Kim Eun Sook's Upcoming Dramas: Mr. Sunshine

Hey, I am back to drama world!!! I just can't believe it that While You Were Asleep is gonna aired soon and here we are towards the end of 2017. Believe it or not, after a spectacular run of Secret Garden (2010), A Gentleman's Dignity (2012), The Heirs (2013), Descendant of the Sun (2016), Goblin (2016), Kim Eun Sook is gonna treat us to another melodrama about a soldier in Japanese Era and based on the rumor, the drama will air in the latter half of 2017, which possibly in early 2018. 

Kim Eun Sook announced that the synopsis is complete and script work has begun for her new drama, a period piece set at the turn of the twentieth century, titled Mr. Sunshine. The drama is set in 1900 to 1905, and tells the story of a soldier in the righteous army falling in love with an aristocrat’s daughter. It begins in 1871 when the hero boards an American military ship as a little boy during the Shinmiyangyo, a U.S. military expedition to Korea that resulted in a battle. He lands in the U.S. and then years later returns to Korea as an American soldier, to the country that abandoned him. While stationed in Korea, he’ll meet and fall in love with a nobleman’s daughter.

The term “righteous army” refers to Korea’s long history of commoners taking up arms to protect their country against foreign invaders, dating back to Goryeo. The righteous army made a comeback in 1895 to 1905 as Japan imposed more and more control over Korea, and eventually became the backbone of the independence movement’s guerilla militia during the Japanese occupation.

Kim Eun Sook explained, “It was a subject I’ve been wanting to write about for a long time… It’s not the story of independence fighters, but righteous armies. They aren’t recorded in history, but they’re stories we ought to know.” About covering a less common time period (most dramas and films set in that era tend to take place in 1910 to 1945, and make use of the set featured in Gaksital), Kim said, “There are sets of the Japanese occupation period, but there are no locations that exist for early 1900. We have to build the sets, and in order to do that, I have to hurry up and write the script. The synopsis is out and I’ve begun scriptwriting.”

Kim will be reuniting with PD Lee Eung Bok, with whom she made her last two massive hits, Goblin and Descendant of the Sun. Gosh, I just can't wait for her penwritting style. But, guess, who's courted to be the cast??

Male Main Lead: Lee Byung Hun

The production company commented, “There are a lot of things to prepare for this drama, so we wanted to get the casting done right away. Our writer, Kim Eun Sook, told us that she wanted the male lead to be someone who is experienced in acting and is good at speaking English, so Lee Byung Hun was a perfect fit. We are very excited to work with him.”

I don't know whether I should be happy or not, but Lee Byung Hun has many scandals and well...he is old already T_T but yeah, I believe Kim Eun Sook will make it big, so let's see how capable she is of changing my perception towards Lee Byung Hun.

Female Main Lead: Kim Tae Ri

She was born in 1990, which is way too young to be compared to Lee Byung Hun! But this girl has been gaining a lot of praises for her acting. As she is casted as the main lead, I am curious as how good she is able to portray a nobleman's daughter. I believe when she is casted in such a famous production like this, her career will go even higher. Congrats to the fresh actress!

Main Cast: Yoo Yeon Seok

Congrats for Yoo Yeon Seok for hitting it big! Actually I was hoping Park Bo Gum will be selected but well, doesn't really matter since Yoo Yeon Seok is also a good choice. I like him so much in Romantic Doctor, Kim. So hopefully he will stay the same, a romantic type of a guy!

Supporting Cast: Byun Yo Han

Byun Yo Han will play a warm-hearted character who appears to be an immature playboy.