The Master's Sun (2013)

For a while there, I thought this would end up being one of my favorite dramas. The acting was phenomenal. The characters were phenomenal. The story was phenomenal. It was all so phenomenal. It was also one of those rare dramas from my newbie drama days where the stories outside of the romance actually interested me. Normally, I didn't care about so and so's conglomerate or singing career or whatever other boring and cliché overarching story the writers came up with, because I was there for the romance, damn it. But not this drama. I loved the whole idea of there being this woman who could see ghosts, but she doesn't know how to make them go away, and then meeting a random man who had some unexplained ability to get rid of them. It was compelling and tightly plotted, full of the kind of twisted logic only a drama can deliver.

I even got some enjoyment out of Joong Won's kidnapping and betrayal story. The idea of him being kidnapped and simultaneously betrayed by his teenaged girlfriend/teenaged girlfriends evil twin was overdramatic and unrealistic and filled with plotholes, but it had such a great initial setup that I couldn't help but be drawn in. I was excited to see what was going to happen. I totally called the whole thing falling apart long beforehand, so I wasn't surprised when it veered off into left field towards the middle of the drama, but it was still disappointing to see. The whole plotline was total makjang, confusing and silly and hard to follow. Hee Joo, Han Na, Anna, Falanna, Fee Fi Fo, Banana, let's forget about the fact that a teenage girl could not plan out a kidnapping like that (or really any kidnapping) by herself, we were also given very little explanation for Why she did it. At least not a strong one. So your nice twin stole your man without him realizing that was what was happening (although I don't know just how 'nice' that makes her.) Why you gotta kidnap Him for it? It wasn't His fault. The more logical option would have been to just kill your twin and take over her life so you could date Joong Won. Still messed up, but at least the logic follows.

It's in the four main characters and the romance where this drama really shines though.

I liked pretty much all of the leads (minus one) equally. Gong Shil is adorable, hilarious, full of emotional depth, and dogged in her pursuit of relief from ghosts. Her plight was both comical and heartrendingly sad. When she batted away a ghost or reeled back from one in fear, I laughed and felt for her at the same time. Joong Won is obsessive compulsive, highly intelligent, full of emotional depth, and dogged in his pursuit of relief from Gong Shil. His journey of self discovery and growth is superbly done and kept me very invested in his character. He's the same man at the end of the story, same quirks and mannerisms, and yet...he's a completely different person in so many ways.

Kang Woo was too precious for words. Loyal, sweet, adorable, intelligent, in possession of one of the most beautiful faces ever gifted to man, basically the perfect secondary male lead. He doesn't experience any kind of growth, but he doesn't really need to. He's Kang Woo. And once again, let's acknowledge the obvious. Man is DOUBLE FINE. (It's like a double rainbow but better.) Yi Ryung was the only one of the main four that didn't wow me. Spoiled and snobbish and hilarious in the most unintentional ways (intentional on the part of the writers, unintentional on the part of the character), I liked her. But I never loved her. She never experienced the amount of emotional growth and maturity I wanted her to.

Han Na and Hee Joo's teenage versions were interesting (despite the utter insanity of of the kidnapping and betrayal plot). Unfortunately, adult Hee Joo does not get a pass from me. I'm sure it was explained at some point and I just missed it, but I never understood why she showed back up. What did she want? What was her goal? She'd killed her sister, ruined Joong Won's life, and stole an expensive necklace for fun. (Or did she? I've actually forgotten now.) Did she just want to gloat about it?

In what is a rare turn me for me, I found myself experiencing some heavy second lead feels with this drama. This was particularly distressing to me, as I loved the male lead equally as much. Joong Won and Kang Woo were both perfectly acceptable romance options for Gong Shil, having equally compelling chemistry and relationships with her that were very carefully developed and thought through.

Some people would consider Joong Won a jerk and not worth Gong Shil's time, but I wouldn't classify him that way. If I were in a similar situation as him and someone I'd never met started following me around trying to touch me all the time because the 'ghosts' wouldn't leave them alone...I'd call the police. You really can't call Joong Won a jerk for trying to make a weird, kind of creepy woman leave him alone. Yes, his way(s) of avoiding his feelings for Gong Shil later on in the drama were unfair and not particularly kind, but they weren't intentionally malicious either.

Of course, Kang Woo filled the role of perfect second male lead to perfection, and that's the whole reason I had so much trouble squashing my second lead feels. If he'd had the ability to make the ghosts disappear rather than Joong Won and Gong Shil had shown romantic interest in him, I would have rooted for him instead. But Gong Shil and Joong Won liked each other, and he was the only one who could make the ghosts go away, and I really wanted Gong Shil to not have to see them anymore, so Joong Won...won...in the end. (That is a name ripe for puns.)

Intense second lead feels aside, I would say this romance is very well done. Gong Shil's constant need to be in contact with Joong Won contrasted with his desperate desire to get rid of her provided us with a hilarious give and take situation that I thoroughly enjoyed. And then when the tables were turned and it was him who needed the constant contact, it just made my heart go awwwww. The whole 'I love you, so you have to make sure I don't love you' thing was a surprisingly brilliant and effective plot device, even if incredibly silly character wise. Watching him try to deny his feelings was like watching those kids who take part in those experiments where they have to not eat something for a certain period of time in order to get something better. Only in this case, there was no reason for him to wait for something better, because Gong Shil was already perfect for him.

But the 'I love you. Don't let me love you' plot device eventually turned into a double edged sword, and it soon became obvious to everyone that all Gong Shil and Joong Won really wanted was to be together, and no matter how many reasons they came up with as to why they Couldn't be together, there was just no longer a legitimate reason for them Not to be together. Then it became a waiting game; a long, drawn out, waiting game where the only way to pass the time was to place bets on who would give in first.

And what better time for a third quarter shake up then right when our leads are on the cusp of admitting their undying love for each other. (That is a joke. It was not a good time. It was a bad time. It was terrible. I want my money back.) No, I'm not talking about Joong Won dying and then coming back with no memory of Gong Shil. Surprisingly, after sitting down and working out my feelings about it, I realized that that actually happened at the perfect point in the story.

I'm talking about Mr. 'I can see ghosts too.'

I understand why he was there. The drama was extended unexpectedly, and they needed to fill the extra time. But the characters presence is ultimately unnecessary. He adds nothing to the plot, he doesn't help Gong Shil find any answers, and he has it in his head that he has some kind of romantic claim on her because he met her ghost once. Nah, son. That ain't how that works.

In the end, our leads do still get a happy ending, but they also have to suffer through some rather unnecessary heartache before getting there. And they deliver to the audience what is a super weak-sauce kiss. Maybe the writers thought all the casual touching would be enough to satisfy the audience, but they thought wrong. Lame kiss was lame.

Despite it's faults, this drama does have a lot to commend itself, and I would recommend watching it.

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This is the first drama that had me in fear and also curiousity. At first I thought this will certainly be more of a comedy to me instead of ghost fearing drama. But during the first few minutes, I had already felt the fear of ghost existence around there. With the sound of the thunder and the atmosphere of the whole dark venue, I admit it it was awesome!

However, this drama drag me in it and I am very curious what is going to happen. With this fresh written romantic- comedy ghost drama, I am having anticipation of it and I think I will not get bored of it.

Overall I think that GHJ's and SJS's acting is a wow to me as this is the first time I ever saw them act. Overall I think this will be a good drama.( This is my first time reviewing a drama so I don't know how to, I am just trying it out^^)

PS: The ghosts in it are really scary.

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It is, i admit, funny. And the light ambiance is the only reason I keep watching Master's Sun. Seeing that "who are you" and this drama used the same concept of the main character being able to see ghosts, it surprises me how master's sun keeps getting more and more absurd, and not at all scary.
Well, that is MY point of view, because i don't really like Gong shil's character...she should have been used to seeing ghosts after all these years but no she keeps creeping out like a crazy lady, and clings on to Joong won even when ghosts aren't around.
The humour makes the drama more bearable...and of course Kang woo :)
I guess I will give the drama 2-more-episode chance, if you are anything like me, you would be desperately waiting for 2-weeks' or who are you's next episode.

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Another hit with my fav, So Ji-Sub! One of the main things I enjoy about "The Master's Sun" is its unique storyline! It offers a perfect balance of suspense, romance, and humor. The chemistry between the lead characters draws you into their world and makes you root for them as their relationship begins to blossom.
The incorporation of supernatural elements also is interesting and adds an exciting twist to the traditional romantic drama genre. Overall, it's a stand out series and a must-watch for anyone looking for a refreshing and engaging series that will evoke a range of emotions.

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My lifetime K-drama

There's a reason why I have watched Master's Sun for 7 times and will get back to it anytime If it's possible. It's like an addiction without withdrawal symptoms where every bits of the storyline feels like an Easter egg on each rewatch. The chemistry between Gong Hyojin and So Jisub is just top-notch and honestly this work got to be their best work in terms of dynamics nothing that both are prominent actors with noteworthy filmography. Never once I felt skeptical about the story and the direction of this drama; sensible flow and delivery, good sense of humour, touch of humanity here and there and most importantly authentic. I recommend everyone to watch!

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this drama is really amazing funny, cute, moving emotions, heartwarming & a little bit scary
so ji sub was so cut even u thought at the beginning he is heartless
so ji sub's secretary is the most cunning & funny man in this drama
the only character that made me pull my her (Han Na) the great B**** ~.~ >_<
WORTH WATCHING , HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ;)

SPOILER COMING
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my rate is a little bit low cause i didn't like the end although it's happy one
but i felt it lukewarm cause it was too long without need i felt they are moving in one circle that made me felt a little bit bored
the last 2 ep. was monotonous wasn't strong as the beginning
but still v.good drama for me
i really loved it so

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