Through an in-depth review of "Mr. Sunshine," a masterpiece depicting Korea's modern history, love, friendship, and sacrifice, examine the changes of Joseon and the fate of the people. Through this work, which offers both touching and deep contemplation, we will look back on Korea's future and past.
“Mr. Sunshine – the story of the hot passion and mournful love of some of the characters who change the fate of Joseon.”
Basic drama information
- Title: Mr. Sunshine
- Air date: 2018
- Broadcasting company: tvN
- Director: Lee Eun-bok
- Author: Kim Eun-sook
- Genres: Romance, History, War
- Total number of episodes aired: 24 episodes

Character Introduction
Lee Byung-hoon (Yoo Jin Choi): a person who was born in Joseon and returned to the U.S. as a captain after studying in the U.S. The main character. His complex identity and life after returning home leave a deep lingering impression on viewers.
Ko Ae-sin: a woman of aristocratic origin but dreaming of national independence. Her love and sacrifice are central to the drama.
Gu Dong-mae: Korean but enlisted in the U.S. Army. His existence contrasts with Lee Byung-hoon, but he is portrayed as the only person who understands him.
Kim Hee-sung: Ae-shin’s fiance. a young businessman of aristocratic origin. His life and choice symbolize the future of Joseon.
Hwang Eun – Shim: Princess from slavery. Her presence shows the class structure and changes in society at the time.
Plot Summary
“Mr. Sunshine” is a story of love and destiny that unfolds in the historical background from Shinmiyangyo in 1871 to the 1905 Eulsaojeok Treaty. Lee Byung-hoon was born in Joseon and returned to the U.S. as a captain after studying in the U.S. His return intersects with three lines of complex love and destiny (Aesin, Dongmae, and Hee-sung). The drama closely depicts the complex relationship between them and the historical fluctuations of Joseon, and explores the modernization process of Korea through the selection and sacrifice of each character.
Major Themes & Message
The drama deals with themes such as love, friendship, nationalism, and sacrifice. It is drawn around how individual fate and choices are connected to the fate of the country in the modern transformation process of Joseon. It also delicately describes the values and confusion of society at the time through conflicts and choices between individuals and the state, love and responsibility.
OST Information
The main OSTs include “That Day” (Park Hyo-shin), “I guess I’m in a Fall” (Vive), and “AND I” (NU’EST W), which greatly contribute to maximizing the emotions of the drama. Each OST was greatly loved in itself, and when combined with important scenes in the drama, it further boosted viewers’ emotions.
Review & Evaluation
“Mr. Sunshine” received great love for its deep storytelling, sensual direction, and passionate performances by actors. The work, created by the sensibility of writer Kim Eun-sook and the delicate direction of director Lee Eun-bok, creates a deep reflection on our history. In particular, the love and sacrifice of the main characters deeply touched the viewers’ hearts. Through this, Mr. Sunshine has become a work that delivers important lessons in Korean history beyond simple dramas.