Master's Sun
The Master's Sun (Korean: 주군의 태양; RR: Jugun-ui Taeyang) is a 2013 South Korean romantic horror comedy television series starring Gong Hyo-jin and So Ji-sub.[1] The series, written by the Hong sisters—Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran—and directed by Jin Hyuk, blends supernatural thriller elements with romance and humor, centering on a woman tormented by ghosts who finds relief through contact with a skeptical CEO.[1][2] It originally aired on SBS from August 7 to October 3, 2013, spanning 17 episodes in the Wednesday-Thursday 9:55 p.m. KST time slot.[1][3] The plot revolves around Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin), a former cheerful woman left in a coma after an accident, who awakens with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts that haunt and demand her help, severely disrupting her life.[2] She encounters Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub), the materialistic and arrogant president of the Kingdom shopping mall group, whose touch inexplicably makes the spirits vanish, leading them to form an unlikely partnership to resolve the ghosts' unfinished business while navigating their growing romantic tension and personal traumas, including Joong-won's childhood kidnapping.[3][1] Supporting characters include Kang Woo (Seo In-guk), Joong-won's loyal secretary and Gong-shil's protector, and Hee-joo (Kim Yoo-ri), a mall employee entangled in the supernatural events.[2][1] Produced by SBS, The Master's Sun marked a successful collaboration between the network and the Hong sisters, known for their witty dialogue and genre-mixing storytelling in hits like My Girl and You're Beautiful.[1] The series garnered strong viewership, with its premiere episode achieving a 13.6% nationwide rating according to Nielsen Korea and the finale peaking at 21.8% per AGB Nielsen, making it one of the top-rated dramas of the year.[4][5] It received critical acclaim for its balance of scares, laughs, and heartfelt moments, earning an 8.0/10 rating on IMDb from over 6,000 users and 8.5/10 on MyDramaList from more than 51,000 voters.[2][1] At the 2013 SBS Drama Awards, the show was honored with Top Excellence Award for Actor in a Miniseries for So Ji-sub, Special Acting Award for Actress in a Miniseries for Kim Mi-kyung (as Gong-shil's aunt), and Top 10 Stars Awards for both leads, alongside nominations for Gong Hyo-jin and others.[6] Its original soundtrack, featuring tracks like "Touch Love" by Yoon Mi-rae, also won Best OST at the 2013 Melon Music Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards, contributing to its cultural impact and enduring popularity in the K-drama genre.[7]Production
Development
The series was penned by the acclaimed writing duo known as the Hong sisters, Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, who specialized in weaving romance with supernatural motifs, as seen in their prior hits like My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010). Their script for Master's Sun drew on Korean ghost lore to craft a narrative blending eerie spectral encounters with lighthearted corporate intrigue, aiming to ride the wave of post-2010 romantic comedy popularity in K-dramas.[8][9] Directed by Jin Hyuk, the production emphasized harmonizing chilling horror visuals with precise comedic rhythms to maintain viewer engagement across genres. Bon Factory Worldwide served as the primary production company, overseeing the project from its initial greenlight in early 2013 through principal photography, which commenced in June 2013 ahead of the first script reading the following month.[8][10] Originally structured for 16 episodes, the series expanded to 17 during production to fully resolve its arcs, scheduled for twice-weekly broadcasts on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 KST on SBS starting August 7, 2013. Lead actors contributed subtly to refining interpersonal dynamics during rehearsals, enhancing the romantic tension without altering core scripts.[8]Casting
So Ji-sub was cast in the lead role of Joo Joong-won after being courted for the project in early 2013, with the actor agreeing to take on the comedic challenge to diversify from his typical intense, melodramatic characters.[11] Gong Hyo-jin was selected for the female lead Tae Gong-shil, drawing on her established comedic range from roles in dramas like Thank You (2007), where she portrayed a quirky single mother, and her prior collaboration with the Hong Sisters in Best Love (2011).[12] Supporting roles were filled to complement the leads' dynamic, with Seo In-guk joining in June 2013 as Kang Woo, leveraging his breakout popularity from Reply 1997 (2012) to bring fresh energy to the security team member.[13] Kim Yoo-ri was cast as Tae Yi-ryung following auditions that highlighted her suitability for the ambitious, idol-aspiring actress character.[14] The process encountered delays in finalizing the male lead, amid considerations of other actors, before settling on So Ji-sub to align with director Jin Hyuk's vision for sharp character chemistry.[12] High-profile cameos were strategically planned to elevate viewership, adding star power and narrative flair.Plot
Synopsis
Tae Gong-shil, a young woman who gained the ability to see and communicate with ghosts after emerging from a three-year coma following a car accident, lives in constant fear of the spirits that haunt her daily life. Seeking solace, she encounters Joo Joong-won, the cynical and materialistic CEO of the Kingdom Group conglomerate, which operates a sprawling department store and hotel. Remarkably, physical contact with Joong-won causes the ghosts to vanish from her sight, providing her temporary relief and sparking an unlikely alliance as they navigate supernatural disturbances plaguing the Kingdom premises.[1][15] As Gong-shil integrates into the Kingdom Group as an employee to stay close to Joong-won, their partnership evolves through a series of episodic ghost encounters, each revealing tragic backstories that demand resolution to allow the spirits to move on. Amid these eerie cases, romantic tension builds between the skeptical executive, who initially exploits her abilities for business gain, and the haunted woman, whose vulnerability draws him into confronting his own emotional barriers rooted in past losses. Corporate intrigue at Kingdom, including rivalries and secrets, intertwines with the supernatural elements, heightening the stakes for both leads.[1] Spanning 17 episodes, the narrative weaves self-contained horror-comedy vignettes with an overarching romance, culminating in Joong-won and Gong-shil's mutual embrace of the supernatural world and the healing of their personal traumas, forging a deeper bond.[15]Themes
The series Master's Sun delves into core themes of confronting fear through love and rationality, where the protagonist's supernatural encounters are mitigated by emotional bonds and logical resolutions, allowing her to reclaim agency over her terrors. This is exemplified in how personal connections provide a rational framework to navigate irrational hauntings, transforming vulnerability into strength. Redemption emerges via supernatural intervention, as ghosts' pleas for closure enable characters to atone for past wrongs, fostering personal growth and communal harmony. Additionally, the narrative critiques materialism in corporate environments, portraying the opulent department store as a facade that prioritizes profit over human empathy, ultimately revealing its hollowness against genuine relationships.[16] The fusion of genres defines the series' appeal, blending horror elements such as ghostly visuals and jump scares with romantic comedy's banter and misunderstandings, while incorporating melodrama's focus on trauma recovery and emotional catharsis. This hybrid approach creates a dynamic tension, where supernatural dread heightens comedic relief and romantic tension, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of human experiences. The plot device of ghost-touching serves as a thematic anchor, linking the supernatural to intimate relational dynamics in a single, pivotal mechanism.[17] Symbolically, ghosts function as metaphors for unresolved regrets, embodying lingering traumas that demand acknowledgment and resolution to achieve peace, thereby mirroring the characters' internal conflicts. The department store setting acts as a liminal space between the worlds of the living and the dead, symbolizing societal transitions and the blurred boundaries between materialism and spirituality. Stylistically, the use of dim, shadowy lighting crafts eerie atmospheres during horror sequences, contrasting with brighter tones in romantic moments to underscore emotional shifts. Comedic timing in ghost interactions provides levity, often through exaggerated reactions and witty dialogue, while fairy-tale motifs infuse the central romance with elements of destiny and magical realism, evoking classic archetypes of redemption through love.[16][18][19]Cast
Main
Tae Gong-shil, portrayed by Gong Hyo-jin, is a woman haunted by her ability to see and communicate with ghosts following a traumatic accident, which has left her fearful and desperate for a normal life free from supernatural disturbances.[20] Initially timid and overwhelmed by her visions, Gong-shil gradually finds inner strength and purpose through her encounters, transforming from a victim of her curse into a more resilient figure who confronts her fears.[8] Joo Joong-won, played by So Ji-sub, is the arrogant and materialistic CEO of Kingdom Shopping Mall, known for his miserly nature and tendency to quantify all relationships in monetary terms, showing little empathy or vulnerability.[21] Driven by a ruthless ambition to protect his empire, Joong-won begins as emotionally guarded but slowly uncovers layers of compassion and openness, marking his evolution from a self-centered tycoon to someone capable of genuine connection.[22] The central romance between Gong-shil and Joong-won is propelled by their contrasting personalities and the unique dynamic created when Joong-won's touch repels ghosts, offering Gong-shil rare moments of relief.[8] Gong Hyo-jin and So Ji-sub prepared for the dual horror-romance tones by immersing themselves in the script reading, where they infused their performances with humor and energy to balance the scares with romantic tension, as noted in production reports.[8]Supporting
Tae Yi-ryung, portrayed by Kim Yoo-ri, serves as the ambitious spokesperson and model for the Kingdom shopping mall, harboring unrequited romantic feelings for Joo Joong-won that fuel her competitive dynamic with Tae Gong-shil. Her character's involvement in high-profile events, such as her disrupted wedding to a soccer player due to ghostly interference, introduces layers of rivalry and comedic tension within the corporate and personal subplots.[17] Kang Woo, played by Seo In-guk, acts as the dedicated head of security at Kingdom, functioning as a second male lead who offers both humorous interludes and steadfast emotional backing to the protagonists. Recruited by Joong-won's father to monitor his son, Kang Woo aids in navigating security threats tied to supernatural occurrences while developing his own affection for Gong-shil, thereby advancing resolution in ghost-related crises and romantic entanglements.[17] Additional pivotal supporting figures include An Jin-joo, enacted by Jung Ka-eun, who functions as Gong-shil's loyal friend and colleague at the mall's housekeeping department, providing grounding support amid her supernatural ordeals and contributing to subplots involving everyday coping mechanisms for ghostly encounters. Kim Gwi-do, interpreted by Choi Jung-woo, operates as Joong-won's efficient secretary, facilitating corporate maneuvers and discreetly helping resolve business conflicts intertwined with otherworldly elements, such as protecting the CEO from paranormal disruptions during key negotiations. These characters collectively enhance the ensemble dynamics, propelling secondary narratives around workplace schemes and spectral interventions without overshadowing the central romance.[23]Special appearances
In the premiere episode, Jin Yi-han appeared as Yoo Hye-sung, a deceased athlete whose ghost haunts the Kingdom department store, prompting Tae Gong-shil to investigate his unresolved regrets tied to a gambling debt and family betrayal.[24] This cameo introduced the series' supernatural elements while leveraging Yi-han's established presence in Korean dramas for early buzz. Girl's Day member Bang Min-ah made a brief appearance in episode 2 as Kim Ga-young, part of a schoolgirl clique whose ghostly grudge stems from bullying and a tragic accident, allowing Gong-shil to resolve a haunting at the store's restrooms.[25] Her role, filmed just before the episode's cliffhanger, capitalized on K-pop idol popularity to draw younger viewers in the 2013 broadcast landscape.[26] Comedian Jo Se-ho cameo-ed in episode 7 alongside Jang Do-yeon as a bickering passerby couple in the park, providing comic relief during a tense ghost encounter involving child abuse and a doll spirit.[27] Their uncredited bit added lighthearted contrast to the horror-comedy tone, boosting the episode's shareability through celebrity humor. Lee Jong-hyuk guest-starred in episode 11 as Lee Jae-seok, the charismatic CEO of rival Giant Mall, whose ghostly wife haunts Gong-shil and complicates Joong-won's business rivalry.[28] This one-episode arc heightened corporate intrigue and romantic tension, with Lee’s star power from prior hits like Dating Agency: Cyrano amplifying viewer engagement.[29] Actor Lee Chun-hee appeared across episodes 14–17 as Yoo Jin-woo, a gentle coffee shop owner and potential love interest for Gong-shil, whose interactions subtly advance her emotional recovery post-separation from Joong-won.[30] His understated cameo, revealed gradually, provided narrative closure to romantic subplots while drawing fans of Lee's versatile roles in series like Bad Guy.[31]Soundtrack
Original soundtrack
The original soundtrack (OST) for Master's Sun consists of eight parts released digitally between August 7 and September 25, 2013, by LOEN Entertainment, featuring a mix of vocal performances by established Korean singers and instrumental tracks composed mainly by Oh Joon Sung to underscore the drama's romantic and supernatural elements.[32] The vocal songs, such as those by Gummy and Yoon Mi-rae, emphasize the series' emotional depth in romantic sequences, while Oh Joon Sung's instrumentals provide atmospheric tension for horror and ghostly encounters.[33]Part 1 (Released August 7, 2013)
- "Day and Night" (낮과 밤) – Gummy
Composed by PJ and Kim Se-jin, lyrics by Choi Kap-won[34] - "Day and Night" (Inst.) – Gummy
Part 2 (Released August 14, 2013)
- "You and I" (너와 나) – Hong Dae Kwang
Composed by Epitone Project, lyrics by Epitone Project[35] - "You and I" (Inst.) – Hong Dae Kwang
Part 3 (Released August 21, 2013)
- "Crazy of You" (미치게 만들어) – Hyolyn (SISTAR)
Composed by Ahn Young-min, lyrics by Ahn Young-min[36] - "Crazy of You" (Inst.) – Hyolyn
- "Joogoon's Sun" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Good Morning Mrs. Sun" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Who Are U (Ending Rock Guitar Ver.)" (feat. Guitar Lee Byung-ho) – Oh Joon Sung
- "Out of the Ghost" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Ghost Eyes" – Oh Joon Sung
- "This Is Me" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Enjoy Party" – Oh Joon Sung
Part 4 (Released August 28, 2013)
- "Touch Love" – Yoon Mi-rae
Composed by Oh Joon-sung and Eun Jong-tae, lyrics by Oh Joon-sung and Eun Jong-tae[37] - "Touch Love" (Inst.) – Yoon Mi-rae
- "In Memories" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Tears in Rain" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Candy Love (Touch Love Guitar Ver.)" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Love Connection" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Ghost Tango" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Empty Garden" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Keep Out" (출입금지) – Oh Joon Sung
- "Dangerous Zone (Opening Title)" – Oh Joon Sung
Part 5 (Released September 4, 2013)
- "Mystery" (미스터리) – Jung Dong-ha
Composed by Oh Joon Sung, lyrics by Oh Joon Sung - "Mystery" (Inst.) – Jung Dong-ha
- "Painful Memory" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Ghost Presents" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Love Is Like a Picture" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Feather Kiss" – Oh Joon Sung
- "White Flower" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Ghost World" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Foolish Spy" – Oh Joon Sung
Part 6 (Released September 11, 2013)
- "All About" – Melody Day
Composed by Oh Joon Sung, lyrics by Kim Yu-kyung - "All About" (Inst.) – Melody Day
- "Dirty Hands" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Sad Wave" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Water in the Sky" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Like a Mosquito" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Making Shadow" – Oh Joon Sung
- "High Jump" – Oh Joon Sung
- "Lake Wave" – Oh Joon Sung
Part 7 (Released September 17, 2013)
- "No Matter What" (겁도 없이) – Seo In-guk
Composed by Hwang Se-jun, lyrics by Kim Ji-hyang[38] - "No Matter What" (Inst.) – Seo In-guk
Part 8 (Released September 25, 2013)
- "Last One" – Youme feat. Joo Suk
- "Last One" (Inst.) – Youme feat. Joo Suk[39]
Chart performance
The original soundtrack for Master's Sun achieved significant commercial success on South Korean digital music platforms in 2013, driven primarily by its lead tracks. Yoon Mi-rae's "Touch Love," released as Part 4 of the OST on August 28, 2013, topped eight major charts—including Melon, Mnet, Bugs, Soribada, Olleh Music, Naver Music, Daum Music, and Cyworld Music—within two hours of its debut.[40] It further secured the No. 1 position on Melon's monthly chart for September 2013, marking it as one of the year's standout drama OSTs. Other prominent tracks, such as Hyolyn's "Crazy of You" from Part 3, also performed strongly, ranking No. 4 on the same Melon monthly chart.[41] The OST's digital dominance extended to weekly rankings, with Seo In-guk's "No Matter What" (from Part 7) claiming the top spot on Soribada's chart for the week of September 16–23, 2013.[42] This chart success underscored the soundtrack's alignment with the drama's peak popularity, contributing to its recognition at major awards. At the 5th Melon Music Awards in 2013, "Touch Love" won Best OST, highlighting its impact based on digital performance and fan voting.[43] Internationally, the OST gained traction through global streaming services and K-pop charts. "Touch Love" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 in September 2013, Yoon Mi-rae's first chart-topper there, reflecting its appeal beyond South Korea via downloads and airplay.[44] Post-release, tracks like "Touch Love" have amassed millions of streams on platforms such as Spotify, sustaining popularity among international audiences drawn to the drama's romantic themes.[45]Broadcast and release
Airing and ratings
The Master's Sun premiered on SBS on August 7, 2013, and aired every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:55 KST until its finale on October 3, 2013, consisting of 17 episodes each running approximately 60 to 70 minutes. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama achieved an average nationwide viewership rating of 17.2%, with the premiere episode drawing 13.6% and ratings steadily climbing thereafter.[46] The series reached its peak rating of 21.8% for the final episode on October 3.[47] Airing in SBS's competitive Wednesday-Thursday primetime slot, The Master's Sun outperformed rival dramas such as MBC's Two Weeks (7.5% for the corresponding episode) and KBS2's The Blade and Petal (6.3%), securing strong mid-season dominance and contributing to its overall success.[4]International distribution
Following its original broadcast, Master's Sun was distributed in several Asian markets through subtitled and dubbed releases on television and home media. In the Philippines, it aired on GMA Network from May 19 to July 10, 2014, as part of the network's Asian drama block. A Taiwan-specific DVD edition with multi-audio tracks, including Mandarin dubbing, was released on March 7, 2014, facilitating access in the region. In Japan, the series premiered on cable network LaLa TV on April 5, 2014, with Japanese subtitles. The drama became available on global streaming platforms in the years following its debut. Netflix added Master's Sun to its library in select regions starting November 2, 2018, where it remains accessible in countries including the UK, US, and parts of Asia as of 2025. Viki offers the series worldwide with English and multiple language subtitles, supporting its international fanbase. It is also streamable or purchasable digitally on Apple TV and iTunes globally, with episodes available for rent or buy since at least 2013. Home media releases included comprehensive DVD box sets in 2014, distributed by SBS Media Holdings. A 10-disc director's cut edition, featuring extended content and special features, was issued on January 6, 2014, in regions including Singapore and Southeast Asia. These physical formats supported early international licensing deals, often bundled with English or local subtitles. In the 2020s, amid a global resurgence in K-drama popularity, Master's Sun expanded to additional streaming services, enhancing its availability without any announced remakes or sequels.Reception
Critical reception
Upon its 2013 release, The Master's Sun received widespread praise from critics for its seamless blend of romantic comedy, horror, and supernatural elements, often highlighting the exceptional chemistry between leads Gong Hyo-jin and So Ji-sub. Reviewers commended the Hong sisters' writing for balancing humor, emotional depth, and innovative ghost-themed storytelling, with Dramabeans recaps noting the series' ability to deliver "rooted in genuine feeling" emotional arcs and a "sweet, breezy" tone that hooked audiences through its romance.[19][18] The innovative genre mix was particularly lauded for avoiding clichés while using supernatural motifs to explore themes of fear and healing, earning high marks for its engaging pacing in early episodes.[48] In a 2024 retrospective marking the drama's 11th anniversary, Pinkvilla reiterated its enduring appeal, describing it as a "quirky horror-rom-com" worth revisiting for its unique fusion of scares and romance, crediting the leads' performances and the Hong sisters' script for creating a timeless supernatural romance.[49] Audience reception has remained strong, reflected in high user scores across platforms: 8.0/10 on IMDb from 6,212 ratings, 8.5/10 on MyDramaList from 51,839 users, and 9.4/10 on Viki from 66,287 viewers as of November 2025.[2][1][3] The series has achieved cult status within the K-drama fandom, influencing subsequent supernatural romances by popularizing the trope of a ghost-seeing protagonist finding solace through romantic connection, as evidenced by its frequent mentions in discussions of foundational horror-rom-coms.[50] Anniversary reflections in 2024, including Pinkvilla's analysis, underscored its lasting cultural impact, with fans praising its rewatchability and role in elevating the genre's blend of lighthearted scares and heartfelt romance.[49] However, some critiques pointed to pacing issues in mid-to-late episodes, where the narrative occasionally slowed amid subplots like the Cha Hee-joo storyline, and an over-reliance on familiar K-drama tropes such as the tsundere male lead.[51][52] Despite these, the drama's overall strengths in character development and thematic innovation have solidified its positive legacy.[53]Awards and nominations
At the 2013 SBS Drama Awards held on December 31, The Master's Sun received multiple accolades for its cast performances, highlighting the series' impact in the miniseries category. So Ji-sub won the Top Excellence Award for an Actor in a Miniseries for his portrayal of Joo Joong-won.[54] Similarly, Kim Mi-kyung earned the Special Acting Award for an Actress in a Miniseries for her role as Joo Sung-ran.[54] Kim Yoo-ri was awarded the New Star Award, shared with her work in Cheongdam-dong Alice, recognizing her breakout performance as Tae Gong-shil's assistant.[54] So Ji-sub also received the Top 10 Stars Award.[54] Gong Hyo-jin was nominated for the Top Excellence Award for an Actress in a Miniseries but did not win, with the honor going to Song Hye-kyo for That Winter, the Wind Blows.[6] Beyond the SBS awards, the series garnered recognition at the 2nd APAN Star Awards in November 2013, where Kim Yoo-ri won the Best New Actress award for her roles in The Master's Sun and Cheongdam-dong Alice, sharing it with Lee Yoo-bi for Gu Family Book.[55] The soundtrack contributed to further honors, with Yoon Mi-rae's "Touch Love" winning the Best OST at the 5th Melon Music Awards in the Music Style category.[56] The same track also secured the Best OST award at the 15th Mnet Asian Music Awards, outperforming nominees including Davichi's "Don't You Know" from Iris II.[57] The Master's Sun did not receive major international awards, though its domestic success led to nominations in key categories without further global accolades.[6]| Award Ceremony | Date | Category | Recipient | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBS Drama Awards | December 31, 2013 | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | So Ji-sub | Won | For Joo Joong-won[54] |
| SBS Drama Awards | December 31, 2013 | Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | Gong Hyo-jin | Nominated | Lost to Song Hye-kyo (That Winter, the Wind Blows)[6] |
| SBS Drama Awards | December 31, 2013 | Special Acting Award, Actress in a Miniseries | Kim Mi-kyung | Won | For Joo Sung-ran[54] |
| SBS Drama Awards | December 31, 2013 | New Star Award | Kim Yoo-ri | Won | Shared with Cheongdam-dong Alice[54] |
| SBS Drama Awards | December 31, 2013 | Top 10 Stars Award | So Ji-sub | Won | [54] |
| 2nd APAN Star Awards | November 2013 | Best New Actress | Kim Yoo-ri | Won | Shared with Lee Yoo-bi (Gu Family Book)[55] |
| 5th Melon Music Awards | November 14, 2013 | Best OST (Music Style) | Yoon Mi-rae ("Touch Love") | Won | From The Master's Sun OST[56] |
| 15th Mnet Asian Music Awards | November 22, 2013 | Best OST | Yoon Mi-rae ("Touch Love") | Won | From The Master's Sun OST[57] |