Mr. Sunshine | |
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Hangul | 미스터 션샤인 |
Revised Romanization | Miseuteo Syeonsyain |
Genre | |
Created by |
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Developed by |
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Written by | Kim Eun-sook |
Directed by | Lee Eung-bok |
Starring | |
Composer | Nam Hye-seung |
Country of origin | South Korea |
Original languages |
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No. of seasons | 1 |
No. of episodes | 24[1] (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Camera setup | Single camera |
Production companies | |
Budget | ₩40 billion[2] |
Original release | |
Network | tvN |
Release | July 7 September 30, 2018[3] | –
Mr. Sunshine (Korean: 미스터 션샤인) 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.[4][5] The series is set in Hanseong (present-day Seoul) in the early 1900s, and focuses on activists fighting for Korea's independence.[6][7] 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.[8]
Upon its final broadcast, Mr. Sunshine was the third highest-rated drama 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, the series also received 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.[10][11]
Mr. Sunshine centres around Eugene Choi (Lee Byung-hun), who was born into slavery in Joseon. After escaping to the United States at the time of the 1871 Shinmiyangyo, he becomes a Marine Corps officer.
When he returns to Joseon for a mission, Eugene meets and falls in love with an aristocrat's granddaughter, Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), who is part of the Righteous Army. However, their love is challenged by their different classes and the presence of Kim Hui-seong (Byun Yo-han), a nobleman who has been Ae-shin's betrothed since childhood. Eugene also encounters Gu Dong-mae (Yoo Yeon-seok), a ruthless samurai, and Kudo Hina (Kim Min-jung), owner of the popular "Glory Hotel". At the same time, he discovers a plot by the Empire of Japan to colonize Korea and soon becomes embroiled in the fight for his birth country's sovereignty.
Unlike most sageuk dramas dealing with the Japanese occupation of Korea, Mr. Sunshine takes place before the Japanese annexation, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has a heavy focus on the Righteous Army and depicts the lives of people who fought for Joseon's freedom. Real-life historical events such as Shinmiyangyo, the Spanish-American War,[12] the assassination of Empress Myeongseong, the Russo-Japanese War,[13] Gojong's forced abdication, and the Battle of Namdaemun are portrayed or mentioned.[14]
Historical figures such as Emperor Gojong, Itō Hirobumi, Hayashi Gonsuke, Hasegawa Yoshimichi, Horace Newton Allen and the Five Eulsa Traitors[13] appear as recurring characters, with others, such as Theodore Roosevelt,[11] Ahn Chang-ho,[15] Imperial Noble Consort Sunheon,[16] Park Seung-hwan,[14] and Frederick Arthur MacKenzie, also making cameo appearances.
No. | Title | Original release date | |
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1 | "Episode 1" | July 7, 2018 | |
Joseon stands firm against US incursion. Yu-jin survives in America—as Eugene. Ae-shin knows that great change is afoot with global ramifications. | |||
2 | "Episode 2" | July 8, 2018 | |
The empress has been murdered. 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 | |
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 | |
Suspicions run deep as US troops lose a gun on a train. Ae-shin shows Dong-mae compassion, Hui-seong returns to Joseon, and Eugene considers revenge. | |||
5 | "Episode 5" | July 21, 2018 | |
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 | |
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 | |
Ae-shin learns love's real meaning and crushes a thug. Emperor Gojong asserts Joseon's authority. Eugene reveals his Korean name to Ae-shin. | |||
8 | "Episode 8" | July 29, 2018 | |
Despite being advised to lay low as a noble lady, Ae-shin undertakes a dangerous operation. Eugene makes a surprising move and Hui-seong probes his past. | |||
9 | "Episode 9" | August 4, 2018 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
The Righteous Army retaliates against Japanese troops and Ae-shin seeks justice. War breaks out in Joseon and Eugene gets orders to return to the US. | |||
21 | "Episode 21" | September 15, 2018 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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. | |||
24 | "Episode 24" | September 30, 2018 | |
Joseon 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. |
Mr. Sunshine OST | |
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Soundtrack album by Various Artists | |
Released | 2018 |
Genre | Soundtrack |
Language | |
Label | Stone Music Entertainment Hwa&Dam Pictures Glove Entertainment |
The music was composed by Nam Hye-seung, who is known for her work on many Korean dramas.[64] Mr. Sunshine's score was recorded at the newly opened Synchron Stage Vienna in Austria. Nam Hye-seung travelled to Vienna to attend the recording in person.[65]
Part 1
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "The Day" (그 날) |
| Park Hyo-shin | 4:52 | |
Total length: | 4:52 |
Part 2
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "Sad March" (슬픈 행진) |
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| Elaine | 5:25 |
Total length: | 5:25 |
Part 3
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Days Without Tears" (눈물 아닌 날들) |
|
| Kim Yoon-ah | 3:46 |
Total length: | 3:46 |
Part 4
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "Sori" (소리) |
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| Lee Su-hyun (Akdong Musician) | 5:02 |
Total length: | 5:02 |
Part 5
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "Good Day" (좋은 날) |
|
| MeloMance | 5:31 |
Total length: | 5:31 |
Part 6
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "My Home (Eugene's Song)" |
|
| Savina & Drones | 4:20 |
Total length: | 4:20 |
Part 7
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "Becoming The Wind" (바람이 되어) |
|
| Ha Hyun-sang | 4:43 |
Total length: | 4:43 |
Part 8
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Stranger" (이방인) |
|
| Park Won | 3:53 |
Total length: | 3:53 |
Part 9
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Shine Your Star (Prod. by Zico)" |
|
| o3ohn | 3:35 |
Total length: | 3:35 |
Part 10
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "And I" |
|
| NU'EST W | 3:55 |
Total length: | 3:55 |
Part 11
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "See You Again (Feat. Richard Yongjae O'Neill)" | Ha Melli |
| Baek Ji-young | 3:48 |
Total length: | 3:48 |
Part 12
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "Beautiful As Fireworks" (불꽃처럼 아름답게) |
|
| Shin Seung-hun | 4:30 |
Total length: | 4:30 |
Part 13
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Paramour" (정인 (情人)) | Hen | Hen | Sejeong (Gugudan) | 3:54 |
Total length: | 3:54 |
Part 14
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "If You Were Me" | Son Go-eun (Monotree) | Son Go-eun (Monotree), NOPARI (Monotree) | Ben | 4:25 |
Total length: | 4:25 |
Part 15
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
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1. | "How Can I Forget You" (어찌 잊으오) | Nam Hye-seung, Park Jin-ho | Nam Hye-seung, Park Jin-ho | Hwang Chi-yeul | 4:41 |
Total length: | 4:41 |
No. | Title | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Mr SunShine (Opening Title)" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 5:58 |
2. | "Wildflower" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 4:30 |
3. | "What is love?" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 2:36 |
4. | "Sad Waltz" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 3:20 |
5. | "With a flame" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 3:25 |
6. | "A side-by-side walk" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 3:07 |
7. | "The Era of Romance" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 4:53 |
8. | "Glory" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 5:07 |
9. | "Waiting" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 1:11 |
10. | "Greensleeves (MusicBox Drama ver.)" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 2:35 |
11. | "No Tears (Piano ver.)" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 2:38 |
12. | "One more Step" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 4:19 |
13. | "Sad End" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 4:53 |
14. | "A Lady and Haman house" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 2:37 |
15. | "Black Bird" | Nam Hye Sung, Park Sang Hee | 3:07 |
Critics praised the drama[66] 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 show's strong female characters.[67] 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".[68] Collider's Devon Forward listed it as one of the 28 "Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now".[66]
Mr. Sunshine has been criticized by some for what was perceived as inaccurate portrayal of Joseon's culture.[66] In particular, the character Gu Dong-mae, who is portrayed as a member of the Black Dragon Society, a pro-Japanese organization,[69] 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.[11]
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 Musin Society.[70]
At the time, Mr. Sunshine recorded the third highest ratings for cable television with its final episode reaching 18.129% and netting an average rating of 12.955%, which was the highest average rating ever recorded for cable television until the release of The World of the Married in 2020.[9]
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.[71]
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).
Season | Episode number | Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | |||
1 | 2.234 | 2.426 | 2.585 | 2.898 | 2.825 | 3.257 | 2.961 | 3.147 | 2.922 | 3.746 | 3.314 | 3.442 | 3.461 | 4.040 | 3.308 | 3.832 | 1.822 | 3.833 | 3.580 | 4.305 | 3.647 | 4.144 | 4.144 | 4.631 | 3.354 |
Ep. | Original broadcast date | Average audience share | |
---|---|---|---|
AGB Nielsen[73] | |||
Nationwide | Seoul | ||
1 | July 7, 2018 | 8.852% (1st) | 10.636% (1st) |
2 | July 8, 2018 | 9.691% (1st) | 11.511% (1st) |
3 | July 14, 2018 | 10.082% (1st) | 12.386% (1st) |
4 | July 15, 2018 | 10.567% (1st) | 11.865% (1st) |
5 | July 21, 2018 | 10.835% (1st) | 12.717% (1st) |
6 | July 22, 2018 | 11.713% (1st) | 13.481% (1st) |
7 | July 28, 2018 | 11.114% (1st) | 12.563% (1st) |
8 | July 29, 2018 | 12.330% (1st) | 13.912% (1st) |
9 | August 4, 2018 | 11.695% (1st) | 12.763% (1st) |
10 | August 5, 2018 | 13.534% (1st) | 15.400% (1st) |
11 | August 11, 2018 | 12.792% (1st) | 14.227% (1st) |
12 | August 12, 2018 | 13.399% (1st) | 15.378% (1st) |
13 | August 18, 2018 | 13.327% (1st) | 15.576% (1st) |
14 | August 19, 2018 | 15.626% (1st) | 18.126% (1st) |
15 | August 25, 2018 | 12.893% (1st) | 14.686% (1st) |
16 | August 26, 2018 | 15.023% (1st) | 17.370% (1st) |
17 | September 1, 2018 | 7.694% (1st) | 8.140% (1st) |
18 | September 2, 2018 | 14.722% (1st) | 16.387% (1st) |
19 | September 8, 2018 | 14.114% (1st) | 14.775% (1st) |
20 | September 9, 2018 | 16.500% (1st) | 18.178% (1st) |
21 | September 15, 2018 | 14.280% (1st) | 16.013% (1st) |
22 | September 16, 2018 | 16.588% (1st) | 18.749% (1st) |
23 | September 29, 2018 | 15.419% (1st) | 17.272% (1st) |
24 | September 30, 2018 | 18.129% (1st) | 21.828% (1st) |
Average | 12.955% | 14.747% | |
Special | September 22, 2018 | 8.937% | 9.404% |
|
Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | 11th Korea Drama Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Lee Byung-hun | Nominated | [74] |
Best New Actress | Kim Tae-ri | Nominated | |||
Best Original Soundtrack | "Days Without Tears" (Kim Yoon-ah) | Nominated | |||
6th APAN Star Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Lee Byung-hun | Won | [75][76] | |
K-Star Award, Actor | Won | ||||
Drama of the Year | Mr. Sunshine | Won | |||
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Yoo Yeon-seok | Nominated | |||
Best Supporting Actress | Kim Min-jung | Won | |||
K-Star Award, Actress | Nominated | ||||
Best New Actress | Kim Tae-ri | Won | |||
K-Star Award, Actress | Won | ||||
3rd Asia Artist Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Lee Byung-hun | Won | [77] | |
Artist of the Year | Won | ||||
Fabulous Award | Won | ||||
Korean Tourism Appreciation Award | Won | ||||
Artist of the Year | Yoo Yeon-seok | Won | |||
Best Actor Award | Won | ||||
Best New Actress | Kim Tae-ri | Nominated | |||
2nd The Seoul Awards | Best Actor | Lee Byung-hun | Won | [78] | |
Best Supporting Actor | Yoo Yeon-seok | Won | |||
Best New Actress | Kim Tae-ri | Nominated | |||
2019 | 55th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Drama | Mr. Sunshine | Nominated | [79] |
Best Director | Lee Eung-bok | Nominated | |||
Best Actor | Lee Byung-hun | Won | |||
Best Actress | Kim Tae-ri | Nominated | |||
Best Supporting Actor | Yoo Yeon-seok | Nominated | |||
Best Supporting Actress | Kim Min-jung | Nominated | |||
Best Screenplay | Kim Eun-sook | Nominated | |||
Technical Award | Kim So-yeon (Art) | Nominated | |||
Lee Yong-seob (Special effects) | Nominated | ||||
1st Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards | Best Creative | Mr. Sunshine | Won | [80] |