Descendants of the Sun (DOTS) remains one of the most influential Korean dramas in history, sparking a global Hallyu wave that reached far beyond Asia. Released in 2016, the series combined military action with a high-stakes medical romance, capturing the hearts of millions. To celebrate its enduring legacy, we have compiled 45 fascinating facts that every fan should know.
The Script and Development Secrets
The drama was penned by the legendary Kim Eun-sook, who is also responsible for hits like Goblin and The Heirs. However, the original script by Kim Won-seok did not feature a military theme; it was initially a story focused on doctors in disaster zones. Kim Eun-sook added the military element and the romance to make it more commercially appealing for television.
Casting Choices and Surprises
Believe it or not, Song Joong-ki was not the first choice for the role of Captain Yoo Si-jin. The production team initially sought actors with a more rugged and muscular physique. Names like Gong Yoo, Won Bin, Jo In-sung, and Kim Woo-bin were reportedly considered before the role went to Song Joong-ki, who had just been discharged from his mandatory military service.
Song Hye-kyo was the first choice for the role of Dr. Kang Mo-yeon. Her participation was crucial in securing the massive budget needed for the production. The chemistry between the two leads was so palpable that it eventually led to a real-life relationship, known to fans as the ‘Song-Song Couple’.
Production and Budget Milestones
Descendants of the Sun was one of the first major K-Dramas to be entirely pre-produced before airing. Traditionally, Korean dramas are filmed as they air to allow for script changes based on viewer feedback. The pre-production model was necessary to ensure a simultaneous release in China, where strict censorship laws require a full review of the content beforehand.
The production budget was a staggering 13 billion Korean Won (approximately $11 million USD). A significant portion of this budget was spent on overseas filming and high-quality CGI, particularly for the earthquake sequences in the fictional country of Uruk.
Iconic Filming Locations
The fictional country of Uruk was actually filmed in Zakynthos, Greece. The most iconic location is Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), where the famous scene with the rusted boat took place. Following the drama’s success, tourism to this specific beach skyrocketed, particularly among Asian travelers.
Domestic scenes were filmed in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, South Korea. The production team built a massive set on an old mine site to replicate the military base. After filming wrapped, the set was demolished, but it was later rebuilt by the local government due to the overwhelming demand from tourists wanting to visit the site.
The Soundtrack (OST) Phenomenon
The drama’s soundtrack was just as successful as the show itself. Songs like ‘Always’ by Yoon Mi-rae and ‘Everytime’ by Chen and Punch dominated digital music charts for months. The OST featured an all-star lineup including Gummy, K.Will, and JYJ’s Xia Junsu, making it one of the best-selling drama soundtracks of all time.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The drama’s impact was so significant that it received praise from high-ranking government officials. Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye praised the drama for promoting Korean culture and boosting tourism. Even Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, encouraged his citizens to watch the drama, noting that it promoted patriotism and sacrifice.
Record-Breaking Ratings
Descendants of the Sun achieved a peak viewership rating of 38.8% in South Korea, a feat rarely seen in the modern era of cable television. In China, the drama surpassed 2.3 billion views on the streaming platform iQIYI, proving that the Hallyu wave was stronger than ever.
Awards and Recognition
The series swept the 2016 KBS Drama Awards and won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards. Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo also won the ‘Best Couple’ award, cementing their status as the most beloved on-screen pair of the year.
45 Quick Facts and Trivia
- Song Joong-ki performed most of his own stunts despite suffering a fractured wrist and torn ligaments during filming.
- The drama was exported to over 32 countries, including the UK and France.
- The ‘Wine Kiss’ scene took several hours to film to capture the perfect lighting.
- The military uniforms were custom-designed to look stylish yet functional.
- Jin Goo (Seo Dae-young) and Kim Ji-won (Yoon Myung-ju) gained massive popularity as the ‘Goo-Won Couple’.
- The show was initially rejected by SBS before being picked up by KBS.
- Onew from SHINee made his acting debut in this drama as Dr. Lee Chi-hoon.
- The earthquake scene in episode 6 took over a week to film.
- The famous ‘salute’ became a viral trend across social media.
- The medical equipment used on set was mostly real, provided by professional consultants.
- Song Hye-kyo’s fashion in the drama led to several items, such as the Laneige Two-Tone Lip Bar, selling out globally.
- The drama has been remade in several countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines.
- The fictional language of Uruk was a mixture of various Mediterranean influences.
- The production team used drones extensively for the sweeping landscape shots in Greece.
- Song Joong-ki’s character was originally supposed to be a doctor, not a soldier.
Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry
The chemistry between the cast members was not limited to the leads. The ‘Alpha Team’ actors became close friends in real life, often sharing photos of their gatherings on social media. This camaraderie translated into the natural banter seen on screen, which added a layer of realism to the military brotherhood.
The Legacy of DOTS
Years after its conclusion, Descendants of the Sun continues to be a gateway drama for new K-Drama fans. Its blend of high-stakes action and heartfelt romance set a new standard for production quality in the industry. It proved that pre-production could be a successful business model, paving the way for future hits like Crash Landing on You.
In conclusion, Descendants of the Sun is more than just a television show; it is a cultural landmark. From the stunning visuals of Greece to the unforgettable melodies of its OST, the drama remains a testament to the creative power of Korean storytelling. Whether you are re-watching for the tenth time or discovering it for the first, these 45 facts highlight the incredible effort that went into creating this masterpiece.
