 | 18.129% (1st) | 21.828% (1st) |
| Joseon remains steadfast. The Righteous Army perseveres on its course. Ae-sin keeps her flame ablaze, while Hui-seong, Dong-mae and Eugene try to help. | |||
| Average | 12.955% | 14.747% | |
| Special | September 22, 2018 | 8.937% | 9.404% |
This drama airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).
International broadcast[]
- Philippines - GMA Network (September 2 - October 31, 2019)
- Malaysia - 8TV
- Myanmar - TBA
- Thailand - TBA
- Vietnam - TBA
- Ghana - GHOne TV
Production[]
The series is the third collaboration between writer Kim Eun Sook and director Lee Eung-bok, after Descendants of the Sun (2016) and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016). It also marks film actress Kim Tae Ri's small-screen debut.
The drama was first pitched by Studio Dragon to SBS, but the latter passed on the project due to financial and advertising constraints.
Actress Kim Sa Rang was originally cast in the series, but backed out in February 2018 due to scheduling conflicts. She was replaced by Kim Min Jung.
Filming began in September 2017 and took place in various parts of Korea including Busan, Daegu, Gokseong, Gyeongju and Hapcheon. Several sets solely devoted to the early 1900s setting of Korea was built on a 20,000 sq.m site in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, and another 6,600 a 20,000 sq.m site indoor set in Daejeon. 1000 extras were hired for a battle scene.
This was originally planned in 2009 to be a sports-themed period drama set in the 1920s and 1930s, also featuring an American lead character. Shin Woo-chul, Kim Eun-sook's collaborator for the "Lovers" trilogy, was attached to be the director at the time.
Historical inaccuracy[]
The series has been criticized for its inaccurate portrayal of historical facts, as well as for portraying Joseon's culture as uncivilized and backwards. It has also been accused of being "pro-Japanese", of being apologia for pro-Japanese collaborators before Japan's colonial rule of Korea, and of "romanticizing" the pro-Japanese stance by portraying the character Goo Dong-mae as a member of the Black Dragon Society, a pro-Japanese organization. The series has also been criticized for exactly the opposite: enforcing stereotypes of the Japanese as villains and Americans as heroes.
The production house of Mr. Sunshine responded to the criticisms by stating that the organizations and characters portrayed in the series are fictional and that they will modify the character description of Goo Dong-mae accordingly.
Awards and nominations[]
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 11th Korea Drama Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Lee Byung Hun | Nominated |
| Best New Actress | Kim Tae Ri | |||
| Best Original Soundtrack | "Days Without Tears" (Kim Yoon Ah) | |||
| 6th APAN Star Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Lee Byung Hun | Won | |
| Drama of the Year | Mr. Sunshine | |||
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Yoo Yeon Seok | Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Kim Min Jung | Won | ||
| Best New Actress | Kim Tae Ri | |||
| 2nd The Seoul Awards | Best Actor | Lee Byung Hun | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | Yoo Yeon Seok | |||
| Best New Actress | Kim Tae Ri | Nominated | ||
| 2019 | 55th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Drama | Mr. Sunshine | |
| Best Director | Lee Eung-bok | |||
| Best Actor | Lee Byung Hun | Won | ||
| Best Actress | Kim Tae Ri | Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | Yoo Yeon Seok | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Kim Min Jung | |||
| Best Screenplay | Kim Eun Sook | |||
| Technical Award | Kim So-yeon (Art) | |||
| Lee Yong-seob (Special effects) |
Trivia[]
- This drama took over the timeslot previously occupied by "Lawless Lawyer" and was followed by "Room No. 9" on October 6, 2018.[3]
- The Gosa ceremony took place on June 8, 2018 in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea.[3]
- The final two episodes, Episode 23 and 24, aired one week later than originally planned. On September 22, 2018, a special Korean Thanksgiving Day director's cut of the drama entitled "Mr. Sunshine Gun, Glory, Sad Ending" aired and an entertainment program called "Great Escape" took over the timeslot on September 23, 2018. The episodes instead aired on September 29, 2018, and September 30, 2018, respectively.[3]
Gallery[]
Video Gallery[]
