We already have our leading man confirmed for the new drama Mr. Sunshine coming from writer Kim Eun Sook of hits such as Goblin and Descendants of the Sun, and it is Lee Byung Hun (Iris).
Mr. Sunshine is set around 1900 and is about the romance of a soldier of the righteous army and a nobleman’s daughter. It follows the story of the soldier who got on a U.S. military expedition as a child and grew up in America. As an adult, he then returns to Korea as a soldier during the final years of the Joseon era.
I definitely have some mixed feelings with this casting. I had several other actors in mind that I would have loved to see in this role, all of which are quite different from Lee Byung Hun. I also actually have very little experience with him as an actor. I have only seen him in Iris and a couple of smaller roles in American movies.
But from what little I’ve seen, he appears to be a very talented actor, and in many ways he does seem to perfectly fit with the character description including being fluent in English.
So while I do have some disappointment, I’m also aware that we have a veteran actor on board for what should be an epic period romance from a hit writer. I’m anxious to see this drama take shape and watch as the rest of the cast begins to fill in.
Mr. Sunshine is looking to air in 2018.
Sign Up to receive email updates of kdrama reviews, trailers, casting news, and more.
Kdrama Kisses 
I’m like you that he wouldn’t have been my first choice. But thinking about it I can totally see him in that old timey soldier get up. He has a certain presence about him that I think he would fit into that era.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I definitely pictured a few other actors and was surprised with this choice. But I think he will fit the role nicely and am looking forward to seeing this whole production take shape 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I for one could not be happier. Lee Byung Hun is an absolutely incredible actor. I have seen him in many films (both Korean and American movies), and he has a very strong presence in charisma. He was incredible in I saw the devil, and a few other movies that are worth mentioning are Memories of the Sword , The Good/The Bad/And the Weird and a Bittersweet life. He really is an amazing actor with a really great range of things he can play, so I am sure he will able to pull this one off as well.😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, from what I have seen of him he does seem very good and definitely has a strong presence. I just have to adjust my expectations a bit since he really was a surprise choice for me and many. But I can see him in the role, and from what I’ve heard, I expect him to do it justice 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
He was compelling in Iris. I find this an interesting casting choice. I wonder what the behind the scenes deals were like.
LikeLiked by 3 people