Name of the Drama: Mr. Sunshine
Overview:
Mr. Sunshine is not set in modern Korean setting but in the early 1900s. While the characters and storyline are fictional, it provides a glimpse into Korea's historical backdrop during that time period. When the drama was shown, it gained immense popularity in Korea and received highly positive reviews. It even became one of the top 10 K- Drama on Netflix for a long time. After the drama completed its broadcast, it has been reaired every year on Korean national holidays like Independence movement day (1st March), Memorial day and Liberation day as a special feature. The drama has also influenced many Korean youngsters to develop an interest in Korean history.
Although the story contains heavy historical events, it incorporates light and humorous moments and scenes to avoid becoming overly heavy. The actors' performances earn widespread recognition.
Unlike most Korean dramas, which usually run for 16 episodes, Mr. Sunshine has 24 episodes. This beautifully written drama contains the struggles, relationships, and resilience of its characters in a historical context, creating a lasting impact on its audience.
Storyline:
The drama portrays a period when Joseon (Korea) was weakened as a nation and surrounded by heavy interference from other countries. It highlights Joseon's oppressive reality and social structure and also shows the overlap between Jeseon's old class system and its struggle to modernize.
The brief plot of the drama is about a man named Eugene Choi, a former slave who escaped Joseon and grows up in America, coming back to Joseon years later as a U.S. military officer, and meets Go Ae-shin, the granddaughter of a noble family, and fell in love. Go Ae-shin was secretly involved in the resistance movement against foreign powers thretening Joseon. There were lots of other characters around Go Ae-shin in the drama risking their lives to protect her.
Theme and Characters:
"Even if a nation has cuased suffering for its people, is it still worth fighting for?"
Mr. Sunshine portrays Japan as brutal invader, but it does not glorify Joseon either. Instead, it highlights Joseon's oppressive reality and unfair social structure. The characters carry their own heartbreaking stories from the Joseon system but eventually dedicate their hearts and even their lives to protect their nation, Joseon.
Eugene Choi, he was born as the son of a slave. After his parents were beaten to death by their master, he ran away and sneaked onto an American ship, and escaped to the U.S.
Goo Dong-mae, he was born into a lower class family in Joseon. He faced harsh discrimination and abuse, which led him to flee to Japan.
Kudo Hina, she was sold to a wealthy Japanese man by her father.
Even minor characters like Jang Seung goo, Go Aeshin's mentor and a military member, carry his past traumas, such as losing his father and being abandoned by his country.
As the drama progresses, the characters arrive at a clear conclusion. They all decide to fight for Joseon.
Summary:
Mr. Sunshine is a heartbreaking yet uplifting tale of nameless heroes who, despite being shaken and broken, but still marching steadily towards their mission to protect their nation.
The drama shows the great turbulence of war, social hierarchy of Joseon, and political struggles as well. Each characters' romance and friendship also highlights the theme of love, sacrifice, and patriotism.