Mr. Sunshine

Similar setting, both portray the struggle and courage of the people against the Japanese occupation. One has fantasy elements, while the other is realistic.

Reading MoLi novel and watching Mr. Sunshine in the same time, makes me recognize some similar points as both are set in the historical era in their different dynasties.
Both have rich narratives that intertwine historical contexts with elements of romance and mystery, providing a captivating viewing experience for fans of the genre.Both female leads are strong-willed. Both take place in a war/political tension context.
ML is a war general.
- FL is a noble from a high-ranked family.
- FL had an arranged marriage.
- Well-written characters
- Slow burn.
- Political intrigue and plot twists.

They both are focus on political drama centered around the strong female lead on a mission, with really strong chemistry and some dash of comedy. The overall vibe of both drama is the same although the plot and character are a bit different.

They both have similar power couple with their unique quirkiness which make them very loveable. Although, there are kinda a SML and even a 3rd one, unlike in A journey to love where there are multiple potential couples one could ship for. (none of mine set sail T_T or reach the destination).

I am surprised no one is mentioning this gem.

Both have a similar vibe and cover a similar period of history, as the people struggle with the Japanese occupation and then adapting to American ways of life. Both FLs are similar in personality - young, but very strong and determined.

Has humor, tragedy, love. The main leads have undeniably chemistry. The plot is very good with unforgettable characters. Strong female leads who will fight for justice and not run away from the brawl.

If the colonial critique of Mr.Sunshine took your interest, Arthdal Chronicles also offers an critical analysis of colonisation but in a more abstract way.

Arthdal Chronicles is set in a fantasy world loosely based on early age humanity. It follows characters – colonisers and colonised – as the kingdom of Arthdal embarks on colonial expansion. There's some romance in there but, unlike Mr. Sunshine, it leans strongly into the strategic elements of a political drama.

=> Both are Kim Tae Ri dramas
=> Fencing is featured in both dramas
=> The coach in Twenty Five Twenty One is also in Mr Sunshine as the mother of one of the female lead's suitors
=> I'm particularly using this comparison for Twenty Five Twenty One fans to watch Mr Sunshine as Mr Sunshine is underrated among international fans and new Kim Tae Ri fans should check it out.
=

I know this is a weird comparison, but it still works as a recommendation ;p
- both female leads are strong, and they are not afraid to make the 1st move.
- both male leads start off as reserved or just lonely, the female lead doesn't change them, but they change because of her (does that make sense ^^; )
- this was the drama that "healed" me after MS, it's funny and light and it's a great drama to watch after the "guns, glories and sad endings" of MS.

Both have rich narratives that intertwine historical contexts with elements of romance and mystery, providing a captivating viewing experience for fans of the genre.

Zhang Jing Yi is the FL in both. The chemistry is natural. The relationship had depth. However, BEITD does not have a satisfactory ending.

Both story happened during war time. Both has strong male and female leads. Both has strong love relationship, strong bond till the end. Culture revolution.

the concept from ep10-11 in The Great Escape: Season 3 is the same era as Mr. Sunshine, 1920s-1940s ie the japanese colonial period

- Though these two historical dramas are about two countries (Korea and China?!), their period setting is quite in the same term (late 19th and early 20th century - colonisation war, nationalist movements, you know there are a lot of huge events happening here).
- Similar main themes of revolution, war, human fates under the wheel of history.
- Their aesthetics are quite alike too (yellowish nostalgic colour tone, big epic scenes, etc.)
- Fun fact: both have placed a part of their plot in Japan setting, given how Japan heavily influenced this period. So get ready to hear some odd Japanese accent dialogue since (I guess) there are no native actors in the films

Both develop in Jeoson Era. Being a really long Era, you can see the progression in terms of society and living of the different social classes because they part from different initial points of the Era.

Even though The Crowned Clown isn't based on a real story and the inspiration came from other stories, the cultural elements of life during those times are evident. On the other hand, Mr. Sunshine is indeed inspired by some historical facts as a whole and the fictional story was created around that.

Also, the contrast between both shows is really interesting. While The Crowned Clown focuses more in life inside the court, Mr. Sunshine focuses more in life during times of interventions and occupations of others countries and how different cultures clashed.

Both have beautiful love stories. They are tragic, and keep you on your toes. The main male leads are so protective and loving while the female leads have strength and bring out a different side of the male lead. Both beautiful stories that will stay with you long after you finished watching.