Mr. Sunshine (미스터 션샤인) is a popular 2018 Korean drama 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 story takes place in the early 1900s in Hanseong (now Seoul) and follows brave men and women who fight for Korea’s independence. The series aired on tvN and was also released worldwide on Netflix.
Mr. Sunshine received huge praise for its beautiful visuals, powerful story, and strong female characters. It became one of the highest-rated Korean cable dramas ever, with its final episode hitting 18.1% viewership. The drama also won several awards, including Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards.
K-Drama Profile
- Drama Title (English): Mr. Sunshine
- Drama Title (Korean): 미스터 션샤인
- Revised Romanization: Miseuteo syeonsyain
- Genres: Historical, romance, melodrama
- Production: Hwa&dampictures, Studio Dragon
- Creator: Lee Myung-han, Netflix
- Writer: Kim Eun-sook
- Director: Lee Eung-bok
- Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, Byun Yo-han
- Country: South Korea
- Language: Korean, English, Japanese
- Episodes: 24
- Date: July 7, 2018 ~ September 30, 2018
Plot Synopsis
Mr. Sunshine tells the story of Eugene Choi, a boy born into slavery in Joseon. After his parents are killed, he escapes to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident with the help of a missionary. He grows up in New York City and becomes a U.S. Marine Corps officer.
Years later, Eugene returns to Korea as a captain stationed in Hanseong. There, he meets Go Ae-shin, a nobleman’s granddaughter who secretly fights for Korea’s freedom as a sniper for the Righteous Army. They fall in love, but their different backgrounds and Ae-shin’s arranged fiancé, Kim Hui-seong stand in their way.
Eugene also meets Gu Dong-mae, a dangerous samurai, and Kudo Hina, a smart and mysterious hotel owner. As Japan’s plan to take over Korea grows clearer, Eugene finds himself caught between his duty to America and his love for his homeland.
Main Casts
Lee Byung-hun (as Eugene Choi/Choi Yu-jin)
- Name (English): Lee Byung-hun
- Name (Korean): 이병헌
- Revised Romanization: I Byeongheon
- Birthdate: July 12, 1970
- Nationality: South Korean
- Age: 55
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Occupation: Actor
- Debut: 1991
- Agency: BH Entertainment (Kakao M)
- Height: 177 cm
- Weight: 72 kg
- Blood Type: O
- MBTI: ENFJ, INFJ
- Social Media: Instagram
- Website: Official website
Lee Byung-hun is one of South Korea’s most respected and versatile actors. He has starred in many hit films like Joint Security Area, A Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil, and Masquerade, as well as popular dramas such as All In, Iris, Mr. Sunshine, and Our Blues. In Hollywood, he gained international fame for roles in G.I. Joe, Red 2, Terminator Genisys, and The Magnificent Seven. He also appeared as the mysterious Front Man in Netflix’s global hit Squid Game. Honored as Gallup Korea’s Actor of the Year, Lee made history as the first Korean actor to present at the Oscars and leave his handprints at Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, marking him as one of Asia’s most influential stars.
Kim Tae-ri (as Go Ae-shin)
- Name (English): Kim Tae-ri
- Name (Korean): 김태리
- Revised Romanization: Gim Taeri
- Birthdate: April 24, 1990
- Age: 35
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupation: Actress
- Debut: 2016
- Agency: Management MMM
- Height: 166 cm
- Weight: 46 kg
- Blood Type: B
- Social Media: Instagram
- Website: Official website
Kim Tae-ri is a popular South Korean actress known for her versatile acting and charming screen presence. She first gained fame with her breakout role in Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden (2016), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned her several Best New Actress awards. Since then, she has starred in hit films like 1987: When the Day Comes, Little Forest, and Space Sweepers. On television, Kim became a household name through Mr. Sunshine (2018), Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022), Revenant (2023), and Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (2024). She has won the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress twice and was named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year in 2024, cementing her status as one of Korea’s top actresses.
Yoo Yeon-seok (as Gu Dong-mae/Ishida Sho)
- Stage Name (English): Yoo Yeon-seok
- Stage Name (Korean): 유연석
- Revised Romanization (Stage Name): Yu Yeonseok
- Birth Name (English): Ahn Yeon-seok
- Birth Name (Korean): 안연석
- Revised Romanization (Birth Name): An Yeonseok
- Birthdate: April 11, 1984
- Age: 41
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupation: Actor
- Debut: 2003
- Agency: King Kong by Starship
- Height: 183 cm
- Blood Type: A
- MBTI: ISTP
- Social Media: Instagram, YouTube
- Website: Official website
Yoo Yeon-seok (born April 11, 1984, as Ahn Yeon-seok) is a popular South Korean actor known for his warm charm and versatile acting. He made his film debut with a small role in Oldboy (2003) and returned to acting in 2008. Since then, he has appeared in many hit movies like Re-encounter, Architecture 101, A Werewolf Boy, Whistle Blower, and Love, Lies. On television, Yoo became widely loved for his roles in Reply 1994, Dr. Romantic, Mr. Sunshine, Hospital Playlist, and When the Phone Rings. With his heartfelt performances and wide range of characters, he has become one of Korea’s most respected and admired actors.
Kim Min-jung (as Kudo Hina/Yi Yang-hwa)
- Name (English): Kim Min-jung
- Name (Korean): 김민정
- Revised Romanization: Gim Minjeong
- Birthdate: July 30, 1982
- Age: 43
- Birthplace: Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupation: Actress
- Debut: 1988
- Agency: Mynest Company
- Height: 166 cm
- Blood Type: A
- MBTI: INFJ
- Social Media: Instagram
Kim Min-jung is a talented South Korean actress who started her career as a child at just six years old in MBC Best Theater: Widow (1988). She became one of the most praised child actresses of her generation and successfully moved into adult roles. Over the years, Kim has starred in popular TV dramas like Ireland, Fashion 70’s, New Heart, Strike Love, and The Thorn Birds, as well as films including Flying Boys, Forbidden Quest, and The Scam. She gained renewed attention with her role in Kim Eun-sook’s hit drama Mr. Sunshine (2018) and, in August 2023, signed with her new agency, Mynest Company, continuing her long and successful acting career.
Byun Yo-han (as Kim Hui-seong)
- Name (English): Byun Yo-han
- Name (Korean): 변요한
- Revised Romanization: Byeon Yohan
- Birthdate: April 29, 1986
- Age: 39
- Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupation: Actor
- Debut: 2011
- Agency: Teamhope
- Height: 177 cm
- Weight: 70 kg
- Blood Type: B
- MBTI: ESTJ
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Byun Yo-han (변요한), born on April 29, 1986, is a popular South Korean actor known for his strong and versatile performances. He became well-known through TV dramas like Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), Six Flying Dragons (2015~2016), Mr. Sunshine (2018), and Black Out (2024). He has also starred in films such as Socialphobia (2015), The Book of Fish (2021), and Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022), winning Best Supporting Actor at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards for the last film. With his nuanced acting and memorable roles, Byun has become one of South Korea’s most respected actors.
Drama OSTs
The Day
- OST Title (English): The Day
- OST Title (Korean): 그날
- Artist Name (English): Park Hyo-shin
- Artist Name (Korean): 박효신
- Release Date: July 8, 2018
Sad March
- OST Title (English): Sad March
- OST Title (Korean): 슬픈 행진
- Artist Name (English): Elaine
- Artist Name (Korean): 일레인
- Release Date: July 15, 2018
Days Without Tears
- OST Title (English): Days Without Tears
- OST Title (Korean): 눈물 아닌 날들
- Artist Name (English): Kim Yun-a
- Artist Name (Korean): 김윤아
- Release Date: July 22, 2018
Sori
- OST Title (English): Sori
- OST Title (Korean): 소리
- Artist Name (English): Lee Su-hyun (of AKMU)
- Artist Name (Korean): 이수현 (악뮤)
- Release Date: July 29, 2018
Good Day
- OST Title (English): Good Day
- OST Title (Korean): 좋은 날
- Artist Name (English): MeloMance
- Artist Name (Korean): MeloMance
- Release Date: August 5, 2018
My Home (Eugene’s Song)
- OST Title (English): My Home (Eugene’s Song)
- Artist Name (English): Savina & Drones
- Artist Name (Korean): 사비나 앤 드론즈
- Release Date: August 6, 2018
Becoming the Wind
- OST Title (English): Becoming the Wind
- OST Title (Korean): 바람이 되어
- Artist Name (English): Ha Hyun-sang
- Artist Name (Korean): 하현상
- Release Date: August 12, 2018
Stranger
- OST Title (English): Stranger
- OST Title (Korean): 이방인
- Artist Name (English): Park Won
- Artist Name (Korean): 박원
- Release Date: August 13, 2018
Shine Your Star (Prod. by ZICO)
- OST Title (English): Shine Your Star (Prod. by ZICO)
- Artist Name (English): O3ohn
- Artist Name (Korean): 오존
- Release Date: August 19, 2018
And I
- OST Title (English): And I
- Artist Name (English): NU’EST
- Artist Name (Korean): 뉴이스트
- Release Date: August 26, 2018
See You Again (Feat. Richard Yongjae O’Neill)
- OST Title (English): See You Again (Feat. Richard Yongjae O’Neill)
- OST Title (English): See You Again (Feat. 리처드 용재 오닐)
- Artist Name (English): Baek Z Young
- Artist Name (Korean): 백지영
- Release Date: September 2, 2018
Like a Beautiful Flame
- OST Title (English): Like a Beautiful Flame
- OST Title (Korean): 불꽃처럼 아름답게
- Artist Name (English): Shin Seung-hun
- Artist Name (Korean): 신승훈
- Release Date: September 9, 2018
Paramour
- OST Title (English): Paramour
- OST Title (Korean): 정인
- Artist Name (English): Sejeong (gugudan)
- Artist Name (Korean): 세정 (구구단)
- Release Date: September 16, 2018
If You Were Me
- OST Title (English): If You Were Me
- Artist Name (English): Ben
- Artist Name (Korean): 벤
- Release Date: September 23, 2018
How Can I Forget You
- OST Title (English): How Can I Forget You
- OST Title (Korean): 어찌 잊으오
- Artist Name (English): Hwang Chi-yeul
- Artist Name (Korean): 황치열
- Release Date: October 1, 2018
Episodes (1~24 Summary)
Episode 1
Joseon stands strong against the U.S. attack, refusing to back down. Yu-jin survives and starts a new life in America, where he becomes Eugene. Back in Joseon, Ae-shin realizes that big changes are coming, ones that will affect not just her country but the entire world.
Episode 2
The Queen’s assassination shocks the nation. Seeing that words can’t stop the greedy foreign powers, Ae-shin decides to fight for her country with her own hands. At the same time, Eugene is assigned to a new post that will shape his future and his ties to Joseon.
Episode 3
In an age when Western coffee and fashion are becoming popular in Joseon, Ae-shin prefers her German rifle instead. Still, she can’t help but wonder what the English word “love” really means and whether Eugene is just a friend or something more.
Episode 4
Trouble brews when U.S. soldiers lose a rifle on a train, raising suspicion everywhere. Ae-shin shows kindness to Dong-mae, Hui-seong returns home to Korea, and Eugene starts thinking about revenge from his painful past.
Episode 5
Ae-shin meets Hui-seong for coffee at the hotel, stirring up old feelings. Meanwhile, Eugene clashes with Japanese soldiers at the U.S. legation and starts to wonder why Ae-shin is so determined to fight for Joseon.
Episode 6
Ae-shin is given a new mission that could change her future. At the same time, Eugene, Dong-mae, and Hui-seong realize they have something in common. Eugene looks back on his past and finally gives Ae-shin the answer she has been waiting for.
Episode 7
Ae-shin learns what love really means while defeating a dangerous thug. Emperor Gojong shows Korea’s strength and authority, and Eugene reveals his Korean name to Ae-shin, bringing them closer together.
Episode 8
Even though she’s told to stay safe as a noblewoman, Ae-shin takes on a risky mission for her country. At the same time, Eugene makes a surprising move, and Hui-seong starts looking into Eugene’s past, uncovering secrets.
Episode 9
Eugene wonders why Ae-shin can’t stay safe, but she is determined to fight with the Righteous Army. Hui-seong disagrees with her and suggests a different path, creating a conflict between duty, love, and loyalty.
Episode 10
Emperor Gojong asks Eugene for help, involving him in Korea’s fight for freedom. Ae-shin feels conflicted after hearing his story, but later sees him on a snowy night, bringing them closer together.
Episode 11
Ae-shin apologizes to Eugene, but he urges her to keep fighting for Joseon. At the same time, Hui-seong takes a streetcar ride with her and shares a new plan, giving her tough choices to make.
Episode 12
Ae-shin confirms her decision to fight for Joseon and makes a surprising pact over castella cake. At the same time, Eugene investigates an old photograph, uncovering secrets from the past.
Episode 13
Ae-shin and Eugene enjoy a quiet ride to the sea together. At the same time, a suspicious traitor watches Hui-seong and Eugene, while Lord Go meets with Hui-seong, hinting at hidden plans.
Episode 14
Eugene receives shocking news, and Dong-mae is captured. Ae-shin asks Hina for help, and when Eugene gets cornered, Hui-seong steps in to rescue him.
Episode 15
Emperor Gojong is shaken by a troubling sight. Ae-shin stands up to Lord Go, Eugene struggles to forgive, and Hui-seong visits the Go family’s home, creating more tension and drama.
Episode 16
Hui-seong starts a newspaper and makes a personal sacrifice for his goals. Lord Go rallies his supporters, Ae-shin imagines a different life, and Eugene goes to the palace, preparing for important events to unfold.
Episode 17
Hui-seong gives up what means the most to him but gains a friend in return. Lord Go makes an urgent appeal, and Ae-shin faces Japanese soldiers, showing her bravery and determination.
Episode 18
Eugene confronts a dangerous imperialist, and Hui-seong publishes a special newspaper after Lord Go is imprisoned. At the same time, Ae-shin boldly ignores a Japanese official, showing her loyalty to Joseon.
Episode 19
Ae-shin experiences a personal loss. Her grandfather fights back against growing imperialist threats, Hui-seong takes revenge to protect her, and Emperor Gojong defeats a dangerous enemy, strengthening Joseon’s stand.
Episode 20
The Righteous Army fights back against the Japanese soldiers, and Ae-shin seeks justice. When war breaks out in Korea, Eugene is ordered to return to the United States, facing tough decisions.
Episode 21
Called an American imperialist, Eugene asks Ae-shin why she keeps fighting a seemingly hopeless battle. Hui-seong helps her out of trouble, and a new ally joins Ae-shin in her fight.
Episode 22
Emperor Gojong tries to protect the country but faces a tough deadlock. Ae-shin, feeling trapped, realizes that words can be just as powerful as actions in defending Joseon.
Episode 23
After seeing the explosion, Hui-seong, Dong-mae, and Eugene fear the worst. Even though the world ignores Korea’s struggles, Emperor Gojong remains concerned, and the nation’s resistance grows stronger.
Episode 24
Korea stays strong against outside threats. The Righteous Army keeps fighting, and Ae-shin stays determined. Hui-seong, Dong-mae, and Eugene do their best to help her in the struggle.
Ratings
| Platform | Score |
| IMDb | 8.7 / 10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Audience Score: 94% |
| AlloCiné | Critics: 4.0 / 5, Audience: 4.0 / 5 |
| Letterboxd | 4.2 / 5 |
| Kinopoisk | 8.3 / 10 |
| Filmarks | 4.0 / 5 |
| Douban | 9.0 / 10 |
| Watcha | 4.2 / 5 |
| Kinolights | 95.9%, 4.3 / 5 |
| TMDB | 84% |
| MoviePilot | 8 / 10 |
| MyDramaList | 8.9 / 10 |
| JustWatch | 70% |
| 4Flix | 4.6 / 5 |
| FilmAffinity | 7.6 / 10 |
| MyMovies.it | 4.0 / 5 (Critics: 5.0 / 5, Audience: 3.06 / 5) |
Overview
Mr. Sunshine is considered one of writer Kim Eun-sook’s best works. It stands out for its emotional story, strong visuals, and historical depth, unlike some of her previous dramas that divided audiences.
- Enduring popularity: Even years later, it remains in Netflix Korea’s top 10, alongside Hospital Playlist.
- Historical impact: The story of the Righteous Army is powerful and leaves a lasting impression.
- Cinematic visuals: Beautiful scenes, like the flour spelling “LOVE” changing to “LIVE,” show attention to detail. Colors are carefully used to guide viewers’ eyes.
- Minimal focus on romance: The story works even without romance, mixing serious drama with light humor.
- Symbolic characters: Go Ae-shin represents Joseon, and her protection by others mirrors the defense of the country’s future.
- Outstanding acting: The cast, including supporting actors like Lee Jung-hyun (Tsuda) and Kim Nam-hee (Mori Takashi), received high praise. Japanese characters were played authentically by fluent speakers.
- Cultural influence: The drama increased interest in Korean history and independence movements, inspiring films and shows, especially around the 100th anniversary of the Korean Provisional Government in 2019.
Criticisms
- Some dialogue was hard to hear.
- The plot occasionally felt slow or long.
Awards
| Year | Award | Recipient | Category/Prize |
| 2018 | 6th APAN Star Awards | Lee Byung-hun | Grand Prize |
| 2018 | 6th APAN Star Awards | Kim Min-jung | Best Actress |
| 2018 | 6th APAN Star Awards | Kim Tae-ri | Best New Actress |
| 2018 | 2nd The Seoul Awards | Lee Byung-hun | Best Actor in Drama |
| 2018 | 2nd The Seoul Awards | Yoo Yeon-seok | Best Supporting Actor in Drama |
| 2018 | 26th Korea Culture & Entertainment Awards | Lee Jung-eun | Excellence Award in Drama |
| 2018 | 26th Korea Culture & Entertainment Awards | Kim Nam-hee | Best Supporting Actor/Actress in Drama |
| 2018 | Broadcast Critics Awards | Mr. Sunshine | Best Drama |
| 2018 | 8th Korea Hallyu Awards | Yoon Ha-rim (hwa&dam) | Popular Culture Award, Drama |
| 2018 | 12th Media Awards | Mr. Sunshine | Excellence in Pay-TV Content |
| 2018 | 23rd Consumer’s Day Awards | Mr. Sunshine | Viewers’ Choice: Drama of the Year |
| 2018 | 3rd Asia Artist Awards | Lee Byung-hun | Grand Prize, Actor / Fabulous Award / Artist of the Year |
| 2018 | 3rd Asia Artist Awards | Yoo Yeon-seok | Best Actor / Artist of the Year |
| 2019 | Cable TV Broadcasting Awards | Mr. Sunshine | Drama Category Grand Prize / VOD Category Grand Prize |
| 2019 | 55th Baeksang Arts Awards | Lee Byung-hun | Best Actor in TV |
| 2019 | Korea Communications Commission Broadcast Awards | Mr. Sunshine | Excellence Award in Social & Cultural TV |
| 2019 | 1st Asia Contents Awards | Mr. Sunshine | Best Creative Award |
Viewership
Broadcast Ratings
Mr. Sunshine aired on tvN from July 7 to September 30, 2018, every Saturday and Sunday. The drama was a huge success, consistently scoring over 10% nationwide and peaking at 18.1% in its final episode.
Key Episode Ratings
| Episode | Air Date | Nationwide | Seoul Area |
| 1 | Jul 7, 2018 | 8.9% | 10.6% |
| 10 | Aug 5, 2018 | 13.5% | 15.4% |
| 14 | Aug 19, 2018 | 15.6% | 17.7% |
| 17 | Sep 1, 2018 | 7.7% | 8.9% |
| 20 | Sep 9, 2018 | 16.5% | 18.1% |
| 24 (Final) | Sep 30, 2018 | 18.1% | 21.8% |
Highlights
- Episode 17 aired during the 2018 Asian Games Men’s Soccer Final, which lowered ratings, but it still performed well for the time slot.
- Episode 22 was a special recap, yet it reached 8.9% nationwide.
- Episode 14 broke the 15% mark, a major milestone for cable dramas.
- The final episode surpassed 20% in Seoul, making it one of tvN’s highest-rated dramas ever.
- Before Hospital Playlist 2, Mr. Sunshine had the highest premiere rating in tvN history and ranks 5th overall among all tvN dramas.
- Years later, it remained popular on Netflix Korea, staying in the top 10 from 2022–2023.
Watch Mr. Sunshine on Netflix
