Mr. Sunshine (South Korean TV series)

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Mr. Sunshine
Promotional poster
Hangul
미스터 션샤인
Revised RomanizationMiseuteo Syeonsyain
Genre
Created by
Developed by
Written byKim Eun-sook
Directed byLee Eung-bok
Starring
ComposerNam Hye-seung
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languages
  • Korean
  • English
  • Japanese
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes24[1] (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Kim Young-kyu
  • Yoon Ha-rim
Camera setupSingle camera
Production companies
Budget₩40 billion[2]
Original release
NetworktvN
ReleaseJuly 7 (2018-07-07) –
September 30, 2018 (2018-09-30)[3]

Mr. Sunshine (Korean: 미스터 션샤인) is a 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] It aired on tvN from July 7 to September 30, 2018, every Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 (KST), and premiered internationally on Netflix.[8]

Upon its final broadcast, Mr. Sunshine was the third highest-rated series 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]

The series earned eight nominations and a Best Actor win for Lee Byung-hun at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards.[10]

While it received critical acclaim for cinematography and storytelling, as well as its strong female characters and portrayal of the lower classes, Mr. Sunshine was also subject to 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.[11][12]

Synopsis[edit]

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 incident, he becomes a Marine Corps officer.

When he returns to Korea for a mission, Eugene meets and falls in love with a nobleman'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.

Historical background[edit]

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 Korea's freedom. Real-life historical events such as the Shinmiyangyo incident, the Spanish-American War,[13] the assassination of Empress Myeongseong, the Russo-Japanese War,[14] Gojong's forced abdication and the Battle of Namdaemun are portrayed or mentioned.[15]

Historical figures such as Emperor Gojong, Itō Hirobumi, Hayashi Gonsuke, Hasegawa Yoshimichi, Horace Newton Allen and the Five Eulsa Traitors[14] appear as recurring characters, with others, such as Theodore Roosevelt,[12] Ahn Chang-ho,[16] Imperial Noble Consort Sunheon,[17] Park Seung-hwan,[15] and Frederick Arthur MacKenzie, also making cameo appearances.

Main historical events described in Mr. Sunshine[edit]

  • The Battle of Ganghwa (1871): A major battle that occurred on June 10, 1871 between the United States and Joseon. On June 1, American ships came under fire when they entered the Ganghwa Straits to establish trade and ensure the safety of the shipwrecked sailors of the SS General Sherman, which was destroyed by the Korean army. As a result of Joseon's refusal to apologize, on June 10, USS Palos and USS Monocacy fired their weapons against the Choji Garrison on Ganghwa Island.[18] The incident is thoroughly portrayed in Mr. Sunshine as one of its character, Jang Seung-gu, fought in the battle as a teen and lost his father.
  • The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905: Signed on November 17, 1905, this treaty effectively gave diplomatic control over Korea to the Empire of Japan. While Mr. Sunshine does not depict the treaty and its effects in detail, it contains a scene in which Kim Hui-seong takes pictures of the Five Eulsa Traitors.
  • The Battle of Namdaemun: Fought between the Korean and Japanese armies on August 1, 1907, the battle took place at the Namdaemun Gate in Hanseong. It was caused by a revolt of the Korean army after an order of disbandment was issued through the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907.[19] The battle scenes are extensively illustrated in Mr. Sunshine.

Cast[edit]

Main[edit]

A captain of the United States Marine Corps and former Joseon slave. After witnessing his parents' death at the hands of their owner, Eugene manages to escape to the United States where he becomes an officer in the Marine Corps in order to overcome racial discrimination, and fights in the Spanish–American War. He later returns to Korea on a diplomatic mission and falls in love with Go Ae-shin. Eugene has to choose between helping Ae-shin in her fight for independence or maintaining his neutral position as an US military officer.
An orphaned Korean noblewoman and member of the Righteous Army. Her parents were independence fighters who died in Japan due to their colleague's betrayal. Ae-shin is raised by her paternal grandfather, Go Sa-hong, who helps her train as a sniper under Jang Seung-gu.
The son of a butcher who flees to Japan upon his parents' death and becomes a samurai and member of the Musin Society, which is part of Yakuza. He believes that it is the unjust Korean social hierarchy that killed his parents and returns to Joseon with a mission of helping the Japanese overtake the country.
An influential widow who runs a hotel in Korea. Her father, Yi Wan-ik, forced her to marry an old, rich Japanese man. Upon her husband's mysterious death, she inherited the "Glory Hotel" and successfully operates it on her own. In order to atone for her father's shameful misdeeds and to also find her mother, Hina helps Yi Jung-mun in the fight against the Japanese government and the pro-Japanese officials.
A Korean nobleman who is considered to be the richest after the Emperor in terms of land ownership. He is emotionally tormented by his grandfather's past deeds and lives for over a decade in Japan to avoid marrying the woman his family chose for him.

Recurring[edit]

Korean government[edit]

The ruler of Korea who desperately fights for the country's sovereignty.
An anti-Japanese official loyal to the Emperor. He secretly commands the Righteous Army.
Kudo Hina's father. A selfish and cruel pro-Japanese official who is responsible for the deaths of Go Ae-shin's parents.
A pro-Japanese nobleman. Yi Wan-ik's assistant and the abusive husband of Go Ae-sun.
The arrogant and corrupt Minister of Foreign Affairs whose actions indirectly led to the deaths of Eugene Choi's parents.
A Japanese doctor secretly working for Yi Wan-ik.
An infamous pro-Japanese official and one of the Five Eulsa Traitors.

Righteous Army[edit]

A skilled potter who helped a young Eugene Choi flee to the United States. The leader of the Righteous Army.
  • Lee Si-hoon as Yoshino Kō[33]
A Japanese man working as an assistant for Hwang Eun-san.
A gunman who trains Go Ae-shin to become a sniper. Due to a misunderstanding he initially despises the Emperor, but eventually becomes the head of the palace guards to protect him.
Jang Seung-gu's wife. A skilled archer and rower.
A young nobleman eager to fight for Korea's sovereignty.
A Korean-born geisha who is part of the Righteous Army.
A Righteous Army member and one of the close friends of Go Ae-shin's parents.
A cousin of Go Ae-shin's mother. He served as an official at the time of the Shinmiyangyo incident and now lives in Japan supporting the Righteous Army.
A jige carrier and Righteous Army member who was briefly captured by Gu Dong-mae.
The bell keeper who is secretly a member of the Righteous Army.
  • Lee Dong-hee as baker
A Righteous Army member and the owner of a French bakery/candy store.
  • Park Sung-hoon as blacksmith
A friend of Jang Seung-gu who is skilled in fixing machinery.

Japanese government and army[edit]

The first Resident-General of Korea.
The Minister and de facto leader of the Japanese legation.
A Japanese colonel of noble blood. Sadistic and cruel, he has a heavy dislike for Korea. Eugene was his neighbour in New York.
  • Gong Dae-yu as Sasaki Soyu
An arrogant Japanese major serving under Mori Takashi.
The Governor-General of Korea under Itō Hirobumi.
  • Lee Jung-hyun as Second Sergeant Tsuda[41]
A fanatically loyal Japanese NCO officer who will lash out at anyone near him.
A Japanese NCO officer.
A Korean man who works as a translator at the Japanese legation.
  • Jeong Tae-ya as Suzuki
A man working at the Japanese legation who develops an enmity with Gu Dong-mae.

Go family's household[edit]

Go Ae-shin's paternal grandfather. He was a great scholar and the Emperor's teacher. A firm believer in the sovereignty of Korea, he very reluctantly allows Ae-shin to join the Righteous Army.
Go Ae-shin's loyal maid.
Go Ae-shin's manservant.
Go Ae-shin's paternal aunt and maternal figure.
Go Ae-shin's cousin and the first wife of Yi Deok-mun. Unable to bear a son, she is regularly abused by her husband.

American legation[edit]

A major in the United States Marine Corps who is both the direct supervisor and friend of Eugene Choi.
An English interpreter working at the American legation. He later becomes an English translator for the Emperor.
A young boy who works at the American legation, where he teaches hangul to Eugene Choi. Son Su-mi's younger brother.
The corrupt American minister who considers Eugene Choi more Korean than American.

Kim family[edit]

Kim Hui-seong's grandfather. A cruel and extremely wealthy nobleman responsible for the deaths of Eugene Choi's parents.
Kim Hui-seong's cowardly father.
Kim Hui-seong's mother.
Kim Hui-seong's wife and Jun-young's sister.

People around Gu Dong-mae[edit]

Gu Dong-mae's loyal subordinate in the Musin Society.
A mute Japanese fortune-teller living with Gu Dong-mae.
  • Hakuryu as leader of the Musin Society

Glory Hotel employees[edit]

Son Do-mi's elder sister who holds a valuable object.
  • Kim Si-eun as Gwi-dan
A maid at the Glory Hotel who is secretly working for Gu Dong-mae.

Others[edit]

A former friend of Go Ae-shin's parents who betrayed them to Yi Wan-ik.
A slave hunter who diverted and became the co-owner of a shop that takes care of any need.
A slave hunter who diverted and became the co-owner of a shop that takes care of any need.
  • Jason Nelson as Joseph W. Stenson
An American missionary. He helps Eugene Choi escape to the United States and is a paternal figure to him.
  • Ariane Desgagnés-Leclerc as Stella[53]
An American missionary working as an English teacher in Korea.
A student at Stella's English school who later becomes Kim Hui-seong's assistant.

Special appearances[edit]

Emperor Gojong's father.
A gunner killed during the Shinmiyangyo incident.
Go Ae-sin's father who is killed while plotting to assassinate Yi Wan-ik.
Go Ae-shin's mother who is killed by Yi Wan-ik.
Emperor Gojong's concubine and a close friend of Hina.
A Korean independence activist living in the United States.

Production[edit]

  • Netflix invested ₩30 billion in the series.
  • The series is the third collaboration between writer Kim Eun-sook and director Lee Eung-bok, after Descendants of the Sun (2016) and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017).[58]
  • The drama marks film actress Kim Tae-ri's small-screen debut.[59]
  • The drama was first pitched by Studio Dragon to SBS, but the latter passed on the project due to financial and advertising constraints.[60]
  • Kim Sa-rang was originally cast in the series,[61] but backed out in February 2018 due to scheduling conflicts.[62] She was replaced by Kim Min-jung.
  • Filming began in September 2017 and took place in various parts of South Korea including Busan, Daegu, Gokseong County, Gyeongju and Hapcheon County. Several sets solely devoted to the early 1900s setting of Korea were built on a 20,000 m2 site in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, and another indoor set was built on a 6,600 m2 site in Daejeon. 1000 extras were hired for a battle scene.[2][6][63]
  • It was originally planned in 2009 to be a sports-themed period drama set in the 1920s and 1930s, also featuring an American lead character. Shin Woo-chul, Kim Eun-sook's collaborator for the "Lovers" trilogy, was attached to be the director at the time.[64]

Episodes[edit]

No.TitleOriginal release date
1"Episode 1"July 7, 2018 (2018-07-07)
Joseon stands firm against US incursion. Yu-jin survives in the US — as Eugene. Ae-shin knows that great change is afoot with global ramifications.
2"Episode 2"July 8, 2018 (2018-07-08)
The Queen has been assassinated. 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 (2018-07-14)
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 (2018-07-15)
Suspicions run deep as US troops lose a gun on a train. Ae-shin shows Dong-mae compassion, Hui-seong returns to Korea and Eugene considers revenge.
5"Episode 5"July 21, 2018 (2018-07-21)
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 (2018-07-22)
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 (2018-07-28)
Ae-shin learns love's real meaning and crushes a thug. Emperor Gojong asserts Korea's authority. Eugene reveals his Korean name to Ae-shin.
8"Episode 8"July 29, 2018 (2018-07-29)
Despite being advised to lay low as a noblewoman, Ae-shin undertakes a dangerous operation. Eugene makes a surprising move and Hui-seong probes his past.
9"Episode 9"August 4, 2018 (2018-08-04)
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 (2018-08-05)
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 (2018-08-11)
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 (2018-08-12)
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 (2018-08-18)
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 (2018-08-19)
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 (2018-08-25)
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 (2018-08-26)
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 (2018-09-01)
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 (2018-09-02)
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 (2018-09-08)
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 (2018-09-09)
The Righteous Army retaliates against the Japanese troops and Ae-shin seeks justice. War breaks out in Korea and Eugene gets orders to return to the US.
21"Episode 21"September 15, 2018 (2018-09-15)
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 (2018-09-16)
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 (2018-09-29)
Seeing the explosion, Hui-seong, Dong-mae and Eugene fear the worst. The world's indifference dismays Emperor Gojong, but Korea's defiance gets bolder.
24"Episode 24"September 30, 2018 (2018-09-30)
Korea 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.

Original soundtrack[edit]

Mr. Sunshine
OST
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
Released2018 (2018)
GenreSoundtrack
Language
LabelStone 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.[65] 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.[66]

Original soundtrack (Part 1–15)

Part 1

Released on July 8, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."The Day" (그 날)
  • Park Hyo-shin
  • Jeong Jae-il
Park Hyo-shin4:52
Total length:4:52

Part 2

Released on July 15, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Sad March" (슬픈 행진)
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • JELLO ANN
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
Elaine5:25
Total length:5:25

Part 3

Released on July 22, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Days Without Tears" (눈물 아닌 날들)
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Kim Hee-jin
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Kim Hee-jin
Kim Yoon-ah3:46
Total length:3:46

Part 4

Released on July 29, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Sori" (소리)
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Jin-ho
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Jin-ho
Lee Su-hyun (AKMU)5:02
Total length:5:02

Part 5

Released on August 5, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Good Day" (좋은 날)
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Jin-ho
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Jin-ho
  • Jeong Dong-hwan
MeloMance5:31
Total length:5:31

Part 6

Released on August 6, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."My Home (Eugene's song)"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • JELLO ANN
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
Savina & Drones4:20
Total length:4:20

Part 7

Released on August 12, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Becoming The Wind" (바람이 되어)Athena
  • Athena
  • eNa
Ha Hyun-sang4:43
Total length:4:43

Part 8

Released on August 13, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Stranger" (이방인)Park Woo-sangPark Woo-sangPark Won3:53
Total length:3:53

Part 9

Released on August 19, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Shine Your Star (Prod. by Zico)"
  • Safira.K
  • Zico
  • Zico
  • Poptime
o3ohn3:35
Total length:3:35

Part 10

Released on August 26, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."And I"
  • Tenzo
  • LOOGONE
NU'EST W3:55
Total length:3:55

Part 11

Released on September 2, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."See You Again (feat. Richard Yongjae O'Neill)"Ha Melli
  • POPKID
  • Safira.K
Baek Ji-young3:48
Total length:3:48

Part 12

Released on September 9, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Beautiful As Fireworks" (불꽃처럼 아름답게)
  • Nam Hye-seng
  • Park Jin-ho
  • Nam Hye-seng
  • Park Jin-ho
Shin Seung-hun4:30
Total length:4:30

Part 13

Released on September 16, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."Paramour" (정인)HenHenSejeong (Gugudan)3:54
Total length:3:54

Part 14

Released on September 23, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."If You Were Me"Son Go-eun (Monotree)
  • Son Go-eun (Monotree)
  • NOPARI (Monotree)
Ben4:25
Total length:4:25

Part 15

Released on September 30, 2018
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."How Can I Forget You" (어찌 잊으오)
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Jin-ho
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Jin-ho
Hwang Chi-yeul4:41
Total length:4:41
OST Special Album
Disc 2:
No.TitleArtistsLength
1."Mr. Sunshine (Opening title)"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
5:58
2."Wildflower"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
4:30
3."What Is Love?"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
2:36
4."Sad Waltz"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
3:20
5."With a Flame"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
3:25
6."A Side-By-Side Walk"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
3:07
7."The Era of Romance"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
4:53
8."Glory"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
5:07
9."Waiting"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
1:11
10."Greensleeves (Musicbox drama ver.)"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
2:35
11."No Tears (Piano ver.)"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
2:38
12."One More Step"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
4:19
13."Sad End"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
4:53
14."A Lady and Haman House"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
2:37
15."Black Bird"
  • Nam Hye-seung
  • Park Sang-hee
3:07

Reception[edit]

Critics praised the drama for its "deep storytelling" and its ability to raise viewers' awareness of history.[67] 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.[68] 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".[69] Collider's Devon Forward listed it as one of "The Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now".[67]

Criticism[edit]

Mr. Sunshine has been criticized by some for what was perceived as inaccurate portrayal of Joseon's culture.[67] In particular the character Gu Dong-mae, who had been portrayed as a member of the Black Dragon Society, a pro-Japanese organization,[70] 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.[12]

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.[71]

Viewership[edit]

At the time of airing, Mr. Sunshine recorded the third highest ratings in Korean cable television history 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.[72]

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).

Mr. Sunshine : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
123456789101112131415161718192021222324
12.2342.4262.5852.8982.8253.2572.9613.1472.9223.7463.3143.4423.4614.0403.3083.8321.8223.8333.5804.3053.6474.1444.1444.6313.354
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Media Research.[73]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[74]
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%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.

Accolades[edit]

Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2018 11th Korea Drama Awards Grand Prize Lee Byung-hun Nominated [75]
Best New Actress Kim Tae-ri Nominated
Best Original Soundtrack "Days Without Tears" (Kim Yoon-ah) Nominated
6th APAN Star Awards Grand Prize Lee Byung-hun Won [76][77]
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 Lee Byung-hun Won [78]
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 [79]
Best Supporting Actor Yoo Yeon-seok Won
Best New Actress Kim Tae-ri Nominated
2019 55th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Drama Mr. Sunshine Nominated [10]
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]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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