Mr. Sunshine

Set in the early 1900s, Mr. Sunshine follows Eugene Choi, a Korean boy who escapes to the United States and returns years later as a US Marine officer stationed in his homeland. Back in Korea he reconnects with Go Ae-shin, a noblewoman who quietly supports independence efforts, and their relationship unfolds against growing foreign pressure. The show mixes intimate moments with larger political maneuvering, and it keeps focus on how class, duty, and memory shape choices. Allies and rivals emerge among military officers, activists, and aristocrats, so loyalties are fragile and personal feelings often collide with national stakes.

Created by writer Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, Mr. Sunshine premiered on tvN in 2018. The series was notable for a cinematic approach to television, using large-scale sets and an original screenplay that aimed for film-level visuals on a cable drama schedule.

Its visuals, costumes, and production design left a clear imprint on contemporary Korean pop culture, influencing subsequent period dramas and fashion references. Key scenes and the soundtrack circulated widely online, and discussions about the era depicted in the show became more visible in social media and cultural commentary.

Critics and many viewers praised the performances of the leads, the cinematography, and the ambition of the storytelling, reflected in strong user ratings like the 8.466/10 average from 176 votes. Opinions varied on pacing and melodramatic turns, but the series is often discussed for its thematic focus on identity, imperialism, class inequality, and the costs of resistance, with romance threaded through political turmoil and personal history.

The series drew substantial industry attention in South Korea, receiving recognition at domestic television award events, especially for acting, music, and production values. Reviewers frequently singled out the cast and the elaborate production work in year-end coverage, marking it as one of the more talked-about Korean dramas of its season.