Mr. Sunshine (2018)

I loved the character of Hui Seong while watching Mr. Sunshine. He was a carefree, cheerful person who was happy with the little things. He was artistic and loved poetry and flowers. I compare Hee Tae to him because of these character traits. I love such people, even if they are not strong.

A patriotic woman disused as a male is part of a rebellious group out to remove Japanese corruption from her country out of Patriotism in both shows.
Both female leads are excellent at using a gun
Both female leads lost close family members are killed which is behind their motivation to be part of the rebel group.

Both drama's story is a little similar because in both of them the MC goes overseas and comes back with a different identity.

Both of the main characters decided to adopt a new identity and embrace western culture. Also, both characters use guns... a lot. I guess those are the things that make both dramas similar.

Both dramas are set during the reign of King Gojong. This means that the drama is set during a time when there is such a great transitional change going on in Korea (late 1800s). Korea, a kingdom known for being against the influence of foreigners (except maybe China or Japan) is shown to starting up to open to Western influences in both dramas, thus we see the lead characters use the gun more instead of the traditional swords (though some characters still use swords). We also see how Western influence is impacting the main characters. Example is how both female leads in both dramas got fascinated by the western objects they encounter in the show. We also see some men cutting their traditional long hair to fit to a shorter western hair, plus they also trade their hanboks to western suits. Big difference in setting is that Gunman in Joseon was showrn during Gojong's earlier reign while Mr Sunshine was during his later reign.
The character of Lee Joon Gi in Gunman also has similarities with both the leads in Mr Sunshine. LJG character and Lee Byung Hun's Mr Sunshine character are similar in that they suffered a lot in Joseon before they left for another country. Using an identity from another country (LJG using a fake Japanese identity and LBH becoming a US Soldier captain as US Citizen) and wearing Western clothes, their return to Joseon will lead them to more hardships to overcome before eventually becoming heroes to Joseon people. LJG character also has similarities to Kim Tae Ri character in Mr Sunshine. Both parents died, and both became masked vigilantes who do missions which eventually helped Joseon.
Basically, both dramas are about how people lived, survived, and even become heroes of Joseon in a time of impending change

- Both dramas portray a heart-wrenching and beautiful love story between the leads.
- In the beginning, both male leads have no interest in helping Joseon, wanting to only live their own lives without any trouble, but as they meet the female leads they start getting more involved with their country (which is undergoing foreign invasion in both series) with the purpose of protecting their loved one.

If you enjoyed the anti-colonial stance of the characters in Empress Ki, you'll appreciate the depiction of Korean resistance against Imperial Japan in Mr. Sunshine. Romance and freedom fighters combine to create a tale of love and struggle.

Very similar dramas that focus on the same time period. Mr Sunshine is kind of a precursor to different dreams, It shows the beginning of Japan's take over whereas different dreams is when japan has a lot of control in Korea. Freedom fighters for both dramas, amazing actors and chemistry.

Both are historical dramas that have strong, proactive and very determined female protagonists and that sometimes their life goals clash with their love interests, leading to sacrifice them. And both have characters that the viewer creates a certain affection for them but who end up having very grievous deaths.

Both has the same writer, director & even the studio is same.
Writer : Kim Eun Sook
Director : Lee Eung Bok
Studio : Studio Dragon

Both series do have a similar type of plot in which two main characters are fighting for justice in a way. One from a poor family and one from a rich family.

- ML is a war general with strong rooted principles he goes by
- FL is a noble from a high-ranked family
- FL had an arranged marriage
- Well-written characters
- Slow burn
- Beautiful Cinematography, Costumes and Action scenes
- Great ost
- No kiss scenes but meaningful eye contact
- Political Conspiracy Plot
- Tragic Ending

A rebel fights the Japanese tyranny during its occupation of Korea.
Main lead must fight against Japanese officers and Korean aristocrats in both shows.

- Both dramas take place in a war/political tension context.
- Both also explore the storylines and games of power of different characters, and how, despite the evil, they try to protect and hold onto their loved ones
- Both female leads are strong-willed and use cross dressing to fight for their country

Differences : Military academy was clearly cut in two parts, the first is light and fun, the second one is mostly about the war
Mr.Sunshine does a better job at mixing emotions and situations, leaving a bittersweet feeling.
The concept is similar but Mr Sunshine is better in my opinion

Both series are about historical turning point

The Main leads fell in love without knowing what is gonna happen around them

Main lead gets affected by the dark scheme planned in the country.

Both are military and agencies related

Like Snowdrop, Mr.sunshine is also historical fiction, some of the characters and stories are made up, and some are based on historical fact. Such advancing of the timeline may have helped the producers dramatize the story.