Descendants of the Sun (2016)
A sweeping Korean military romance where love and duty collide across battlefields and operating rooms.
Descendants of the Sun - Series Information
- Original Title: 태양의 후예
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: Baek Sang-Hoon, Lee Eung-bok
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: English, Korean
- First Air Date: February 24, 2016 (United Kingdom - 12), February 24, 2016 (Australia - M), February 24, 2016 (Brazil - 16), February 24, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: KBS2
- Alternative Titles: Taeyangui Huye (KR), 太阳的后裔 (CN), نسل خورشید (IR), ชีวิตเพื่อชาติ รักนี้เพื่อเธอ (TH), හිමන්තරා (LK), Tae-yang-eui hoo-ye (FR), 太陽的後裔 (TW), နေမင်းသစ်၏ မျိုးဆက်များ (MM)
- Production Companies: Studio & New
- Production Countries: South Korea
Descendants of the Sun - Plot
After a chance meeting in a hospital, an ardent soldier falls for a gifted surgeon. Opposing philosophies tear them apart, but fate has other plans.
Descendants of the Sun - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the romance and action unfold:
A fateful encounter lighting breakup but… destiny never give up.
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Descendants of the Sun - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Baek Sang-Hoon
- Lee Eung-bok
Main Cast
- Song Hye-kyo
- Song Joong-ki
- Kim Ji-won
- Jin Goo
- Onew
- Kang Shin-il
- Cho Tae-kwan
- Jo Jae-yun
- Hyun Jyu-ni
- Jeon Soo-jin
Writers
- Kim Eun-sook
- Kim Won-suk
Descendants of the Sun - FAQs
Where can you stream Descendants of the Sun?
Descendants of the Sun is available to stream on Rakuten Viki and OnDemandKorea, both offering flat-rate and ad-supported plans. It is also accessible through Kocowa and the Kocowa Amazon Channel. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Did Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo date in real life?
Yes. Co-stars Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo famously married in October 2017 following the enormous success of the series. Their real-life romance captivated fans worldwide. The couple later divorced in 2019, but their on-screen chemistry in Descendants of the Sun remains one of K-drama's most celebrated pairings.
What is Descendants of the Sun about?
The series follows Captain Yoo Shi-jin, an elite special forces soldier, and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon, a talented cardiothoracic surgeon, who meet by chance and fall in love. Their relationship is repeatedly tested by their conflicting professional ethics, dangerous overseas deployments, and the ever-present threat of war.
Is Descendants of the Sun based on a true story?
No, Descendants of the Sun is not based on a true story. It is an original work written by celebrated screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, known for crafting romantic melodramas. While the military setting and humanitarian mission backdrop lend realism, the characters and plot are entirely fictional.
How many episodes does Descendants of the Sun have?
Descendants of the Sun consists of 16 main episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes. There are also 3 special episodes available. The series aired its complete run on KBS2 in South Korea in 2016, making it a satisfying single-season watch with a definitive conclusion.
Who are the main actors in Descendants of the Sun?
The series stars Song Joong-ki as soldier Yoo Shi-jin and Song Hye-kyo as surgeon Kang Mo-yeon in the lead roles. Kim Ji-won and Jin Goo portray the compelling second couple. The supporting cast includes Onew, Kang Shin-il, Jo Jae-yun, Cho Tae-kwan, Hyun Jyu-ni, and Jeon Soo-jin.
Did Descendants of the Sun win any awards?
Yes. The series swept major Korean broadcasting awards in 2016. Song Joong-ki won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at both the KBS Drama Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. Song Hye-kyo also received top acting honors. The drama became a pan-Asian cultural phenomenon, breaking viewership records across the region.
How was Descendants of the Sun received by critics?
The series was widely praised for its cinematic production quality, charismatic leads, and emotionally gripping storyline. Critics highlighted Kim Eun-sook's sharp writing and the electric chemistry between the two leads. It achieved peak domestic ratings above 30% and became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of the 2010s.
More About Descendants of the Sun
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