Daily Dose of Sunshine Review – Daily Dose of Sunshine is a new Netflix Kdrama released on November 3, 2023. It is hardly a frivolous romcom as might be perceived by the title and probably one of the best performances by Park Bo-young of Strong Girl Bong Soon fame! So, join us as we enter Department of Psychiatry at Myungshin University Hospital!
Daily Dose of Sunshine Trailer
Daily Dose of Sunshine Review – Summary
Daily Dose of Sunshine follows the highs and lows of Jung Da-eun, a nurse who transfers from the Internal Medicine Department to the Department of Psychiatry at Myungshin University Hospital. What follows are her interactions with the patients, her discoveries and growth as a person and as a nurse in this heartwarming kdrama.
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Daily Dose of Sunshine Review
Daily Dose of Sunshine offers a blend of flavors. While it might be mistaken as a medical romantic comedy, the series transcends these boundaries to shed a light on the critical issue of mental health. It fearlessly endeavors to normalize discussions and educate viewers about the importance of mental well-being, aiming to dismantle taboos and misconceptions surrounding various mental disorders.
In recent years, the landscape of medical K-dramas has undergone a noticeable shift. Shows like Daily Dose of Sunshine, dedicated to advocating mental health awareness, have emerged amidst the once dominant focus on physical ailments. These narratives don’t shy away from shedding light on conditions like autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and addressing the often overlooked yet prevalent issues encompassing OCD, bipolar disorders, depression, and anxiety. Such storytelling reflects a growing urgency globally regarding mental health and the need for a holistic well-being.
At the heart of the show is Jung Da-eun, a nurse who becomes the focal point of the narrative. Initially transferred to the Department of Psychiatry due to her inherent kindness causing some friction in her previous role, Da-eun navigates the challenges of her new environment. As she grows accustomed to her role in the psychiatric ward, she extends unwavering support and friendship to patients, driven by a profound sense of duty and compassion.
However, the narrative takes a turn when Da-eun experiences a traumatic event, spiraling into depression. The series authentically portrays her descent into illness, showcasing her struggles with basic tasks, denial, self-harm, and eventual acknowledgement and recovery.Through Da-eun’s journey, Daily Dose of Sunshine vividly depicts the struggles faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues. It emphasizes the comprehensive impact on their physical, mental, and social well-being, emphasizing the importance of mental health care alongside physical ailments. The show confronts societal stigma, exemplified when Da-eun contemplates resigning from her job due to the stigma associated with her depression history.
In poignant moments, the head nurse serves as the show’s voice, articulating, ‘So what if you have a mental illness? What if you have depression? It’s not like anyone chooses to be ill.’ and explaining, “That’s what a mental illness is. It’s unpredictable disorder that can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time”. These powerful dialogues underscore the unpredictable nature of mental illness and the need to break societal stereotypes, fostering greater understanding and empathy toward those bravely battling mental health challenges. The show also suggests how critical the support of friends and family are for an individual’s fight against mental illness illustrated in the immense support that Da-eun’s mother, friends and colleagues showcase in the show.
JAL Rating
Thus, Daily Dose of Sunshine, a metaphor for the daily doses of happiness, kindness and empathy that often go unnoticed, and also a reference to depression, becomes an admirable and courageous Kdrama that aims to brings forth the challenges and stigmas surrounding mental illnesses. Make sure to give it a try on Netflix! JAL gives 9 out of 10 for this amazing show!
