A few years since it aired, Descendants of the Sun still remains to be a favorite of K-Drama fans.
Despite the reel-turned-real-romance of the Song-Song couple failed to endure, in the hearts of its fans – Yoo Shi-jin’s and Kang Mo-yeon’s love goes on. Indeed, it is considered one of the most loved K-dramas all over the world.
We can think of a lot of reasons why it definitely deserves the hype. These five key points below are mostly what all fans can agree to.
Highly Addicting and Polished Storyline
Descendants of the Sun has an interesting and unique plot that can easily reel any viewer to the first episode. It is one of the very few romantic K-dramas which signify that the leads are genuinely attracted to each other from the beginning of the show. They start a relationship like two mature adults without the need for unnecessary twists like contract marriage, housing issues and grandfather’s last wish etc.
Additionally, the cinematography was satisfying and scenes of the natural disaster were shot in such a way that they looked very much real. There were explosive and mellow action scenes that were shown proficiently. Neutralizing the strong scenes are adorable saccharine moments.
Sweet and Sensible Screenplay
Helmed by star writer Kim Eun Sook (The King: Eternal Monarch, The Guardian, A Gentleman’s Dignity, The Heirs), the story and its characters have been put forward in such a way that it touches directly the hearts of the fans.
The series is one of those few romance-themed ones with impeccable and consistent episode runs. Sprinkled love and humor notes made it such a gratifying treat for the viewers all throughout.
Laudable Portrayals
Bromance is as strong as the regular romance stories featured in the series.
Song Joong Ki’s and Song Hye Kyo’s performances were flawless with undeniable chemistry. The story was not only focused on the lead pair and there were various parallel stories with which the audience could relate to.
There’s the story of friends who have mutual feelings for each other but have not confessed yet. Another is the sweet immature boy who learned a lesson in life after making a mistake. All these are resonating narratives brought about by the amazing supporting cast.
The second lead couple Kim Ji Won and Jin Goo also stole some thunder from the lead couple with their wonderful chemistry and strong portrayal of their individual characters.
Likewise, the brotherhood shown between Song Joong Ki and Jin Goo was also evident throughout the show. And we have never been so doted enjoying the morning jog of the soldiers.
Strong Female Leads
The female cast of the show has been shown on an equal footing if not stronger. A strong nod to girl power! Descendants of the Sun swerved from the usual rom-com prototype of weakly-portrayed heroines. With Song Hye Kyo and Kim Ji Won, it paved the way for the reinvention of K-Drama female leads.
Song Joong Ki
The dashing captain with a boyish look epitomizing the ideal man swept the hearts of many. At every rerun of Descendants of the Sun, you will still find yourself enamored by him.
Definitely Song Joong Ki’s breakout performance, the series pushed the turning point in his career. Aside from that, his phenomenal portrayal pushed another strong Korean wave globally.
Yoo Shi Jin will always remain one of the iconic characters in Song Joong Ki’s acting career as well as in the history of Korean dramas for the years to come.
Descendants of the Sun will forever remain in the hearts of K-drama fans.
In case you have not seen it yet, book a Netflix schedule for a marathon. See for yourself why it has been adored.
Relive the moments of the series below.
Photos: KBS2
Words by KDRAMADIARY Contributing Writer: debdatta2904
Edited By: abbyinhallyuland