Mr. Sunshine (2018)

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

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 are sageuk dramas, fictionally developed but with real-life events. It has a beautiful love story between the leads with a bittersweet ending. Deok-Im and Ae-shin are both strong and independent female leads.
Both women are willing to give up love for their principles and the life they want. The Red Sleeve occurs "before" Mr. Sunshine according to the chronological order. Mr. Sunshine takes place shortly afterward the American-Spanish War, during the Japanese occupation of Joseon, and shortly before World War I.
They have a bittersweet ending, but with a beautiful romance. Each character has a well-defined personality and a male lead who is willing to support the women they love even if it meant letting them go so they can fulfill their dreams. Two people who loved each other deeply and always wished their significant other to achieve whatever they wanted even if it conflicted with theirs.

I recommend this both drama because , Male lead and Female lead
try to solve problem
In one drama explosion and another student murder/suicide

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

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.

Covers the same period of history. Fictionalised take on the same era but with many true elements. Very high production values. Great acting and chemistry from the leads. Rich in symbolism - multi-layered drama of a high standard.

Both stories have a war background in which lead actresses are skilled in gunnery.
YNS is based on a true story. The acting and cinematography are very good in this drama too.