Gangnam B-Side tops Disney+ charts, The Fiery Priest 2 premieres with double-digit ratings
Note: The article may contain spoilers.
In its endeavor to enlighten people about mental health issues, Daily Dose of Sunshine weaves a tale of Jung Da Eun (Park Bo Young) and the people of the Department of Psychiatry at Myungshin University Hospital, navigating the challenges pertaining to mental well-being.
The K-drama attempts to accurately and intricately portray the battles of its characters while striking a chord of empathy with the viewers. Boasting a strong cast, including talents such as Park Bo Young, Yeon Woo Jin, Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Jung Eun, and Chang Ryul, among others, the series promises a rich and engaging portrayal of the complexities surrounding mental health.
Here are some of the reasons why this K-drama is one of a kind.
1. A K-drama Brimming with Wisdom
Daily Dose of Sunshine imparts valuable lessons on mental health, dispelling common misconceptions and prejudices. Some of the key takeaways from the drama include:
Mental Health Problems can Affect Anyone
People often assume that those who seemingly appear to be leading perfect lives are immune to mental health challenges, while individuals facing hardships are more susceptible. The reality is quite different.
This K-drama strives to deliver the message that mental health problems can affect anyone at any point of time in life. Be it a working mom, a student, or even a medical professional, the drama portrays a realistic spectrum of experiences of ordinary people.
Illness is No Sin
Individuals grappling with mental health problems are frequently subjected to judgment and prejudice by society, leading to exclusion from social circles and discrimination in their workplaces. Through its characters' stories, this drama dispels the societal biases that those suffering from mental health challenges are to be treated differently and should not mingle with ordinary people.
The drama also speaks to those suffering and encourages them to shed guilt or shame and embrace their ailments because illness is no sin.
Self-Care Matters
In the hustle and bustle of life, people tend to prioritize everything else over their own well-being. The K-drama, using working mothers as an example, showed that straining oneself to perfection in every sphere of life can only drain you of your energy and lead to adverse effects in the long run.
It accurately depicts how the flood of stress will only result in suffocation.
2. Park Bo Young and Jang Dong Yoon Being Each Other's Ride-or-Die Friends
Jung Da Eun (Park Bo Young) and Song Yu Chan (Jang Dong Yoon) are bros forever. They share a special bond since childhood, standing by each other through life's ups and downs.
Be it them pulling each other's legs or having each other's back at difficult times, the heart-warming moments of the duo do not fail to impress.
One particularly touching moment is when Da Eun, after coming to know of Yu Chan's panic disorder, remains calm about it and stands alongside him like a pillar of support.
Instead of treating him like a patient, she stays her usual self - joking, teasing, and goofing around with him - helping him out of his darkness.
The duo's friendship moments gave cozy vibes, making us wish for more.
3. Yeon Woo Jin and Chang Ryul Being Complete Goofballs
Despite the focus of the drama being heavy issues, it skillfully injects moments of comic relief. Yeon Woo Jin (who plays Proctologist Dong Go Yoon) and Chang Ryul (who plays Psychiatrist Hwang Yeo Hwan) take center stage in delivering humor throughout the series.
When Min Deu Lae (Lee Yi Dam), whom Yeo Hwan has a crush on, lies to him about seeing ghosts to drive him away, he tries to maintain his composure and be nonchalant about it but can't help being scared. He even calls his friend in the middle of the night to ask if he will come and sleep over with him.
On the other hand, Dong Go Yoon's persistent worry about his obsession with cracking his knuckles and his cute character dynamics with Jung Da Eun effortlessly won our hearts.
The drama skillfully incorporates these comedic interludes to brighten the mood.
4. No Villain
A message-driven drama such as Daily Dose of Sunshine successfully captivates its audience without relying on the traditional protagonist versus antagonist conflict.
The K-drama shows its characters as victims of external influences and fighting not any particular somebody but their own struggles.
Though villains are essential to spice things up, Daily Dose of Sunshine does an excellent job of compelling the viewers to cheer for the characters as they navigate and overcome their hurdles.
