Upon its final broadcast, Mr. Sunshine was the third highest-rated series in Korean cable television history, with the last episode reaching 18.129% and netting an average rating of 12.955%, the highest average rating ever recorded for cable television at the time.[9]
While it received critical acclaim for cinematography and storytelling, as well as its strong female characters and portrayal of the lower classes, Mr. Sunshine was also subject to a certain amount of criticism for what was perceived as inaccurate representation of historical facts, with some accusing it of being "pro-Japanese", while others argued that it actually enforced stereotypes of the Japanese as villains and the Americans as heroes.[11][12]
Synopsis
Mr. Sunshine centres around Eugene Choi, who was born into slavery in Joseon. After his father is beaten to death and his mother dies protecting him, young Eugene escapes to the United States at the time of the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident with the help of a Christian missionary. He grows up in New York City and becomes a Marine Corps officer.
When he returns to Korea as a captain serving in the U.S. legation in Hanseong, Eugene meets and falls in love with Go Ae-shin, a nobleman's granddaughter who is secretly a freedom fighter and sniper for the Righteous Army. However, their love is challenged by their different classes and the presence of Kim Hui-seong, a nobleman from a prominent family who has been Ae-shin's betrothed since childhood.
Eugene also encounters Gu Dong-mae, a ruthless samurai; and Kudo Hina, the Joseon-born widow of a wealthy Japanese man and owner of the popular "Glory Hotel".
As he discovers a plot by the Empire of Japan to colonize Korea, Eugene soon becomes embroiled in the fight for his birth country's sovereignty.
A captain of the United States Marine Corps and former Joseonslave. After witnessing his parents' death at the hands of their owner, Eugene manages to escape to the United States where he becomes an officer in the Marine Corps and fights in the Spanish–American War. He later returns to Korea on a diplomatic mission and falls in love with Go Ae-shin. Eugene has to choose between helping Ae-shin in her fight for independence or maintaining his neutral position as an US military officer.
An orphaned noblewoman and member of the Righteous Army. Her parents were independence fighters who died in Japan due to their colleague's betrayal. She is raised by her paternal grandfather, Go Sa-hong, who helps her train as a sniper under Jang Seung-gu.
The son of a butcher who flees to Japan upon his parents' death and becomes a samurai and member of the Mushin Society, which is part of Yakuza. He believes that it is the unjust Korean social hierarchy that killed his parents and returns to Joseon with a mission of helping the Japanese overtake the country.
An influential widow who runs a hotel in Korea. Her father, Yi Wan-ik, forced her to marry an old, rich Japanese man. Upon her husband's mysterious death, she inherited the "Glory Hotel" and successfully operates it on her own. In order to atone for her father's shameful misdeeds and to also find her mother, Hina helps Yi Jung-mun in the fight against the Japanese government and the pro-Japanese officials.
A nobleman who is considered to be the richest after the Emperor in terms of land ownership. He is emotionally tormented by his grandfather's past deeds and lives for over a decade in Japan to avoid marrying the woman his family chose for him.
A gunman who trains Go Ae-shin to become a sniper. Due to a misunderstanding he initially despises the Emperor, but eventually becomes the head of the palace guards to protect him.
A cousin of Go Ae-shin's mother. He served as an official at the time of the Shinmiyangyo incident and now lives in Japan supporting the Righteous Army.
Go Ae-shin's paternal grandfather. He was a great scholar and the Emperor's teacher. A firm believer in the sovereignty of Korea, he very reluctantly allows Ae-shin to join the Righteous Army.
The Battle of Ganghwa: A major battle that occurred on June 10, 1871 between the United States and Joseon. On June 1, American ships came under fire when they entered the Ganghwa Straits to establish trade and ensure the safety of the shipwrecked sailors of the SS General Sherman, which was destroyed by the Joseon army. As a result of Joseon's refusal to apologize, on June 10, USS Palos and USS Monocacy fired their weapons against the Choji Garrison on Ganghwa Island.[56]The incident is thoroughly portrayed in Mr. Sunshine as one of its character, Jang Seung-gu, fought in the battle as a teen and lost his father.
The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905: Signed on November 17, 1905, this treaty effectively gave diplomatic control over Korea to the Empire of Japan. While Mr. Sunshine does not depict the treaty and its effects in detail, it contains a scene in which Kim Hui-seong takes pictures of the Five Eulsa Traitors.
The Battle of Namdaemun: Fought between the Korean and Japanese armies on August 1, 1907, the battle took place at the gate Namdaemun in Hanseong. It was caused by a revolt of the Korean army after an order of disbandment was issued through the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907.[57] The battle scenes are extensively illustrated in Mr. Sunshine.
Production
On May 29, 2017, it was announced that Kim Eun-sook had begun writing a new series with the working title Mr. Sunshine. A representative from Hwa&Dam Pictures stated at the time that it would be aired in the spring or summer of the following year.[58] The drama was the third collaboration between Kim and director Lee Eung-bok, after Descendants of the Sun (2016) and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017).[59] In June, Lee Byung-hun was officially cast as the male lead, in his first TV role since Iris (2009),[60] and Kim Tae-ri was announced as the female lead the following month.[61] The drama marked film actress Kim Tae-ri's small-screen debut.[62]Kim Sa-rang was originally cast in the series,[63] but backed out in February 2018 due to scheduling conflicts.[64] She was replaced by Kim Min-jung.[65]
The drama was first pitched by Studio Dragon to SBS, but SBS passed on the project due to financial and advertising constraints.[66] Filming began in September 2017 and took place in various parts of South Korea including Busan, Daegu, Gokseong County, Gyeongju and Hapcheon County. Several sets solely devoted to the early 1900s setting of Korea were built on a 20,000 m2 site in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, and another indoor set was built on a 6,600 m2 site in Daejeon. 1,000 extras were hired for a battle scene.[2][6][67] To obtain the series' distribution rights in over 190 countries, Netflix invested ₩30 billion (US$26.2 million) in Mr. Sunshine.[68]
Episodes
No.
Title
Original release date
1
"Episode 1"
July 7, 2018 (2018-07-07)
Joseon stands firm against US incursion. Yu-jin survives in the US — as Eugene. Ae-shin knows that great change is afoot with global ramifications.
2
"Episode 2"
July 8, 2018 (2018-07-08)
The Queen has been assassinated. For Ae-shin, words are useless against rapacious foreign powers so she'll take up arms instead. Eugene gets a new post.
3
"Episode 3"
July 14, 2018 (2018-07-14)
In an age of imported coffee and fashions, Ae-shin prefers her German gun, but wonders what the English word "love" means and whether Eugene is a friend.
4
"Episode 4"
July 15, 2018 (2018-07-15)
Suspicions run deep as US troops lose a gun on a train. Ae-shin shows Dong-mae compassion, Hui-seong returns to Korea and Eugene considers revenge.
5
"Episode 5"
July 21, 2018 (2018-07-21)
Ae-shin meets Hui-seong for coffee at the hotel. Eugene deals with Japanese troops at the US legation and wants to know why Ae-shin defends Joseon.
6
"Episode 6"
July 22, 2018 (2018-07-22)
Ae-shin gets a new mission. Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seong have something in common. Eugene delves into his past and finally gives Ae-shin his answer.
7
"Episode 7"
July 28, 2018 (2018-07-28)
Ae-shin learns love's real meaning and crushes a thug. Emperor Gojong asserts Korea's authority. Eugene reveals his Korean name to Ae-shin.
8
"Episode 8"
July 29, 2018 (2018-07-29)
Despite being advised to lay low as a noblewoman, Ae-shin undertakes a dangerous operation. Eugene makes a surprising move and Hui-seong probes his past.
9
"Episode 9"
August 4, 2018 (2018-08-04)
Eugene wants to know why Ae-shin can't pull back, but her path is with the Righteous Army. Hui-seong disagrees with Ae-shin and offers an alternative.
10
"Episode 10"
August 5, 2018 (2018-08-05)
The Emperor seeks Eugene's aid. Ae-shin feels conflicted after hearing Eugene's story, but later sees him on a snowy night.
11
"Episode 11"
August 11, 2018 (2018-08-11)
Ae-shin apologizes to Eugene, but he hopes that she'll keep fighting for her Joseon. Hui-seong takes a streetcar ride with Ae-shin and proposes a plan.
12
"Episode 12"
August 12, 2018 (2018-08-12)
Re-affirming her commitment, Ae-shin stands by her decision and settles on an unforeseen pact over castella cake. Eugene investigates an old photograph.
13
"Episode 13"
August 18, 2018 (2018-08-18)
Ae-shin and Eugene take a ride out to the sea. A nefarious traitor shows great interest in Hui-seong and Eugene. Lord Go meets with Hui-seong.
14
"Episode 14"
August 19, 2018 (2018-08-19)
Eugene gets devastating news. Dong-mae is apprehended, Ae-shin asks Hina for help and Hui-seong comes to the rescue when Eugene finds himself cornered.
15
"Episode 15"
August 25, 2018 (2018-08-25)
A disquieting sight vexes Emperor Gojong. Ae-shin defies Lord Go, Eugene refuses to forgive and Hui-seong visits the Go family's residence.
16
"Episode 16"
August 26, 2018 (2018-08-26)
Hui-seong starts a newspaper and makes a personal sacrifice. Lord Go marshals support, Ae-shin imagines a different life and Eugene goes to the palace.
17
"Episode 17"
September 1, 2018 (2018-09-01)
After giving up that which means the most to him, Hui-seong gets a friend for a gift. Lord Go leads an urgent appeal and Ae-shin faces Japanese troops.
18
"Episode 18"
September 2, 2018 (2018-09-02)
Eugene contends with a viperous imperialist. Seeing Lord Go's incarceration, Hui-seong publishes a special edition. Ae-shin snubs a Japanese official.
19
"Episode 19"
September 8, 2018 (2018-09-08)
Ae-shin loses a part of herself. Her grandfather counters mounting imperialist schemes, Hui-seong avenges Ae-shin and Emperor Gojong strikes down a snake.
20
"Episode 20"
September 9, 2018 (2018-09-09)
The Righteous Army retaliates against the Japanese troops and Ae-shin seeks justice. War breaks out in Korea and Eugene gets orders to return to the US.
21
"Episode 21"
September 15, 2018 (2018-09-15)
Called an American imperialist, Eugene later asks Ae-shin why she persists in a futile cause. Hui-seong helps Ae-shin out of a bind. An ally joins Ae-shin.
22
"Episode 22"
September 16, 2018 (2018-09-16)
Emperor Gojong tries to shield the nation but is thrust into an impasse. Finding herself behind the eight ball, Ae-shin concedes that words have power.
23
"Episode 23"
September 29, 2018 (2018-09-29)
Seeing the explosion, Hui-seong, Dong-mae and Eugene fear the worst. The world's indifference dismays Emperor Gojong, but Korea's defiance gets bolder.
24
"Episode 24"
September 30, 2018 (2018-09-30)
Korea remains steadfast. The Righteous Army perseveres on its course. Ae-shin keeps her flame ablaze, while Hui-seong, Dong-mae and Eugene try to help.
Critics praised the drama for its "deep storytelling" and its ability to raise viewers' awareness of history.[71]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 show's strong female characters.[72]Time's Kat Moon chose the show as one of "The 10 Best Korean Dramas to Watch on Netflix" and argued, "Besides serving up stunning cinematography, the show introduces two of the most dynamic female leads from the K-drama world".[73]Collider's Devon Forward listed it as one of "The Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now".[71]
Criticism
Mr. Sunshine has been criticized by some for what was perceived as inaccurate portrayal of Joseon's culture.[71] In particular the character Gu Dong-mae, who had been portrayed as a member of the Black Dragon Society, a pro-Japanese organization,[74] was criticized, with many feeling that the series tried to justify his actions against Joseon. However, the series has also been criticized for the exact opposite: enforcing stereotypes of the Japanese as villains and the Americans as heroes.[12]
The production house 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 Gu Dong-mae accordingly. The Black Dragon Society was changed to a fictional organization, the Mushin Society.[75]
An 8.9% viewership rating was recorded nationwide for the series' first episode. It became the highest premiere rating in the network's history and remained in this position for the next three years, when it was surpassed by Hospital Playlist 2.[76]
The drama aired 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).
Mr. Sunshine : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. There is more info on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.
^'도깨비' 윤경호, 김은숙 차기작 '미스터 선샤인' 합류 [공식입장] [Yoon Kyung Ho Joins Upcoming Drama Produced By Director And Writer Of "Goblin"]. Sports Donga (in Korean). November 23, 2017. Archived from the original on February 17, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
^ abcForward, Devon (June 12, 2021). "The Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now". Collider. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2021. "The series was very well-received, though some criticized Mr. Sunshine for historical inaccuracies, which continues to be a very sensitive area of dramas in the eye of Korean society."
^2018코리아드라마어워즈 후보 공개. KDFO.org (in Korean). September 22, 2018. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
^이병헌·손예진·아이유 APAN스타어워즈 노미네이트. Star News (in Korean). September 27, 2018. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
^Park, Pan-seok (October 13, 2018). 이병헌, '미스터 션샤인' 대상 수상..정해인 2관왕(종합)[2018 APAN] [Lee Byung-hun, 'Mr. Sunshine' Grand Prize .. Hae-in Jeong, 2nd Crown (General) [2018 APAN]]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2020 – via Naver.
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