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| Actor Lee Byung-hun, second from left, and other cast members of upcoming tvN drama "Mr. Sunshine" pose during a press conference in southern Seoul, Tuesday./ Yonhap |
Star drama writer unveils 'Mr. Sunshine'
By Park Jin-hai
What can possibly go wrong with the new blockbuster drama penned by a writer whose long track record includes pan-Asian smash hits "Descendents of the Sun" and "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God?"
The two dramas ended with 38.8 and 20.5 percent viewership ratings respectively, and the latter reached an all-time record-high viewership in the history of cable dramas.
The star writer Kim Eun-sook and producer Lee Eung-bok duo's much-anticipated third project "Mr. Sunshine," following "Descendants" (2016) and "Guardian," (2017) was unveiled, Tuesday.
The overriding mood at the first press event for the drama has not been the question of if but how this drama can reach surefire success.
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| Drama writer Kim Eun-sook |
"Mr. Sunshine" was inspired by historical events concerning a U.S. expedition to Korea in 1871, the first American military action on and around Ganghwa Island, which killed over 200 Korean troops. It forced the regent Daewon-gun to strengthen his policy of isolation until Korea established a trade treaty with Japan, after Japanese ships approached Ganghwa and threatened to fire on Seoul in 1876. Korea's Treaties with European countries and the U.S. soon followed.
"Although that period had a maelstrom of sudden changes, not many dramas tell the stories of that time," said Lee during a press conference in southern Seoul, Tuesday. Lee plays Eugene Choi, a servant boy who boarded a U.S. navy ship after his parents were killed by his master and returns to Korea as captain of U.S. Marine. "My character is very interesting in that he is an American who harbors hard feelings toward his own country Joseon."
The upcoming drama is Lee's welcome return to the small screen in nine years after mostly appearing in movies including Hollywood films "G.I. Joe" "Red 2" and "The Magnificent Seven." Actress Kim, who shot to fame appearing in Park Chan-wook's film "The Handmaiden," will act as Choi's love interest Ko, a daughter from a noble family who turns into a patriotic assassin gunning down those who sided with Japan and betrayed the country. The drama will be her first small screen debut.
The Saturday-Sunday drama series, a production with an estimated 40 billion won budget, will be broadcast through Netflix to reach its global fans as well. "Though I have starred in Hollywood films, it is my first time to be in a Korean production that will be showcased around the world," said Lee expressing his excitement. Asked about the concerns about how the international fans, not familiar with Korean history, could respond to the drama, Lee said, "Many of the global viewers may watch the drama with limited knowledge of that historical time period. But drama is about the unfolding of human relationships in the end.
"So, although the series is based on Korean history, foreign viewers will be able to understand the feelings and emotions through the characters and their relationships."
"Mr. Sunshine" will premiere on July 7 at 9 p.m.
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