The Drama That Shows What Happened Right Before Japan Took Over the Joseon Dynasty

미스터 션샤인 Mr. Sunshine

The show takes us back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the chaotic period when Japan was secretly working behind the scenes to colonize the Joseon Dynasty. Each character fights for the Joseon Dynasty’s independence in their own ways. 

Lee Byung-hun plays Eugene Choi, born as a slave who escapes to the United States and comes back to the Joseon Dynasty as an American Marine Corps officer.

Kim Tae-ri plays Go Ae-shin, a granddaughter of a nobleman and a member of the Righteous Army. 

• Gu Dong-mae : Born as the son of a butcher, the lowest class in the Joseon dynasty, he flees to Japan and becomes a samurai.
• Kim Hui-seong : Living for over a decade in Japan, a rich nobleman comes back to Korea to meet his fiancé, Go Ae-shin.
• Kudo Hina : She inherits the “Glory Hotel” after her old, rich Japanese husband dies.

This show’s way of building relationships between the characters is exceptional. They didn’t even forget to add a little bit of humor!

Criticism

Some viewers criticized the show for its’ inappropriate portrayal of the Joseon Dynasty, while others applauded the show for raising awareness of Korean history.