Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the portrayal of mental illness depicted in the Netflix drama Daily Dose of Sunshine, which was released in 2023, and to elucidate its significance and limitations. The diverse dramatic settings in this series actively deconstruct the boundaries between normalcy and abnormality, consistently critiquing societal preconceptions regarding mental illness. Particularly through episodic structures, the series emphasizes that no one is exempt from such issues by offering multifaceted perspectives on the onset and treatment processes of various patients. Furthermore, it portrays that medical professionals, as agents of treatment, are also susceptible to mental difficulties and must seek medical assistance when necessary. However, there are inherent limitations in depicting the process of healing and societal reintegration of patients. Ultimately, the crucial aspect of healing lies in securing resources such as human relationships and capital, and those lacking such resources ultimately demonstrate that complete recovery is unattainable through either deferred healing or extreme choices. While the portrayal of the characters' mental issues stemming from structural societal factors is evident, the emphasis on individual efforts or the existential significance of life, rather than actively seeking alternatives, highlights the clear limitations of dramas in this post-healing era. Nevertheless, amidst the emergence of numerous dramas addressing mental illness since the mid-2010s, the accomplishments demonstrated by Daily Dose of Sunshine provide significant reference points for future productions dealing with similar themes.