Mr. Sunshine Episode 2 Recap - Summary and Analysis

Summary of Episode 2 of Mr. Sunshine

The second episode of the popular Korean drama Mr. Sunshine picks up shortly after the events of the first episode. We find our protagonist Eugene Choi in the United States after escaping Korea as a child. He joins the U.S. Marines and later becomes a captain. During a mission, Eugene meets Kyle, an American reporter who will play an important role later in the story. The episode then cuts back to Korea in the year 1871, where we are introduced to Go Ae-shin as a young girl. She is set to be in an arranged marriage to Kim Hee-sung, a member of a powerful noble family.

Eugene's Return to Korea

In the present day, Eugene returns to Korea along with Kyle for the first time since he escaped as a child slave. He is overwhelmed with emotion at returning to his homeland. We learn that Eugene has ambitious plans for Korea's independence from Japan, which has turned the country into its colony. While there, Eugene reconnects with his childhood servant friend Dong-mae and saves Ae-shin from an assassination attempt. This is our first glimpse of Ae-shin as an adult woman. There is clearly a spark between her and Eugene.

Go Ae-shin's Upbringing

In flashbacks, we see young Ae-shin being raised by her traditional noble family. She prefers sword fighting and archery over traditional feminine pursuits, showing her strong-willed nature early on. Ae-shin is close to her enlightened grandfather Hee-sung who teaches her values of equality. This infuriates her stern father Il-sik who wants her married off for political reasons. On her wedding day, Ae-shin tries to commit suicide by slitting her wrists, unable to go through with the arranged marriage. Her life is saved, but this suicide attempt has ongoing consequences.

Japan's Influence in Korea

Throughout episode 2, we see Japan's military presence creeping into Korea more and more. The Japanese have outlawed Korean traditional dress and custom. Nobles like Ae-shin's family are viewed with suspicion for their lingering Korean pride and power. Ae-shin's enlightened grandfather predicts that Korea must modernize and adapt Western ways of thinking in order to survive. These tensions between traditional Korea and Japanese modernity will continue to deepen throughout the drama.

Eugene and Ae-shin's Attraction

At a Western-style ball, Ae-shin and Eugene share a dance. It is clear the childhood friends have an undeniable attraction, despite their very different places in society. In voiceover, Ae-shin asks her maid to purchase Western-style dresses for her, signaling she is open to Eugene's more progressive, modernizing influence. The second episode ends with the pair sharing a meaningful glance across a courtyard, leaving viewers eager to see their star-crossed relationship develop further.

Analysis of Key Themes and Character Development

Though only the second episode, Mr. Sunshine already establishes some of its central thematic tensions that will play out over its 24 episodes. We see Korea in a state of flux, pulled between its traditional roots and the rapid modernization and Westernization ushered in by Japanese imperialism. Our main characters represent different facets of this national identity crisis.

Eugene's Return to His Homeland

Eugene's return to Korea allowed the writers to establish his backstory as an escaped slave. We learn he has become thoroughly Americanized, joining their military and adopting Western mannerisms. Yet his return to Seoul awakens feelings of nostalgia and affection for Korea, representing the plight of many expatriates and immigrants. Eugene bridges the Western and Eastern worlds, making him uniquely positioned to play a role in Korea's political future.

The Fall of the Nobility

Go Ae-shin has grown up in a noble Korean family who are desperate to hold onto their power. Through them, we see the dying gasps of Korea's aristocratic, dynastic families who are becoming obsolete under Japanese rule. Ae-shin's attempted suicide and ongoing melancholy represent the despair of Korea's elites watching their centuries-long grip on power slip away. Yet, like Eugene, Ae-shin is positioned between worlds. Her feisty spirit and curiosity about the West hints she may be willing to break free from traditional expectations.

Foreboding of Future Tragedy

While early episodes contain moments of sweetness and romance, an undercurrent of tragedy runs throughout Mr. Sunshine. The frequent flashforwards showing Eugene looking forlorn and lost warn viewers not to get too attached to current circumstances. We feel the doomed quality of Eugene and Ae-shin's budding affair, knowing it takes place on the eve of seismic change for Korea. Their eventual romance can only end in heartbreak.

Overall, the second episode of Mr. Sunshine skilfully establishes the show's complex exploration of a nation in turmoil and characters torn between old and new. The top-notch production values transport viewers back to this pivotal era in Korean history. We are left eager to follow the star-crossed relationship between two compelling leads.

Highlights and Memorable Moments

Though only the second episode, the second installment of Mr. Sunshine is packed with memorable moments and compelling scenes that hint at the show's broader themes and vision:

Eugene's Return to Korea

After a decade away, Eugene's return to Korea's shores is portrayed as enormously emotionally significant through dramatic music and cutting camera shots. We understand Korea still holds a deep meaning for him, setting up his personal investment in its future.

Assassination Attempt on Ae-shin

The riveting action sequence of Eugene thwarting an assassination attempt on Ae-shin uses sharp editing and handheld camerawork to place us right in the middle of the chaotic fray.

Go Ae-shin's Suicide Attempt

The scene of young Ae-shin attempting to take her own life on her wedding day condenses all of the episode's themes into one dramatic moment. We see the cruelty of forcing this free-spirited girl into an arranged marriage, and understand why she is driven to such desperate measures.

The Dance

Eugene and Ae-shin's dance crackles with romantic tension and gorgeous cinematography. This Western-style ballroom scene highlights the forces of changing tradition and modernity that will impact their relationship.

Parting Glance

The episode ends with Eugene and Ae-shin exchanging a silent but loaded glance across a courtyard. So much longing and foreboding is conveyed simply through their eyes and expressions.

Critical Reception and Audience Reactions

Mr. Sunshine received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both Korean and international critics. It gained high praise for its stunning visuals, strong acting performances, and nuanced exploration of a complex historical period.

Rave Reviews

Critics were near unanimous in their praise for the show's high production values and epic sweep. Many reviews singled out the strong chemistry between the two lead actors and the melancholic romance they created. Most agreed the drama did an excellent job bringing the turn of the 20th century Korea to vivid life.

Awards Success

Mr. Sunshine racked up numerous awards and nominations both in Korea and internationally, cementing its status as a critical darling. It won Best Drama at the 2018 Seoul International Drama Awards. Lead actors Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri earned multiple Best Actor and Actress awards for their performances.

Strong Viewership

In addition to critical acclaim, Mr. Sunshine was a rating hit in South Korea. It had over 23% peak viewership, considered extremely high for a cable network drama. This indicates the show struck a chord with everyday Korean viewers who connected with its portrait of a nation in turmoil.

Overall, Mr. Sunshine received the type of response any show would envy - popular and acclaimed with both critics and the general public. This universal praise demonstrates how it managed to turn an important era in history into compelling, emotionally affecting television.

Final Thoughts

Though only the second episode, the second installment of Mr. Sunshine effectively expands the drama's scope while setting up key themes and character arcs. Beautiful cinematography transports viewers to turn of the century Korea on the cusp of transformation. The charming early interactions between Eugene and Ae-shin already hint at the tragic sweep of their romance. Strong performances from Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri in the lead roles draw us into their impossible affair. With its mixture of doomed romance and historically insightful writing, Mr. Sunshine promises to be an emotional viewing experience for anyone interested in Korean history and culture.

FAQs

What happens when Eugene returns to Korea?

Eugene is overwhelmed with emotion upon returning to Korea for the first time since he escaped as a child slave. He reunites with his childhood servant friend Dong-mae and saves Ae-shin from an assassination attempt, beginning their romance.

How does Go Ae-shin's family treat her?

Ae-shin's noble family tries to raise her in traditional ways, though she prefers swordfighting and archery. They force her into an arranged marriage, driving her to attempt suicide on her wedding day.

How does Japan control Korea in this era?

The Japanese have turned Korea into a colony, outlawing traditional dress and customs. They view the Korean nobility with suspicion. Japan is rapidly modernizing and Westernizing Korea.

Why is Ae-shin attracted to Eugene?

Eugene represents Western progressiveness that appeals to Ae-shin's free spirit. She signals interest in him by asking her maid to buy Western dresses after they share a dance.

What is the critical consensus on episode 2?

Critics praised the strong visuals, performances, historical detail and romantic tension between Eugene and Ae-shin. It gained high viewership in Korea as well.