Offscreen Realities: Why ‘Master’s Sun’ Is a Must-Watch on Netflix
Introduction
What if seeing ghosts was both your greatest curse and your unexpected key to love? Master’s Sun is a quirky, heartfelt, and at times eerie Korean drama that takes this question seriously—and spins it into one of the most entertaining supernatural romances on Netflix. From the iconic screenwriter duo Hong Sisters, this 2013 drama mixes rom-com charm with ghost stories that range from the heartbreaking to the hilarious. At its center lies the emotional journey of a lonely woman who sees spirits and the cold-hearted CEO who might be her only refuge.
Overview
Title: Master’s Sun
Year: 2013
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Supernatural, Mystery
Main Cast: Gong Hyo-jin, So Ji-sub, Seo In-guk, Kim Yoo-ri
Number of Episodes: 17
Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
Available On: Netflix, Viki
Overall Story
Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin) used to live a normal, quiet life until a freak accident left her with the ability to see ghosts. Now haunted—quite literally—by spirits seeking closure, she lives in fear and isolation, unable to escape the constant barrage of supernatural encounters. Her once-vibrant personality has dimmed, and her dreams of a career or romance seem like distant memories. That is, until she meets the enigmatic CEO of Kingdom Mall, Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub), whose icy demeanor is only matched by his obsession with success and money.
Their worlds collide when Gong-shil discovers that touching Joong-won makes the ghosts instantly disappear. Intrigued by her strange ability and her odd sincerity, Joong-won reluctantly hires her as his secretary—mostly to use her ghost-seeing ability to find hidden secrets and track down a lost treasure tied to his traumatic past. At first, their relationship is purely transactional. Gong-shil seeks refuge in his presence, and Joong-won uses her for personal gain. But as they spend more time together, something deeper begins to blossom.
Joong-won’s cold shell slowly begins to crack, revealing a man scarred by past betrayals. Meanwhile, Gong-shil regains a sense of hope and courage through their strange bond. Their emotional journey is further complicated by recurring spirits with unfinished business, each episode bringing new ghost stories that mirror their inner struggles. The series explores grief, trauma, healing, and love—all through the lens of ghostly encounters that are just as touching as they are chilling.
As Gong-shil begins to rely less on Joong-won’s touch and more on her own growing confidence, she starts to take back control of her life. But her powers are both a gift and a curse. Some ghosts are simply lost souls, but others are terrifying manifestations of deeper fears. Joong-won, too, must confront his painful past—especially his kidnapping ordeal and the woman who once betrayed him. Their intertwined stories create a beautiful rhythm of mutual healing and reluctant affection.
Secondary characters also bring richness to the narrative. Kang Woo (Seo In-guk), a security chief with a mysterious agenda, watches over Gong-shil and starts to develop feelings for her. Meanwhile, Joong-won’s glamorous ex-fiancée Tae Yi-ryung (Kim Yoo-ri) adds a layer of drama and comic rivalry. The relationships in Master’s Sun feel organic, grounded in human emotion even amid the supernatural chaos.
As the series progresses, Gong-shil and Joong-won are forced to question whether their connection is merely based on convenience—or if something deeper and real is growing between them. The show never relies on typical horror tropes or saccharine romance. Instead, it uses ghosts as metaphors for lingering pain and unresolved emotions, showing how love can be a safe place in a world full of unseen terrors.
Highlight Moments
In the very first episode, Gong-shil’s terrifying encounter with a ghost in the rain leads her to desperately cling to a stranger—Joong-won—setting the tone for their unusual relationship. The comedic timing and raw fear in this scene are both gripping and hilarious, instantly hooking the audience with its unique blend of genres.
Episode 5 features a particularly touching subplot involving a ghostly mother who watches over her comatose son. Gong-shil's attempt to deliver the mother’s final words to the boy stirs deep emotions, not just in the characters but in viewers as well. It’s a moment where the show’s emotional weight truly shines.
In Episode 7, Gong-shil gets trapped in a haunted school building, and Joong-won, despite claiming not to care, rushes to her rescue. Their embrace afterward is charged with both romantic tension and a dawning realization that their connection is more than just physical convenience.
Episode 10 offers one of the series’ most iconic moments—when Joong-won tells Gong-shil to “stay by my side” in front of a glowing cityscape. It’s a subtle but powerful shift in their dynamic, as the guarded CEO finally admits to needing someone.
In Episode 13, Gong-shil helps a ghost bride say goodbye to her fiancé, leading to a beautiful montage that ties together themes of grief and moving on. Joong-won, watching Gong-shil risk emotional exhaustion for the sake of others, begins to understand the emotional burden she carries.
Near the climax in Episode 15, Joong-won makes a dangerous decision that risks his life, just to protect Gong-shil. It’s the culmination of his emotional transformation—from cold pragmatist to someone capable of deep sacrifice.
Memorable Lines
In Episode 1, after Gong-shil grabs Joong-won to escape a ghost, he dryly says, “I don't like being touched without permission. But I’ll let it go—just this once.” This line encapsulates his initial coldness but also hints at the softness beneath.
In Episode 4, Gong-shil says quietly, “Sometimes, the dead are kinder than the living.” The line is delivered after she comforts a lonely ghost child, underlining the drama’s surprisingly empathetic lens toward the supernatural.
In Episode 7, Joong-won mutters while watching Gong-shil walk away, “She’s strange... but I can’t look away.” It marks a turning point in his emotional involvement and shows his growing curiosity and affection.
In Episode 10, Joong-won finally says aloud, “From now on, I’m your shelter. Come to me when you’re scared.” It’s a line filled with both romance and emotional resonance, showing his transformation into a protector.
In Episode 15, Gong-shil responds tearfully, “You were the one who saved me. Not from ghosts—but from myself.” It’s a beautiful moment of clarity and closure, showing just how far their characters have come.
Why It’s Special
Master’s Sun stands out in the landscape of Korean dramas by flawlessly blending two seemingly opposite genres—supernatural horror and romantic comedy—into one cohesive, emotionally resonant story. The series manages to deliver genuine scares while never losing its emotional heart or comedic charm. Each ghost story is not just a scary interlude but a meaningful reflection of the characters’ personal traumas and growth, allowing the audience to explore healing and human connection through a fantastical lens.
One of the drama’s strongest assets is the captivating chemistry between Gong Hyo-jin and So Ji-sub. Their performances transcend cliché, with Gong portraying a fragile yet endearing woman haunted by spirits, and So playing a stoic man slowly rediscovering his ability to care. The subtle progression of their relationship, built on necessity but deepened by trust and affection, offers viewers a deeply satisfying emotional arc.
The writing from the Hong Sisters deserves special praise. Known for their quirky and emotionally rich scripts, they deliver some of their best work in Master’s Sun. Each episode cleverly integrates ghost narratives with the overarching plot, while balancing humor, mystery, and romance. There’s also a consistent emotional payoff that doesn’t rely on melodrama, but rather on earned character development.
Visually, the drama utilizes lighting and atmosphere to differentiate between the ghost world and reality without needing excessive CGI. The direction is sleek, moody when needed, and always emotionally in tune with the scene. The soundtrack, including the iconic theme “Touch Love” by Yoon Mi-rae, amplifies the show’s bittersweet and heartfelt mood, becoming a fan-favorite in its own right.
The show also incorporates refreshing social themes—such as mental health, isolation, and grief—through its ghost characters, which are metaphors for unresolved pain. Gong-shil’s journey from emotional numbness to rediscovered purpose is especially resonant for viewers who’ve experienced trauma or loneliness, making the drama not only entertaining but also deeply empathetic.
Lastly, Master’s Sun avoids the typical tropes of chaebol romance by allowing its lead characters to be flawed, vulnerable, and emotionally complex. It isn’t about saving a damsel in distress, but rather about two people becoming safe harbors for each other, despite their brokenness. That core message lingers long after the final episode.
Popularity & Reception
When Master’s Sun aired in 2013, it quickly became a ratings powerhouse in South Korea, consistently ranking at the top of its time slot and culminating in double-digit viewership nationwide. Viewers were captivated not only by the ghost stories, but also by the show’s heartwarming central romance and Gong Hyo-jin’s emotionally nuanced performance.
Online fan communities exploded with theories and fan art after each episode, and So Ji-sub’s icy CEO persona earned him legions of new fans. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #SoGongCouple and #Master’sSunFeels, with international fans praising the show for its originality and emotional range. YouTube clips of Joong-won’s jealous moments and Gong-shil’s ghost encounters received millions of views.
Critics highlighted the drama’s inventive blend of genres and praised the Hong Sisters’ writing as one of their finest. Reviewers in outlets like Dramabeans and The Korea Herald noted how the drama deftly maintained suspense while developing real emotional stakes. Western fans on Viki and Netflix forums also appreciated the show’s refreshing take on romance and the metaphoric use of ghosts.
The drama’s OST topped music charts and was widely covered by K-pop artists, with Yoon Mi-rae’s “Touch Love” in particular becoming an anthem for fans. It was played in coffee shops, weddings, and even used in parody sketches, showcasing its cultural impact.
Even years later, Master’s Sun is still recommended as one of the best romantic K-dramas with a supernatural twist, and is often included in “must-watch” lists for newcomers to Korean television. Its legacy endures not just as entertainment, but as a story about healing, love, and the invisible things that bind us.
Cast & Fun Facts
Gong Hyo-jin (Tae Gong-shil) is often dubbed the “queen of romantic comedies” in Korea, and her performance in Master’s Sun showcases why. Her portrayal of Gong-shil is deeply vulnerable yet endearingly resilient. Known for her ability to balance humor with emotion, Gong previously starred in hits like Pasta and The Greatest Love, but here she adds a rawness that elevates the entire show. To prepare for this role, she reportedly consulted with spiritual counselors to better understand the emotional toll of seeing spirits.
One of the most praised aspects of Gong’s performance was her ability to switch seamlessly between comedic timing and intense fear. Her character’s evolution—from recluse to someone capable of love again—mirrored real-life stories of recovery, which made her performance deeply relatable to viewers dealing with anxiety or trauma.
So Ji-sub (Joo Joong-won) brought a surprising vulnerability to his role as the cold CEO. Known more for action dramas like Phantom and Cain and Abel, this role marked a significant departure into romantic comedy. His stoic presence and deadpan delivery were both hilarious and touching. He worked closely with the writers to refine his character's speech style, creating Joong-won’s famous clipped sentences and unique expressions like “Get lost” in English.
Interestingly, So Ji-sub has shared in interviews that playing Joong-won helped him reconnect with his softer side. His portrayal was widely praised for bringing depth and warmth to what could have been a stereotypical character. The character’s growth—learning to trust, love, and let go—was one of the show’s emotional anchors.
Seo In-guk (Kang Woo), who was gaining fame from his role in Reply 1997, brought intrigue and complexity to his role as the security team leader with a mysterious past. His chemistry with Kim Yoo-ri’s Tae Yi-ryung added lightness and a dash of rivalry to the otherwise eerie plot. Seo’s role served as a bridge between the real and ghostly worlds, often grounded in logic yet pulled by curiosity.
Kim Yoo-ri (Tae Yi-ryung), playing the glamorous yet insecure actress, provided much of the show’s comedic energy. Her over-the-top delivery and fierce wardrobe became iconic among fans, and her character served as a mirror to Gong-shil—both seeking validation but in very different ways. Her performance brought necessary levity and a surprising amount of pathos to what could have been a one-dimensional role.
Director Jin Hyuk, known for City Hunter and Shining Inheritance, brought a polished visual tone that never distracted from the characters. He used lighting and camera framing effectively to create eerie ghost moments without relying on horror clichés. His decision to lean into quiet emotional beats made the series feel more cinematic and grounded, even amid supernatural themes.
The Hong Sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran) have long been revered for their ability to combine fantasy, humor, and heart. With Master’s Sun, they deepened their narrative tone while retaining their trademark wit. Behind-the-scenes stories reveal how they rewrote key episodes during production based on fan feedback, including the emotional turning point in Episode 10 where Joong-won finally opens up to Gong-shil—adding a layer of interactivity rarely seen in K-drama scripting.
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