The Master's Sun Review

  Take for instance the story of the soldier and his dog. This is one of the most heartbreaking stories told in The Master's Sun. A man and his dog, the man suffering because of the terrible way his dog was taken from him. And, besides the healing offered the soldier, the main players also have important growth, most notably Joong Won's realization that even though he can't see the ghosts, their presence affects his life anyway, and he can use that reach out to others and influence them for the better.

  You can't have a Hong Sisters drama without symbolism, and I really enjoy the symbolism employed here, especially of the sun. So much so, that I bought a replica of Gong Shil's sun necklace.
  I love that she is the Big Sun (in high school that's what she was called, and Yi Ryung was called Little Sun, a play on their family names, Tae), whose light has been dimmed by the ghosts that follow her. And yet, they are still drawn to her brightness of spirit. It's that same brightness that draws Joong Won in, although he doesn't see it in the same way the ghosts do. 

  Joong Won, in his turn, is Gong Shil's beacon of hope. At first it's because she can get rid of the ghosts by touching him, but it develops into her being strong enough to face them because she knows he's there, available to puff them away if she touches him. He represents the light in her life as she struggles to face the things that terrify her and just the thought of him becomes a powerful well of strength for her. Really, they are like twin suns orbiting one another, keeping each other strong and grounded.There are a multitude of little things that make this drama so delightful as well. Here's a partial list:

  Joong Won staring through his telescope at his rival's shopping mall, along with the petty rivalry itself.

  Gong Shil's excuses for touching Joong Won.

  Gong Shil's gleeful attitude towards such skinship.

  Joong Won's aunt and her husband. Especially when she's being haunted by the scholarly vase-ghost.

  And how about that skinship?

  Tough Kang Woo being terrified of ghosts.

  Secretary Kim.

  Gong Shil getting possessed when drunk. By a ballerina, a baby, a dog, and other exciting ghosts.

  Any time Yi Ryung tries to be cool in front of Kang Woo.

  Pretty much all Yi Ryung/Kang Woo interactions.
  Gong Shil's reactions to things, especially when they're the opposite of what Joong Won expects. Like when they sleep holding hands and she doesn't freak out about it like he secretly hopes she will