(Disclaimer: Upon release, there were a few controversies surrounding this historical KDrama due to historical inaccuracies. The historical elements mentioned in the review are based on the on-screen depiction only)
Considered unrivaled as the best KDrama of 2018 according to HelloKPop (a popular Korean entertainment site) with one of the largest viewership ratings in Korean television, “Mister Sunshine” has had an enormous impact both in South Korea and worldwide. A 2018 historical fiction KDrama, it is written by Kim Eun-sook, who is renowned for other hits such as “Descendants of the Sun”, “Goblin”, and “The Glory”.
The story is set in the politically and socially unstable era before Japan’s occupation of Korea in the early 1900s, following various characters as they navigate a rapidly changing Korea and become involved with the Righteous Army: a militia group aimed towards freeing Korea from foreign influence. Kim’s nuanced and witty writing, combined with a cast of veteran actors and beautiful cinematography, further contributed to it becoming a cultural phenomenon. However, one factor that especially defines its masterful storytelling is that it continues the literary tradition of a tragedy, with a modern twist and setting. This makes this story more compelling and deeply fulfilling to watch, earning its status as a must-watch for all KDrama fans.
Using the element of tragedy through “Mister Sunshine”’s complex characters, Kim Eun-sook creates a layer of emotional depth and connects her message with the audience. A tragedy being a story in which protagonists suffer or meet an unhappy ending due to a personal or societal flaw, the journey of each character criticizes what led to the decline of the Joseon Dynasty. To many audiences unfamiliar with the social hierarchy of the period, it may be easy to be lost in the early episodes; yet, the way each character’s struggles are clearly portrayed and repeatedly appear throughout the whole series helps the viewers increasingly become more aware of the customs and shared mindsets at the time. Each character represents an aspect of Joseon society and are continually denied validation due to their social standing, which will make viewers root for them regardless of their background.
In addition, the well-developed character relationships make this show equally enjoyable and heartbreaking to watch. The romance between the two main leads is indeed unconventional, lacking the love confessions and heartfelt kisses found in many KDramas. In spite of this, it is strongly tangible and laced in a tragic passion for each other, as the two would never be allowed to be openly in love or share an ending that is not one of separation and longing. The triple “bromance” also relieves the audience from the heavy tone of the series; their prickly yet jesting interactions with an underlying respect for each other forms a bond between the three that one cannot get enough of. Side characters, such as the young servant boy and the translator at the American Legation (similar to an embassy), help grow a complex and wide web of connections between the large cast. Despite it taking time to become accustomed to each of the faces on-screen and memorize their names, by the end of the series, it will be bittersweet to leave them.
Lastly, the thoughtfully crafted instrumental music and soundtrack not only adds to the tragedy motif, but also enriches the characters’ journeys. At the beginning of each episode, the opening credits play out in the form of a classical music-style concerto, played by violist Richard O’Neill. Not only does this represent the historical era of the drama, but it also sets up the overall tone of the story; the key is in D minor and the melody is reminiscent of Mozart’s Requiem, hinting that whatever awaits the protagonists will not lead them to a happy ending. The lyrics within the soundtrack also line up with the story, pulling in the viewers with memories of each scene and moment the songs were played. Its clear separation of the English and Korean languages in the tracks, also unusual in a KDrama, represents one of the protagonist’s struggles with having both an American and Korean identity. In the song “Becoming the Wind” by Ha Hyunsang, the lyrics of the chorus—“I’ll become the wind / And stay by your side”—match the relationship dynamics between the main romantic couple.
“Mister Sunshine” tells the story of people with tragic pasts, a ruined nation caught between powerful countries, corrupt governments and officials, and a band of bold people fighting to save their dying homeland. By utilizing the element of tragedy, this drama forms a personal connection between the characters and the audience through their unique backgrounds and relationships. Through its depiction of their struggles and sacrifices, the drama shows us how to honor them—by honoring our people. By learning from the mistakes of the past, and not taking the Righteous Army’s sacrifices in vain; by helping to create a better Joseon.
