Descendants of the Sun

Descendants of the Sun (Korean: 태양의 후예) is a 2016 South Korean television series starring Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, and Kim Ji-won. Written by Kim Eun-sook and Kim Won-seok, the series follows the relationship between Yoo Shi-jin, a captain in the South Korean Army's special forces, and Kang Mo-yeon, a surgeon. Their different views on life and duty initially separate them, but they eventually meet again in a fictional disaster-stricken country during a humanitarian mission. A subplot explores the forbidden romance between Seo Dae-young, a master sergeant, and Yoon Myung-joo, an army doctor. Development began in 2011; Kim Eun-sook later adapted Kim Won-seok's manuscript, Doctors Without Borders. Pre-production involved location scouting and a crew of over 350. Directed by Lee Eung-bok and Baek Sang-hoon, the series was filmed in South Korea and Greece with a budget of ₩13 billion. It was fully produced before broadcast, departing from the live-shoot production method standard in the Korean television industry at the time. The original soundtrack was composed by Song Dong-woon and Gaemi. Comprising 16 episodes and three specials, it aired on KBS from February 24 to April 22, 2016. It was the first Korean drama to be simulcast in China via iQIYI and was eventually exported to 32 countries. Descendants of the Sun received positive reviews for its performances and dialogue, though some critics questioned its narrative plausibility and extensive product placement. It became the first miniseries in South Korea to surpass 30% in viewership ratings since 2012. Credited with boosting the Korean Wave, it had an estimated economic impact of ₩3 trillion from increased tourism, exports, and product sales. It received numerous accolades, including the Grand Prize in television at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards and Best Drama at the 9th Korea Drama Awards. Local remakes were produced in the Philippines and Vietnam.