Everyone of the five main characters touched my heart in different ways. The acting was on point. The humour was delightful especially as the relationship of the three men moved to a different level of empathy and understanding. The scenes in which Ae Shin learns English and Eugene learns Korean were delicious!
And most beautiful of all was the love story of the American Joseon soldier who didn't belong anywhere and the plucky young Go Ae Shin who fought to protect her motherland. He loved her but he hated Joseon and yet he helped her in every way he could. This is the best love story I have ever watched in a kdrama and I find myself going back to their scenes together again and again.
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However, even though the story was good and very impressive, the drama had a slow start. It felt like it was dragging on for the first half. In the second half, fortunately, it picked up. The action scenes were more plenty and the plot thickened. Kudos for the ending as well, as it was bold to conclude things like this.
Moreover, the performances were excellent from all the actors and they were many many characters in this drama, so it was harder to pull off concistant performances from all of them. One thing that bothered me though, was the constant changing of the language of the dialogues throughout the drama. But that might not bother everyone.
Finally, the costumes and settings were really good and felt original and well made. Though the soundtrack wasn't that impressive, it suited the drama's mood well enough.
So, overall, 7 out of 10.
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For the first 10 episodes or so, I was a little lukewarm toward the series, mainly because I found the pacing to be a bit slow, and I wasn't on board with the main ship yet. However, my decision to persist was the best decision yet. I grew to love not only Gu Dong Mae (I'm obsessed!), but also Kim Hui-Seong, Eugene Choi, Lady Ae-Sin, Kudo Hina, and all those side characters as well. This drama is so heavy, and at times so light and uplifting. It has left me with so many feelings with my heart. I'm overwhelmed and utterly impressed by this experience. Others have said so much about this drama, but I just have to say this:
Humor is 10/10, and this is coming from a person who is very skeptical of humor in k-dramas. But this was so well-done, everything from Interpreter Im and Do-Mi, to the bromance between Eugene, Dong Mae and Hui Seong, to Ae-Sin's struggle to learn English. I'm left wanting a special episode for each of the main characters that I wanted to learn more about; namely Gu Dong Mae and Kudo Hina. I really, really wanted to learn how Kudo Hina came to be who she is when the drama begins. If you're looking for complex characters, this is the series to watch.
Acting 10/10: All characters, main or secondary, completely owned their roles and became them.
Cinematography 10/10 ... need I say more? Every shot was breathtaking.
Plot 10/10 I freaking love historical narratives.
Romance 9/10 I didn't buy Hui Seong's love for Ae Sin (that was too abrupt and I don't believe in love at first sight), but the Ae Sin - Dong Mae interactions were full of tension, and the Ae Sin Eugene interactions always made me smile. It was adorable and heartbreaking.
Pacing 8/10 If you're like me, you'll get impatient with the drawn out scenes where a character just stares into the distant with a pretty background and a melodic OST blaring in all its glory. I just zoomed past those, but there were too many of such scenes and I hungered for more action ... which I got after episode 12 (so hang on!).
I really liked how the drama portrays class conflict between characters entangled with political/military conflict and nationality. Eugene Choi is a Korean-born American captain who seems to struggle with how he should approach his feelings toward Joseon, a country that failed to protect him and his family. Ae-Sin is a noblewoman who is deeply loyal to her country, but is stuck between the patriarchal restraints on women, the need to pick up a weapon and fight, and a complex relationship with lower class like Gu Dong Mae. "The hierarchical system is destroyed, but we can't change our roots. Once a slave, always a slave." The series doesn't merely portray the unfailing courage of Joseon in the face of Japanese imperialism, it also highlights some key problems of the Joseon society. In Joseon there are the lower class butchers and slaves who are so oppressed they can't even protect their own children, there are traitors who are keen to sell Joseon to Japan, there are those who turn against their own parents and choose to be loyal to their country, and there are those who leave their country to survive, only to come back and take revenge against those who oppressed them.
This drama truly deserves the high ratings and accolades it's gotten.
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Secondly, I would like to thank the writer and director for being so damn good in casting these characters. I could not imagine if any other celebrities to act well as these casting did! I fall in love with all these main roles. Kim Tae Ri did so much super damn good in portraying her character. Fall in love with her the moment saw her on the roof with the black spy attire. I love Eugene Choi! He is such a manly character, matured and his voice is so much cool. Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae Ri succeed in portraying their chemistry as the main lead characters. Dong Mae, Kudo Hina and Hui Seong did such an awesome art work... They really did best in this drama. This drama won't be this damn good without them.
Heartbreaking love story, but I do really fond this drama. After watching this drama for thrice, I still could not move on to the other drama yet. This drama successfully attached me and somehow I did saw them in my dream. Hahahahaha... Being so much dramatic now, but I do recommend you guys to watch this drama sooner.
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I knew that this drama would come with lots of heart wrecking moments. Moments that moved me so often because the story did an excellent groundwork of its characters. There were so many facettes of each of them, you unknowingly start to root for everyone, even though some of them might have started out with your disliking. Although... No, actually not. I never really disliked anyone who didn't deserve it. It's exciting to see everyone's story develop, to see where their decisions lead them. They are like branches, pointed towards different paths, and yet grew from the same tree. And in the end the wind blows them in the same direction.
I never felt that the story would move forward too slow because each scene was important to me. Like enjoying a good wine. Every tiny moment sucks you in and doesn't let go. And with all the historical background it was exciting and refreshing to hear at least 3 (sometimes even 4) different languages throughout the whole drama. Though I can't judge the Japanese parts, the English ones sounded pretty good to me.
This is not a drama that blends you with a stunning cinematography, pretty costumes and a nice setting, just to cover up a lacking story. This drama does have all these things AND a convincing and fullfilling plot which makes it a gem in this massive pool of dramas.
It's a story about friendship, loyalty, bravery, love and sacrifice. And it would be a shame to miss out on it.
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A veritable masterpiece
What an epic, sweeping masterpiece. This story is full of heart, han, and jeong. It is deeply patriotic to Korea. I am almost envious of that level of national pride. Where I'm from, we are all hyphenated identities; an amalgamation of immigrants living our lives in the same physical location. I don't know all my East-Asian history, but it's almost overwhelming to think about how a tiny nation could be so powerful (or so vulnerable) and how quick we are to forgive and/or forget things in the not-so-distant past.I appreciate the moments of levity, love, and friendship too. This show depicts ALL the emotions and facets of life. Kim Eun-sook is known as the master of quippy one-liners — and for good reason! Somehow, all the characters endear themselves to us. My heart is full and aches at the same time.
Guns, glory, and sad endings indeed.
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Gun. Glory. Sad Ending.
"My romance lies in the muzzle of a German rifle. Who knows? How you saw me that night could have been romance in and of itself."I watched this drama without any knowledge of Korean history which is why I was a bit confused in the first two episodes. I almost dropped it, but I'm glad that I didn't (because I'll surely regret it in the future) and decided to continue watching it. And after the third episode, I realized that this is the best kdrama that I've ever watched.
Everything about this drama is almost perfect, if not perfect. The storyline, character development, cinematography (which is top-notch), OSTs (whose lyrics were all beautifully written) and most importantly, the emotions that it evoked from the viewers. All the characters are memorable: from the main characters, to the minor ones, and even the cameos. The actors portrayed their roles flawlessly but the writer should also be commended with the way she wrote each of the characters who are perfectly imperfect in their own ways.
What I love the most in this drama are the dialogues of the characters which are so impactful and meaningful. I feel like I'm watching a movie and reading a book at the same time. It's amazing how "Protecting you", "Maybe it's the end of jealousy", and "I don't even know my way around Joseon, and yet I'm walking toward somewhere far away" can be a love confession, and how "I will pray for you and console you" and "You should keep moving forward, I am taking a step back" can show how much you care for someone.
When I finished watching this for the first time, what remained in my mind are the emotions that I felt throughout the story. But when I rewatched it, I appreciated the story even more and I find it more exquisite than the first time I watched it. I came to notice the little details and the symbolisms used which I didn't notice before. It may be hard to rewatch this because of the number of episodes and the pain that it'll bring, but I do think that it is worthwhile.
I don't know if I'll ever come across another drama as great as Mr. Sunshine, but even so, this drama will surely have a special place in my heart.
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Others might feel it's too slow but for me, I appreciate the build up, episode by episode, I get to pay more attention to the character's circumstances and what makes them who they are as opposed to the typical in your face descriptions. Cinematography definitely is key in this build up, it extremely inviting and captivating, I couldn't take my eyes off my screen in fear that I might miss something.
If you're looking for a historically accurate account, this isnt for you.
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poignant, beautiful, inspiring... a masterpiece
mr. sunshine's power and beauty cannot be expressed in words.this story was perfect from start to finish. chills, tears, smiles and butterflies are guaranteed.
i'll keep it short, this is the real gem you're looking for in kdramas. a must watch.
the cinematography is impeccable, the music heartbreaking, the acting powerful, the story heart wrenching and riveting. every character was so intriguing and deeply developped, which made you very attached to each and everyone of them. from anti heroes like kudo hina and dong mae, to brave patriots like aeshin, all flaws, strengths and weaknesses of the characters were wonderfully portrayed. the episodes had me glued to the screen, the pace was perfect. i would've even watched a 60 episode long mr. sunshine haha !
but most importantly, this is a heavy but crucial story of the fight for independance, which will make you tear up and squeeze your fists. if you haven't watched it already, please do. i'd love experiencing watching mr. sunshine for the first time again,,, so please enjoy !
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What the heck just happened
Let me start off this review by saying that Mr. Sunshine is so far from the type of drama I ever expected to watch, let alone completely fall in love with. I had always considered myself a rom com type of person, and I wanted to say that I absolutely hated anything angsty, overly complicated or political, and most importantly, having a tragic ending. Mr. Sunshine is the epitome of all those things, and if I, a religious rom com watcher, can see just how much of a gem this drama is, then almost anyone can.Story: Mr. Sunshine is an incredibly long drama (24 episodes!) which tells the tragic tale of 5 people during the japanese colonization of Joseon in the early 20th century. While I have to be completely transparent and say that this drama was definitely on the slow end (sometimes a little too slow :/), it was ultimately worth every single second. The pace of the story is perfectly mellow, and, despite being slow, I would never say it was dragged out at all. The pace perfectly fits the mood of the drama, and not a single one of the 24 episodes could be considered filler or irrelevant to the plot. The plot’s complexity completely baffles me, and I honestly believe that I will need to rewatch this at least twice more to fully appreciate the storyline. The tragic ending was perfectly executed, and, frankly, it is what made the drama so beautiful. Had the ending been anything different, I don’t imagine that the ratings would be the same, nor would the drama be nearly as impactful as it was. I am not ashamed to admit that I was bawling my eyes out like a baby the last two episodes, and that just goes to show how brilliant the drama is.
Acting/Cast: In this, I will also discuss the characters themselves, as well as the cast that played them. I absolutely adored every single actor, and I felt like they perfectly suited the role that they played. Despite some overacting by English speaking actors (*cough* ALLEN *cough*), the cast, especially the main characters, were wonderful actors and portrayed their characters perfectly. While I heard of some complaints of Lee Byung Hun’s stiff acting, I have to disagree and say that he wonderfully played the character Eugene Choi. I felt no stiffness in his acting, only the reserved and disciplined portrayal of a seasoned US Marine Captain. I have to give special recognition to Gu Dong Mae, for whom I probably cried the most in this drama. He was a beautifully tragic character who deserved so much better. I loved the bromance and the humor in the drama, and the tragic romance, despite a lack of kiss scenes, completely enchanted me and convinced me of Eugene and Ae Sin’s love.
Music: Ah, here we go… what can I say except that I have been playing the same one track from Mr Sunshine (Sad Waltz AKA Dong Mae’s theme) on repeat for the past several days and crying uncontrollably. Every single track in this drama was beautiful, and I will say that this is my all time favorite soundtrack from any drama with complete confidence.
Rewatch value: Like I stated earlier, this drama gets a 10/10 in this category because I already feel the urge to rewatch this drama besides just finishing it. I will definitely revisit it once my broken heart can stitch itself up at least a little bit, so see you in a few!
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Name a more Oscar-worthy drama… I’ll wait
Upon a quick glance at the title and the promotional poster, you’re probably already thinking wow, this sure looks underwhelming! Well, dare I say that those were precisely my first thoughts – but now, I don’t even hesitate for one second when someone asks me whether this drama is any good, because my answer will always be the same, and that is: ‘exceptional’ doesn’t even begin to cut it.Initially, I thought the premise was very lacklustre – set in the early 1900s, this mini-series focuses on Righteous Army activists fighting for Korea’s independence against foreign forces, but the more I watched, the more I began to realise how fascinating this was. Not only did it act as a device to help viewers establish the rationale behind each of the character’s motives, but it also contributed to the story’s development in more ways than I could have imagined. The idea of a premise is that it lays down the most basic foundation of a writer’s work, and just like a movie post or an illustrated cover of a book, it paints a simple image of what’s inside, but not much more. And here’s the thing, it’s incredibly unfortunate to still see so many K-drama writers (whether old or new to screenwriting) fall into this rut when it comes to bringing an idea to life. However, for Mr. Sunshine screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, this doesn’t ever appear to be a problem she faces.
Kim is one of the most accomplished and sought after screenwriters in the industry, and it’s a no-brainer as to why this is the case. In the last 10 years, she has written the script for some of the most commercially successful dramas: Secret Garden (2010), A Gentleman’s Dignity (2012), The Heirs (2013), Descendants of the Sun (2016), Goblin (2016), The King (2020), and this drama included. Yes, she may have incorporated overused clichés in a few of her written work (e.g. rich guy-poor girl, evil mother-in-law, etc), but at the same time, it’s evident she continues to develop narratives which are so unique and enthralling; a talent which is unsurpassed in the industry. Unlike many writers whose dramas flopped, each one of her projects has stood the test of time, and this drama is no exception.
But the success of Mr. Sunshine ought to be shared equally with director Lee Eung-bok, whose creative direction and vast use of cinematic techniques in this drama was just out of this world. Together, they raised viewers’ awareness of Korea’s history, and shed light on those deemed peripheral in society. Many with very little understanding or are quick to judge will say that everything portrayed is historically inaccurate or rubbish, but what these people fail to acknowledge is that these very cruel and tragic events did happen, and whether or not this drama perfectly encapsulated that 101% accuracy is irrelevant. Mr. Sunshine was a cleverly crafted masterpiece to simply put, and I have no doubt the producer called in a historian to ensure the historical and factual basis of the premise was presented in such a way that had more to do with the storyline and character development, rather than the accuracy value it would have added to the plot.
The storyline was wonderfully perplexing, with each dramatic turn adding all these unexpected twists. It was fuelled with long-awaited revenges, political debacles, and palace shambles, all atop a crumbling social class system and a country’s disastrous attempt at stopping the Japanese from invading. Unlikely friendships formed, loyalties tested, identities challenged, and moral compasses questioned, but till the very end, not one person flinched, nor did they flee their allegiance to join another simply for the sake of love or friendship. But what I really appreciated about Mr. Sunshine would be this: the delivery of a poignant love story without the need for any kissing scenes.
I’m not going to lie when I say that there’s got to be smooching involved to make the chemistry somewhat convincing, but even when there was none of that here, I wasn’t the slightest bit concerned or disappointed. Because when there was grief, I ugly cried; when there was suspense, I went numb; when characters embraced, my heart melted; when a character experienced pain, I too felt my heart being ripped out of my chest; whenever a villain or antagonist appeared, my insides burned with rage; when a character showed their quirks, I chuckled with amusement; and last but not least, when a scene was so profoundly sad, it did more than just move me beyond tears.
I also admired Kim’s screenwriting, because instead of cheapening the plot with unnecessary exchanges, I found myself immersed in eloquent poetry and an engaging dialogue that actually built towards something, whether it was revealing important information about a course of action or disclosing a certain character’s disposition. And every time a flashback or sentimental object re-appeared, I knew what purpose it served because the story behind it was so powerful that it became an etched memory (e.g. Lady Yun’s norigae (ornament), ragged shoe floating in the well, wooden music box, red paper windmill, etc). The stunning cinematography was also something to marvel at; not just acting as a visual aid, but in creating this immersive historical experience. With a beautifully composed soundtrack to match, I was well and truly enchanted. (Two songs in particular which struck a chord was Park Hyo-shin’s “The Day”, and Baek Ji-young’s “See You Again”; both of which evoked so much soul, emotion, and lyrical meaning).
But what this drama could really not have done without was the outstanding performance of its talented cast (whether lead or supporting). The main cast comprising of Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung and Byung Yo-han all had a unique charisma and stage presence about them, and I’m so thankful that their talents did not go to waste when they auditioned for their respective roles as Eugene Choi, Go Ae-shin, Gu Dong-mae, Kudo Hina and Kim Hui-seong. To be able to see each individual connect with their characters by immersing themselves in the script was one thing, but then the ability to translate and deliver the right amount of expressive energy and a certain personality on-screen was another. Thus, it was really pleasing to see that actor was emotionally, mentally, and physically invested in whatever challenges their character faced.
To start off, Lee Byung-hun did a marvellous job acting as Eugene Choi. His natural charm and ability to bring so much depth and emotion to the screen was very enthralling, and I couldn’t help but be captivated every time his character spoke, laughed, or smiled. Eugene was a man of chivalry and didn’t hesitate to rise and display authority whenever he was placed in a position of conflict. He was clever, ballsy, and uncompromising, but at the same time, considerate, sincere, and likeable because he always spoke his mind. Lee’s action scenes in particular just exuded this wow factor you’ll rarely see from other male leads; attributed to all the stunt, weapons, and martial arts training he had done in the past to be better prepared for his Hollywood action roles. Combined with his knack for being able to also speak English and Japanese fluently in the drama – you couldn’t help but think, what can’t this man do?! If anything, Lee is a true embodiment of fine wine that gets better with age.
Likewise, Kim Tae-ri absolutely killed it as Go Ae-shin, and who would have thought Mr. Sunshine would be her first breakout role on the small screen! What really stood out to me about Kim’s character was that she was such a badass, fierce, smart, and tenacious noblewoman who wasn’t unlike every other female lead, and it was only through her ability as an actress that she was able to deliver a strong and empowering female protagonist that was more than just a pretty face. Ae-shin was quite literally living proof of Mulan under disguise in a black suit, and the fact that she risked her life, nobility and feminity by switching out of a traditional hanbok and into clothing that placed her in a man's world to protect her country, and her country’s people was worthy of admiration. Simultaneously, Kim did a stunning job at portraying Ae-shin as this graceful aristocratic lady whose posture, speech, and movements were refined, articulate and well-paced.
But if there’s one person who I really want to commend for his acting, it would be Yoo Yeon-seok. This man’s performance was just incredible, and even if his character were barbaric and callous, you have to really give him credit for emulating someone like Gu Dong-mae. Dong-mae was the kind of character that gave you chills just by the way he smirked, tinkered with his samurai swords, or held a gaze, and that’s the sort of talent you want to invest your time in watching. That said, his character wasn’t all that coldblooded and indifferent. Eventually, we see that he wants to be a part of a society where people don’t fear him, and whenever we caught a glimpse of his softer side, it was often met with sorrow and sympathy. Yoo genuinely did an excellent job at his portrayal of Dong-mae not only as the loyal and merciless leader of Musin Society, but also as someone who was authentic and selfishly selfless.
It is also worth noting that Mr. Sunshine upped the ante to showcase the strength and power of women in characters like Kudo Hina/Lee Yang-hwa (Kim Min-jung). Although her role was secondary to that of Go Ae-shin, I really admired how Kim’s character was this affluent, elegant, cultured, and classy modern-day lady who was very ruthless at times. Her role as an accomplished owner of Glory Hotel not only allowed her to indulge in elaborate kimonos, Edwardian fashionwear, and an array of Victorian-era hairstyles, but it also gave her the opportunity to shine through as a skilled linguist, fencer, trendsetter, and businesswoman. It’s quite rare to come across a second female lead this alluring, and a multifaceted character at that, so needless to say that I was impressed by how Kim always exuded the right amount of charisma with the perfect expressions to match in her portrayal of Kudo Hina.
And then there's Kim Hui-seong (Byun Yo-han), the charming third male lead who plays the second wealthiest man after the King of Joseon. From his use of self-deprecating humour to enliven sticky situations, playful teases, and softly-spoken lines, to the way he showed true, genuine concern for those around him, Hui-seong was nothing quite like the condescending and smooth-talking Casanova aristocrat I thought he’d be. Byun showed the audience that his character was more than just a womaniser; he was a gentle soul, risk-taker and a free-spirit who really wanted to contribute to society. It also goes without saying that he is a natural when it comes to conveying the expressions of someone who is genuinely in love. Hui-seong’s gaze always dazzled with adoration for his fiancée, and he never hesitated to wear a tender smile which carried with it this sweet sadness.
Final comments
I have never been more impressed by an AMAZING supporting cast, and although I may not know everyone’s names, it is without a doubt that their acting has left a lasting impression on all viewers such as myself. Kim Eui-sung especially, did an incredible job acting as Lee Wan-ik (the drama’s primary villain) and it only just occurred to me that he played the evil businessman in ‘Train to Busan’. Honestly, this guy’s expertise must be in villainous roles because his character in Mr. Sunshine was hardcore wicked with no redeeming qualities, and the fact that he could make you hate his character’s guts on a level you’ve never felt before is a true testament to one’s acting capabilities.
Not only did Mr. Sunshine record the 6th highest rating for any given episode in cable television (previously coming in 3rd place before the release of Hotel del Luna [2019], Crash Landing on You [2019-20] and the World of the Married [2020]), but it also netted an overall average rating of 12.955%, making it the second highest-rated K-drama of all times in cable television. What makes this latter figure far more significant than the first is because not only does it reflect the popularity of the series during its broadcast, but it also evidences strong audience engagement.
There is no doubt that Mr. Sunshine is probably my most favourite drama to date (along with Crash Landing on You and Signal), but if you ever just need to know why again, please don't hesitate to re-read this review.
Favourite quotes
Kudo Hina: “Three men who are worse than strangers are gathered in one room.”
Ae-shin: “Not goodbye but see you again.”
Lee Wan-ik: “I may be a mutt or a hound, but I’m the boss of all other dogs.”
Ae-shin: “You only have one bullet”, Eugene: As always, I just need to use it wisely.”
Kudo Hina: “Before you leave, act like a decent father for once in your life.”
Dong-mae: “We, unlike our parents, can shoot a gun or drive a sword through anyone.” Eugene: “I made a choice. We, unlike our parents, have the luxury of making choices.”
Ae-shin: “Gun. Glory. Sad Ending.”
Character summaries
Eugene Choi/Choi Yu-Jin (Lee Byung-hun) is the son of slave parents who flees Joseon at a young age and becomes a naturalised American citizen. Growing up, Eugene knew he was different from all the other kids – from his skin colour, long hair to his poor English speaking abilities – getting heavily bullied as a result. From the point he realises that he can no longer live as a Joseon man in a western world, his growth is exponential, and Eugene defies all odds to end up becoming a very admirable U.S. Marine Corps officer. Despite his accomplishments, he continues to be tormented by his past memories of being hunted down by slave hunters and keeps hold of Lady Yun’s norigae (a traditional Korean accessory that is hung from a woman’s hanbok skirt) as a reminder of his mother’s sacrifices. But make no mistake when I say each flashback of Eugene being thrown that norigae by his mother came with profound sadness; a true testament to the saying that “a mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." But that is not the only object which served a purpose in the story – Eugene also kept with him a very peculiar wooden music box, which played a hauntingly enchanting yet sorrowful melody. What made this music box so special was its significance to Eugene; the melody evoked happiness, hope, and life in spite of the tragedy and grief he suffered fleeing Joseon as a very young child.
Upon his return to Joseon, we see that Eugene’s unwavering loyalty to America remains unchanged when he is sent to the American Legation in Joseon to uphold peace and friendly relations between the two countries. Although he is often dragged into Joseon’s political debacles by Emperor Gwangmu (Lee Seung-joon) and anti-Japanese minister, Lee Jeong-moon (Kang Shin-il), Eugene explains that he has no intention to be swayed by their desperation to protect Joseon from Japan and all for a very good reason. At the same time, we learn that every action he makes is somehow unintentionally politically motivated – both a win for himself, and for the Emperor and his underlings; demonstrated by what he ends up doing with the ‘Certificate of Deposit’ (i.e. the King’s bank certificate), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lee Se-hun, and his position at the Royal Military Academy where he shares with his trainees a very powerful Arabic proverb: “An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lion led by a sheep.” Although Eugene is seen to be this serious, calculating, and audacious character, I loved that he also had this warmer side to him which he shared with Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri) – the Joseon woman he fell in love with and cherished more than his own life.
Unlike Eugene, Ae-shin was more reserved and careful with how she carried herself, and their love story was met with a lot of difficulties and uncertainties whenever a mission arose, or their situations changed, and neither of them would know the outcome of one another – symbolised by the placing of a red paper windmill at each other’s place of residence, or at the Apothecary (where they would often meet in secret). Although the portrayal of their relationship was far from the lovey-dovey type that you would otherwise normally expect to see in K-dramas, you could tell that their love for each other was nonetheless so pure, and every misty-eyed gaze and embrace became more heart-wrenching than the last.
The daughter of an aristocrat, Ae-shin was well-known for her kind heart; never faltering to help those she saw in need. As if brains and beauty was not enough, Ae-shin ended up following in her parents’ footsteps to become a part of the Righteous army, a movement led by her grandfather to protect Joseon people from threats instigated by Japan and foreign forces. Although she was refused involvement on many occasions by Lord Go, I loved that her persistence, grit, determination, and fearlessness to provide for Joseon and more trumped feminity and nobility, thereafter, becoming the army’s most-skilled sniper after her master, gunman Jang Seung-goo (Choi Moo-sung). If there was anything to admire about her character, it would be that she was a reticent catalyst for Joseon people’s freedoms and women's liberation – and who doesn’t love a strong, empowering female lead?
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