Descendants of the Sun (DOTS) remains one of the most influential South Korean dramas in history. Premiering in 2016, it didn’t just capture hearts in Korea but ignited a global Hallyu wave that reshaped how K-dramas are produced and consumed internationally. Starring Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, the series blended romance, action, and medical drama in a way that had never been seen before.
1. A Pioneer in Pre-production
Unlike the majority of K-dramas at the time which followed a “live-shoot” format—where episodes are filmed just days before airing to allow for script changes based on viewer feedback—Descendants of the Sun was 100% pre-produced. This was a massive risk, as pre-produced dramas historically struggled in ratings. However, its success paved the way for the modern production standards we see today.
2. Song Joong-ki Was Not the First Choice
It is hard to imagine anyone else as Captain Yoo Si-jin, but Song Joong-ki was actually not the producers’ first pick. Several high-profile actors, including Gong Yoo, Won Bin, and Jo In-sung, were reportedly offered the role. Many turned it down because the role required a short military haircut and extensive filming abroad, which conflicted with their schedules.
The ‘Pretty Boy’ Advantage
The director eventually chose Song Joong-ki because they wanted an actor whose soft features contrasted with the rugged, tough image of a soldier. His charm and intensity proved to be the perfect combination for the iconic character.
3. Real-Life Military Discharge
Song Joong-ki was cast almost immediately after completing his mandatory military service. This served him well, as he was already in peak physical condition and familiar with military etiquette, terminology, and the way a soldier carries themselves, making his performance incredibly authentic.
4. The Fictional Country of Uruk
While the drama is set in a country called Uruk, this location does not exist in reality. Most of the overseas scenes were actually filmed in Greece. The production team spent a month in Zakynthos, Arachova, and Lemnos to create the war-torn yet beautiful landscape of Uruk.
The Famous Shipwreck Beach
The iconic beach where Yoo Si-jin and Kang Mo-yeon spent time is Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Greece. Following the drama’s success, the location saw a massive surge in international tourism, particularly from Asian travelers wanting to see the ‘Shipwreck Beach’ for themselves.
5. The Script Was Originally Different
Writer Kim Eun-sook, known for her hits like ‘The Heirs’ and ‘Goblin’, didn’t write the original story. It was based on a screenplay by Kim Won-seok titled ‘Medecins Sans Frontieres’, which focused purely on humanitarian work. Kim Eun-sook added the military element and the romance to make it more commercially appealing.
6. Massive Production Budget
The drama had a staggering budget of approximately 13 billion Korean won (roughly $11 million USD). Much of this went into the extensive location shoots in Greece and the high-quality CGI used for the earthquake and explosion sequences.
7. Global Economic Impact
The economic impact of DOTS was so significant that it was praised by the South Korean government. It was estimated to have contributed over 1 trillion won to the Korean economy through tourism, exports, and the sale of featured products.
8. The ‘Song-Song Couple’ Phenomenon
The chemistry between the leads was so palpable that it led to real-life romance. Known as the Song-Song Couple, Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo married in 2017. Although they unfortunately divorced in 2019, their on-screen legacy remains a highlight of K-drama history.
9. Record-Breaking Ratings
In South Korea, the drama reached a peak viewership rating of 38.8%, a nearly unheard-of number for a weeknight drama in the digital age. Internationally, it was streamed billions of times on platforms like iQIYI in China and Viki in the West.
10. A Soundtrack That Dominated Charts
The OST for Descendants of the Sun was a powerhouse in itself. Songs like:
- ‘Always’ by Yoon Mi-rae
- ‘Everytime’ by Chen and Punch
- ‘You Are My Everything’ by Gummy
- ‘Talk Love’ by K.Will
All of these tracks topped the Gaon Digital Chart and remained popular long after the show ended.
11. Censorship and the Chinese Market
To ensure a simultaneous release in China, the drama had to pass strict censorship guidelines. Some scenes involving North Korean soldiers were edited or replaced for the Chinese version to comply with local regulations, showing how the production was tailored for a global audience.
12. Song Joong-ki’s Serious Injury
During the filming of an action sequence, Song Joong-ki suffered a fractured wrist and a ruptured cruciate ligament. Despite the severity of the injury, he returned to the set after only a brief rest to ensure the filming schedule stayed on track, demonstrating immense professionalism.
13. Cameo by Lee Kwang-soo
In the very first episode, Lee Kwang-soo makes a hilarious cameo as a toy shop owner. He did this as a favor to his long-time best friend, Song Joong-ki. Their real-life friendship is well-known among fans of the variety show ‘Running Man’.
14. Influence on Fashion and Beauty
The ‘Laneige Two-Tone Lip Bar’ used by Song Hye-kyo became an instant sell-out across Asia. Similarly, the fashion choices of the characters, from Yoo Si-jin’s Ray-Ban aviators to Kang Mo-yeon’s linen dresses, set major trends for the 2016 summer season.
15. International Remakes
The success of the show led to several international remakes. Countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan have produced their own versions of the story, proving that the themes of love, duty, and sacrifice are truly universal.
Conclusion
Descendants of the Sun is more than just a television show; it is a cultural landmark. By breaking production norms and setting new standards for storytelling and cinematography, it ensured its place in the hall of fame of global entertainment. Whether you are a new fan or a long-time viewer, these facts highlight the incredible effort that went into making this masterpiece.
