Decendants of the Sun marks Song Joong Ki's highly anticipated K-Drama comeback since his military discharge. The actor, loved for his roles in dramas Sungkyungkwan Scandal and Innocent Man, amps up his flower boy charm and couples it with a cool, manly image. He plays the role of Korean Army Special Forces Captain Yoo Si Jin. Partnering with him as Doctor Kang Mo Yeon is K-Drama darling Song Hye Kyo of Full House and That Winter the Wind Blows fame.
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| Descendants of the Sun Script Reading |
The pre-produced drama attracted a lot of media and netizen attention even before it started airing because of its huge production budget (13 billion won according to KBS!), powerhouse cast, and overseas filming. News of hitmaker Kim Eun Sook (The Heirs, A Gentleman's Dignity, and Secret Garden) tag-teaming with co-writer Kim Won Suk (The Queen's Classroom) added to the anticipation and elevated everyone's expectations.
Described as a melodrama about soldiers and medical volunteers who find themselves away from home in a country plagued by conflict and poverty, Descendants of the Sun raises the K-Drama bar with its beautiful cinematography, action-packed scenes, and heartstrings-tugging story line. As of press time, it has been translated into more than 30 languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish. Not to mention songs from the drama's original soundtrack have climbed the global music charts and news exported to Asia, Europe, even the United States. My personal favorite, K-Will's Talk Love from the drama's OST, was on-repeat!
The explosive response to the drama has created a global "Song Joong Ki Effect", boosting the actor's A-list status off the roof and making him the number 1 Korean celebrity in China. Descendants of the Sun has found its place in the hearts of fans worldwide, and the overwhelming interest in it has even led to package tours to Greak Ionian Island Zakynthos, where scenes from Urk, the drama's fictional country, take place.
Since it's premiere, the drama has ushered in a new chapter of Hallyu. It even gained special mention from South Korean President Park Geun Hye, who has high hopes in the drama's ability to further promote Korean culture and spark international interest in Korean tourism.
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| one of the drama's most iconic scene |
Rendezvous Point
Captain Yoo Si Jin leads the Alpha Team of the Korean Army's Special Forces Unit. His patriotism finds root in his personal thrust of protecting the elderly, women and children. While off duty enjoying games at an arcade, Si Jin and his loyal seargent major, Seo Dae Young (Jin Goo), witness a thief stealing from a nearby shop. They stop him with pellet guns and render first-aid when the misfit falls off a stolen motorbike, only to discover the theft of Dae Young's phone later on. Tracking him down to retrieve the phone brings them to Haesung Hospital, where they meet doctor Kang Mo Yeon.
All signs lead to love at first sight when SI Jin lays eyes on Mo Yeon, whose suspicion of him only fades after seeinghim rescue her patient, injured thief, from being beaten up by a gang on the hospital's CCTV. Using a wound he gets as an excuse to see her again, Si Jin asks Mo Yeon to be his doctor and comes back for a treatment. What starts off as a promising relationship with mutual attraction is served a premature halt due to conflicting schedules and Si Jin's inability to disclose information on what he really does.
Months pass with work duties keeping Si Jin and Mo YEon busy,. The captain and his team are transferred to a war-plagued country Urk, while Doctor Kang parks her operating time room as a surgeon to promote Haesung Hospital as its official spokesperson. Her charm catches the attention of the hospital chairman, who takes revenge on her for rejecting his affection by making her team leader of the hospital's group of medical volunteers bound for Urk. Mo Yeon and Si Jin reunite by pure serendipity and finds themselves in situations that challenge their values and lead them to confront their true feelings for each other.
Salute
It's been quite a while since a K-Drama earned the title "The Nation's Drama". Descendants of the Sun is worthy of all the praise because it has a lot of heart. Its characters are endearing, not just because of their style and looks, but because of the values they embody. Si Jin's empathy, patriotism, bravery and sense of humor are qualities any woman would look for in a man, while Mo Yeon's dedication to her beliefs, skills as a doctor, beauty and compassion easuly fit into what guys see as ideal. The chemistry between the lead characters is epic and has launched a thousand ships with fans hoping these lead actors hit it off in real life.
Second Lead Syndrome
Viewers also have a lot to look forward to in terms of the drama's second love angle involving Seargent Major Seo Dae Young and Lieutenant Yoon Myung Joo. Their forbidden romance-slash-love-hate-relationship is also one for the books. There has been rumors there will be part 2 to this drama, focusing more on the second leads' relationship.
But in the meantime, Kim Ji Won, the actress who portrayed Yoon Myung Joo, has an upcoming drama titled Fight For My Way. Go check it out as well.
Lo and Behold
Just months after a lot of dating rumors floating around, they are reportedly engaged! Representatives from both of their respective companies confirmed the news.
THIS IS A FAN GIRL'S DREAM COME TRUE.
But seriously, if you're looking for a more mature drama that veers away from the typical rich-boy-meets-poor-girl formula, then Descendants of the Sun could be right up your alley. In a nutshell, it beautifully reminds us of the value of life and how love is worth fighting for.
