Descendants of the Sun - wikipedia Descendants of the Sun The lead section of this article may need to be rewritten. Please discuss this issue on the article 's talk page. Use the lead layout guide to ensure the section follows Wikipedia 's norms and to be inclusive of all essential details. ( August 2017 ) Descendants of the Sun Promotional poster Original title 태양 의 후예 Genre Romance Melodrama Action Created by KBS Drama Production ( KBS 드라마 제작국 ) Written by Kim Eun - sook Kim Won - seok Directed by Lee Eung - bok Baek Sang - hoon Creative director ( s ) Yoo Young - eun Kim Hyung - joon Starring Song Joong - ki Song Hye - kyo Jin Goo Kim Ji - won Composer ( s ) Gaemi Country of origin South Korea Original language ( s ) Korean No. of seasons No. of episodes 16 + 3 special episodes Production Executive producer ( s ) Bae Kyung - soo Producer ( s ) Ham Young - hoon Yoo Jong - seon Park Woo - ram Location ( s ) South Korea Greece Cinematography Kim Si - hyeong Uhm Jun - seong Editor ( s ) Choi Jung - won Kim Young - joo or Camera setup Single - camera Running time 60 min Production company ( s ) KBS Next Entertainment World Barunson Inc. Descendants of the Sun SPC Distributor KBS Release Original network KBS2 Picture format 1080i ( HDTV ) Audio format Dolby Digital Original release February 24 ( 2016 - 02 - 24 ) -- April 22, 2016 ( 2016 - 04 - 22 ) External links Website www.kbs.co.kr/drama/sun/ This article contains Korean text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Hangul and Hanja. Descendants of the Sun ( Hangul : 태양 의 후예 ; RR : Taeyang - ui Huye ) is a 2016 South Korean television series starring Song Joong - ki, Song Hye - kyo, Jin Goo, and Kim Ji - won. It aired on KBS2 from February 24 to April 14, 2016, on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 22 : 00 for 16 episodes. KBS then aired three additional special episodes from April 20 to April 22, 2016 containing highlights and the best scenes from the series, the drama 's production process, behind - the - scenes footage, commentaries from cast members and the final epilogue. The series was a major hit in South Korea where it drew a peak audience share of 38.8 %, and gained popularity across Asia. It received several awards, such as winning the Grand Prize in television at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards ; and was named the Most Popular Show of the year by Korea Broadcasting Advertising Corporation. Contents 1 Synopsis 2 Cast 2.1 Main 2.2 Supporting 2.2. 1 Alpha Team Members 2.2. 2 Haesung Hospital Medical Services Team 2.2. 3 People at Haesung Hospital 2.2. 4 Tae Baek Army 2.2. 5 Uruk area 2.3 Special appearances 3 Production 3.1 Pre-production 3.2 Legal 4 Original soundtrack 5 Reception 5.1 Economic effect 5.2 Cultural impact 5.3 Criticism 6 Ratings 7 Awards and nominations 8 International broadcast 8.1 Asia 8.2 Others 9 Adaptation and sequel 9.1 Adaptation 9.2 Sequel 10 References 11 External links Synopsis Yoo Si - jin ( Song Joong - ki ) is the captain of a South Korean Special Forces unit. He and his friend Master Sergeant Seo Dae - young ( Jin Goo ) are off - duty when they witness a young man, Kim Ki - bum ( Kim Min - seok ), steal a motorcycle and apprehend him. The thief is injured during his capture and therefore sent to the hospital. Dae - young realizes his cellphone was stolen by the thief and goes to the hospital along with Si - jin to retrieve his cellphone. In the emergency room, Si - jin meets Dr. Kang Mo - yeon ( Song Hye - kyo ) for the first time, and is instantly attracted to her. Mo - yeon mistakenly assumes Si - jin is part of the thief 's criminal gang, due to his nickname `` Big Boss '', which is actually his call sign. He proves his identity with the help of army surgeon Yoon Myung - ju ( Kim Ji - won ). Si - jin and Mo - yeon begin to date, but due to their jobs, their dates are often interrupted halfway. Si - jin receives his orders to be deployed on a peacekeeping mission in the country of Uruk ( present day : Iraq ). Meanwhile, Mo - yeon is upset because she had been passed over for professorship in favor of a colleague who had familial connections to the hospital management. When Si - jin returns and meets Mo - yeon again, they talk about their views on life and realize how different they are. Si - jin, as a soldier, kills to protect lives while Mo - yeon, as a doctor, honors the Hippocratic Oath and tries to save lives. Due to this difference in viewpoints on life, they agree to part ways. Dae - young, on the other hand, faces a dilemma on whether to continue his relationship with Myung - ju or risk being forced out of the army by Myung - ju 's father for breaking fraternization rules. Eight months later, Mo - yeon rebuffs the sexual advances of the hospital director and as a result is assigned to lead a medical team to Uruk. There, Si - jin and Mo - yeon reunite. Through their encounters in Uruk, an earthquake and an epidemic, their love for each other grows stronger. Mo - yeon gains an insight into Si - jin 's job and is forced to confront the stark reality that she may never have full disclosure of his whereabouts due to the highly classified nature of his work and the possibility of him being killed in action. While in Uruk, Mo - yeon accidentally confesses her feelings ( much to the amusement of their respective teams ) and the two officially start dating. Si - jin and Mo - yeon continue their relationship after returning to Korea, until Si - jin and Dae - young are sent on a classified operation in which they disappear and are assumed to be dead. Months pass, and Mo - yeon mourns Si - Jin 's death, deciding to commemorate his passing with a volunteer trip to Albania. This is where Si - jin eventually finds her after he and Dae - young are rescued from captivity by `` a friend from afar '', a soldier from North Korea whom Si - jin had helped earlier. Si - jin and Mo - yeon along with Myung - ju and Dae - young are all happily reunited with each other. Cast Main Song Joong - ki as Captain Yoo Si - jin ( a.k.a. Big Boss ) The Captain and team leader of Alpha Team, a fictional elite special forces unit in South Korea. He followed in the footsteps of his father, a retired Sergeant Major, into the military and graduated from the Korea Military Academy at the top of his class. Si - jin cares little for the politics of war and believes in protecting and defending those who need help, his country and his men 's honor, even if it means having to question his superiors ' orders. His light - hearted approach to life and witty sense of humor made him popular with his team but Mo - yeon quickly realizes that it was his way of deflecting her questions about his job and coping with the pain of losing comrades. At the end of the series, he was promoted to Major. Song Hye - kyo as Doctor Kang Mo - yeon ( a.k.a. Beauty ) A cardiothoracic surgeon who works at Haesung Hospital. She is an assertive woman who believes that competence overrules connections but is hit by the harsh reality that she still can not go anywhere without any connections. She stands firmly by her principles and does n't fall prey easily to her emotions, though she is not afraid to admit her mistakes. Jin Goo as Master Sergeant Seo Dae - young ( a.k.a. Wolf ) As the senior non-commissioned officer in Alpha Team, Dae - young is a career military man who sticks to his principles and is extremely loyal to his commanding officer Si - jin and comrades. He is notorious amongst recruits and Academy cadets as a strict instructor. His level head and vast experience often come in handy in times of crisis during deployments. He is often the straight man to the happy - go - lucky Si - jin and possesses a sharp deadpan sense of humor. For much of the series he struggles with expressing his true feelings for Myung - ju. Kim Ji - won as First Lieutenant Yoon Myung - ju An army doctor who is also the daughter of Lieutenant General Yoon, commander of the South Korean Special Forces Brigade. She follows her father 's footsteps and graduates from the Korea Military Academy, where she was a junior of Si - jin, before doing an internship at Haesung Hospital. At her first assignment she meets Dae - young, a non-commissioned soldier. Their relationship was considered a taboo as she was an officer and he was a non-commissioned officer but it did not hinder her from pursuing Dae - young, much to the Lt. Gen 's chagrin. Supporting Alpha Team Members Park Hoon as Staff Sergeant Choi Woo - geun ( a.k.a. Snoopy ) Choi Woong as Staff Sergeant Gong Cheol - ho ( a.k.a. Harry Potter ) Ahn Bo - hyun as Staff Sergeant Class Im Gwang - nam ( a.k.a. Piccolo ) Haesung Hospital Medical Services Team Onew as Lee Chi - hoon ( 1st year resident of Thoracic Surgery a.k.a. Handsome Spaceman ) Lee Seung - joon as Song Sang - hyun ( General Surgeon ) Seo Jeong - yeon as Ha Ja - ae ( ER Nursing Team ) Park Hwan - hee as Choi Min - ji ( ER Nurse ) People at Haesung Hospital Hyun Jyu - ni as Pyo Ji - soo ( Pathology Specialist ) Tae In - ho as Han Suk - won ( Chairman of Haesung Hospital ) Park Ah - in as Kim Eun - ji ( Thoracic Surgery Specialist ) Jo Woo - ri as Jang Hee - eun ( 1st Year Resident of Anesthesiology ) ( wife of Dr. Lee Chi - hoon ) Tae baek army Kang Shin - il as Lieutenant General Yoon Gil - joon ( a.k.a. Yellow Tiger ) ( Myung - ju 's father ) Kim Byeong - cheol as Lieutenant Colonel ( later promoted to Colonel ) Park Byung - soo Kim Min - seok as Private First Class Kim Ki - bum ( later promoted to Staff Sergeant as seen in ep 16 ). A pickpocket later enlisted to the army. Uruk area Cho Tae Kwan as Daniel Spencer ( Peacemaker Emergency Doctor Team ) Jeon Soo - jin as Ri Ye - hwa ( Peacemaker Emergency Nurse Team ) David Lee McInnis as David Argus ( Gang Boss, former Delta Force Captain ), the main antagonist. Dean Dawson as the Chief of Police ( Tae Baek Police Chief ) Jo Jae - yoon as Jin Young - soo ( Chief Manager of Uruk Electric Power Corporation ) Lee Yi - kyung as Kang Min - jae Zyon Barreto as Fatima Elena Zhernovaia as Valentine David Pipes as Martin ( World Times Reporter ) Ji Seung - hyun as Senior Lieutenant Ahn Jung - joon, Korean People 's Army. Kwak In - joon as Lee Han - soo ( Minister of Foreign Affairs ) Joey Albright as US Army Delta Force member Special appearances Lee Kwang - soo as shooting arcade operator ( episode 1 ) Lee Jong - hyuk as Captain Kim Jin - seok ( episode 2, 5, 10, 15 ) Matthew Douma as Jordan, US Army Delta Force Captain ( episode 2, 10, 12 ) Jung Ji - won as TV announcer ( episode 2 ) Park Tae - won as TV announcer ( episode 2 ) Ryu Hwa - young as Seo Dae - young 's ex-girlfriend ( episode 4 ) Jun In - taek as Yoo Young - geun ( Yoo Shi Jin 's father ) ( episode 6, 7, 15, 16 ) Park Joon - geum as Lee Chi - hoon 's mother ( episode 7, 11 ) Yoo Ah - in as bank reception Eom Hong - shik ( episode 13 ) Nam Ki - ae as Kang Mo - yeon 's mother ( episode 13 ) Lee Jae - yong as Lieutenant General Choi Ji - ho, Korean People 's Army Red Velvet as themselves ( episode 16 ) Production Descendants of the Sun was fully pre-produced before airing which is a departure from the live - shoot production format that characterizes most Korean dramas. The drama is Song Joong - ki 's comeback project after serving his two years of mandatory military service. The production cost 13 billion won ( approximately $10.8 million ) to produce. Initially, there were doubts about the profitability of the drama, as a story involving a soldier may not be enough to garner a very high successive rate. This is revealed when SBS were reluctant to continue with the project. It was then passed to KBS. According to local reports by Newsis, lead actor Song Joong - ki was not the first choice of writers and directors for the hit South Korean series, as he was deemed too slender for the role of a heroic special forces officer. Song was later cast as the producers decided to change the character of the role. The 6 June episode of tvN 's The List 2016 revealed the names of four actors who rejected the role before Joong - ki was chosen. As per the show, the A-listers who passed the role includes Won Bin, Jo In - sung, Gong Yoo, and Kim Woo - bin. Reportedly, the actors were skeptical on sporting the army style short hair. It is also said that the artists expressed slight discomfort on portraying a role of a soldier and could not commit with the pre-production format of the show. On June 12, 2015, lead actors Song Joong - ki and Song Hye - kyo filmed their first scene in Seoul. On September 28, 2015, the entire cast and crew ( including the four leads, Song Joong - ki, Song Hye - kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji - won, as well as supporting actors Kang Shin - il and Onew ) departed for Greece. The team resided in the country for approximately a month to shoot episodes crucial to the drama 's plot. According to Greek and South Korean news portals and blogs, filming mainly took place in Zakynthos, Arachova, Lemnos, and Navagio. The series ' location was modelled after Iraq, a remote area located at the margin of Balkan Peninsula ; but changed its name to Uruk to avoid diplomatic conflict. On November 25, 2015, it was announced that actor Song Joong - ki injured his arm while filming an action scene for the drama on November 23. On December 7, 2015, Song Joong - ki returned to work only 2 weeks after he was injured and spotted filming at a station in Seoul. The MERS - CoV outbreak in South Korea in 2015 also seriously hampered filming schedules. The outbreak claimed the lives of 33 people, according to WHO. The location which served as the Mowuru Company 's base camp was set at the exhausted Taebaek Hanbo Coal Mine while earthquake scenes were mostly filmed at the Samtan Art Mine. Filming also took place at Camp Greaves DMZ Experience Centre, once a US Army base camp during the Korean War. Filming at Haesung Hospital was actually done at the Seoul St Mary 's Hospital. The crew wrapped up the last shoot in the early morning of December 30, 2015. The director 's cut, which feature a reedited version of the last and 16th episode, as well as deleted scenes, a music video and behind - the - scene footage was released in the second half of the year. Due to the success of the drama, an OST concert was held at the Grand Peace Palace at Kyung Hee University in Seoul on May 14, 2016 ; and featured performers of the drama 's soundtrack. On July 5, 2017, lead actors Song Joong - ki and Song Hye - kyo announced through their respective agencies that the two are engaged and will get married on the last day of October. Pre-production After the success of Descendants, the industry saw a shift toward pre-prodcution of Korean dramas. This is because pre-production allowed producers to secure investment and distribution in a carefully planned fashion ; and allowed the show to air simultaneously in China, thus bringing greater profits. Kim Won - seok, co-writer of Descendants, said the system helps raise quality of the drama. However, apart from Descendants, none of the other pre-produced dramas thus far such as Moon Lovers : Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Uncontrollably Fond and Hwarang : The Poet Warrior Youth have been successful. Legal Production company NEW said that there have been hundreds of violations of their publicity rights by businesses, in an attempt to take advantage of the drama 's success. The announcement came about when lead actress Song Hye - kyo sued jewelry firm J. Estina for using her pictures for promotion though the contract ended in January. J. Estina said in a press release that it abided by the contract with production staff of Descendants, which allowed it to use stills from the episodes as one of the main sponsors of the series. However, NEW refuted the claims, saying that the jewelry firm 's arguments lacked legal grounds. Song eventually won the legal battle, and donated the damages received to charity. Original soundtrack The soundtrack of the series topped local music charts. Preorders for the soundtrack album surpassed the 10,000 mark, and eventually sold over 60,000 copies. Descendants of the Sun Original Sound Track Vol. 1 Soundtrack album by Various Artists Released March 25, 2016 Genre K - pop, soundtrack Label Music&NEW, OU Entertainment Descendants of the Sun Original Sound Track Vol. 2 Soundtrack album by Various Artists Released April 21, 2016 Genre K - pop, soundtrack Label Music&NEW, OU Entertainment Volume 1 No. Title Artist Length 1. `` Always '' Yoon Mi - rae 3 : 25 2. `` Everytime '' Chen and Punch 3 : 08 3. `` This Love '' ( 이 사랑 ) Davichi 3 : 46 4. `` You Are My Everything '' Gummy 4 : 00 5. `` Once Again '' ( 다시 너를 ) Kim Na - young feat. Mad Clown 3 : 55 6. `` Save The Day '' Various Artists 3 : 20 7. `` Mission Part 1 '' Various Artists 4 : 25 8. `` Time Is Running Out '' Various Artists 3 : 29 9. `` Hidden Genius '' Various Artists 4 : 53 10. `` Endless War '' Various Artists 2 : 48 11. `` My Everything '' Various Artists 2 : 54 12. `` Heart Break '' Various Artists 4 : 16 13. `` Military Dignity '' Various Artists 2 : 08 14. `` Mission Part 2 '' Various Artists 6 : 14 15. `` I Love You '' Various Artists 2 : 53 16. `` Aroma '' Various Artists 1 : 56 17. `` War Of Tomorrow '' Various Artists 3 : 58 18. `` The Lover '' Various Artists 3 : 25 19. `` You 're My Everything ( English ver. ) '' Gummy 4 : 00 Volume 2 No. Title Artist Length 1. `` Talk Love '' ( 말해 ! 뭐해 ? ) K. Will 3 : 37 2. `` With You '' Lyn 4 : 15 3. `` By My Side '' ( 사랑 하자 ) SG Wannabe 3 : 46 4. `` Wind Beneath Your Wings '' ( 그대, 바람 이 되어 ) M.C the MAX 3 : 55 5. `` How Can I Love You '' XIA ( Junsu ) 4 : 20 6. `` No More War '' Various Artists 3 : 52 7. `` Always I Love You '' Various Artists 2 : 42 8. `` Fighter '' Various Artists 2 : 32 9. `` Mission2 -- Epic Tension '' Various Artists 4 : 45 10. `` Lonely Road '' Various Artists 4 : 18 11. `` Vital Fantasy '' Various Artists 3 : 01 12. `` Love You 2 '' Various Artists 2 : 58 13. `` Do n't Forget Me '' Various Artists 3 : 30 14. `` Time Is Running Out ( Ver. 2 ) '' Various Artists 3 : 41 15. `` Attention ( Mission ver. ) '' Various Artists 3 : 25 16. `` Move Forward '' Various Artists 3 : 41 17. `` Freedom '' Various Artists 3 : 40 18. `` Attention O.R.I '' Various Artists 1 : 51 Chart Performance Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Remarks Gaon `` Always '' ( Yoon Mi - rae ) 2016 KOR ( DL ) : 1,454,125 + Part 1 `` Everytime '' ( Chen and Punch ) KOR ( DL ) : 1,241,255 + Part 2 `` This Love '' ( Davichi ) KOR ( DL ) : 1,671,196 + Part 3 `` You Are My Everything '' ( Gummy ) KOR ( DL ) : 1,600,720 + Part 4 `` Once Again '' ( Kim Na - young ft. Mad Clown ) KOR ( DL ) : 1,056,319 + Part 5 `` Talk Love '' ( K. Will ) KOR ( DL ) : 1,347,821 + Part 6 `` With You '' ( Lyn ) 15 KOR ( DL ) : 532,924 + Part 7 `` By My Side '' ( SG Wannabe ) 8 KOR ( DL ) : 864,429 + Part 8 `` Wind Beneath Your Wings '' ( M.C the MAX ) 7 KOR ( DL ) : 588,832 + Part 9 `` How Can I Love You '' ( XIA ( Junsu ) ) KOR ( DL ) : 674,908 + Part 10 `` -- '' denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. Reception Descendants received immense popularity both locally, with a peaking rating of 40 %, making it the first weeknight series to do so in the country since Moon Embracing the Sun in 2012 ; as well as internationally, where it has been sold to 32 countries and translated into 32 different languages. The success of the drama helped revived the Hallyu wave that was in decline over recent years, boosting tourism and spreading Korean culture. The series was also watched in North Korea, one of the most secluded country in the world. The drama 's success factors were attributed to its elaborate screenplay, beautiful love story and the co-production between South Korea and China. The Korea Times said, `` At a time when Korean melodramas are said to have been losing steam, ' Descendants of the Sun ' brought fantasy together with a number of different genres to create a high quality production. '' and `` the drama appeals to viewers ' desires for justice in a society that appears to lack it. '' The drama also earned plaudits from ( former ) president Park Geun - hye, who praised the drama for instilling `` patriotism '' among young Koreans. She also called Descendants an exemplary case of the positive effects of cultural content on the manufacturing industry. Economic effect The drama 's success helped boost Korea 's economy ; contributing in a rise of tourists, overseas sales of products ( exports ) and creating new jobs. It has also resulted in more investment in Korean entertainment companies by Chinese companies seeking partnerships. Descendants has been reported to have earned 3 billion won from product placement advertisements ( PPL ) and 10 billion won from sales of related sound tracks and video - on - demand service. According to reports, the direct and indirect economic effects of Descendants are estimated to hover above 1 trillion won ( $880 million ). The `` Two Tone Lip Bar '' lipstick that Song Hye - kyo wore in a scene on the show has broken sales records for Aritaum in South Korea with Laneige subsequently hosting its own Descendants of the Sun makeup event on its homepage. The product became so popular that it sold out four days after its release on the popular Chinese shopping website, 11th Street, owned by its Korean parent - company, SK Planet. The same product also experienced `` double digit growth '' in Singapore. Laneige, Dal. Komm Coffee, KGC Cheong Kwan Jang Korean Red Ginseng, Subway and Hyundai all reported a surge in sales after exposure of their products in the drama. The popularity of the show has also led to KBS launching several merchandise of the drama, such as cookies, memory sticks, emoticons and commemorative medals, which were specially created and sold to fans. Cultural impact Filming locations and sets of the show underwent restoration by the govenment, due to the demands by both local and foreign tourists. Camp Greaves, the former U.S. military camp near the Demilitarized Zone ( DMZ ) in Paju, north of Seoul, was turned into a park composed of separate zones focusing on natural scenery, culture and arts, and military experience. The Taebak film site was also re-modeled as a tourist site, where visitors can browse the medical camp and military base wearing costumes with the same design as those worn by the cast. The set in Taebaek was featured on popular variety shows 2 Days & 1 Night and Battle Trip. The success of the drama has given rise to the popularity of `` soldier talk '', a style of Korean speaking only used in the military. There is also a spike in the number of young men wanting to join South Korean special forces units for their mandatory military service. After Samgyetang was featured in the drama, it gained wider appeal among the Chinese. Criticism However, there has been controversy surrounding the use of product placement in this drama. Some critics argued that there was excessive product placement in the drama and that the use of product placement undermined the drama 's content and artistry. Kim Si - hyoung, cinematographer of Descendants admitted that product placement was excessive, but argued that they were `` essential, '' as he and other production staff found it hard to secure revenues from TV advertising. The series also drawn criticism for its unconvincing plot and unrealistic storyline. Critics say that the drama ironically reflects what today 's Korean society lacks, such as the cohesive military culture ; and also pointed out deeply embedded sexual discrimination featured in the drama. The drama was also accused of missing a noticeable plot, and kept with the terrestrial tradition of being overly predictable. Ratings In the tables below, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings. Episode # Original broadcast date Average audience share TNmS Ratings AGB Nielsen Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area February 24, 2016 12.6 % ( 7th ) 12.7 % ( 4th ) 14.3 % ( 4th ) 14.4 % ( 4th ) February 25, 2016 13.5 % ( 6th ) 14.5 % ( 4th ) 15.5 % ( 3rd ) 16.0 % ( 4th ) March 2, 2016 21.8 % ( 2nd ) 22.7 % ( 1st ) 23.4 % ( 2nd ) 24.6 % ( 2nd ) March 3, 2016 22.9 % ( 2nd ) 23.5 % ( 2nd ) 24.1 % ( 2nd ) 25.1 % ( 2nd ) 5 March 9, 2016 24.6 % ( 2nd ) 26.3 % ( 1st ) 27.4 % ( 1st ) 29.2 % ( 1st ) 6 March 10, 2016 25.4 % ( 2nd ) 27.6 % ( 1st ) 28.5 % ( 1st ) 29.8 % ( 1st ) 7 March 16, 2016 27.0 % ( 2nd ) 28.9 % ( 1st ) 28.3 % ( 1st ) 30.1 % ( 1st ) 8 March 17, 2016 25.9 % ( 2nd ) 28.7 % ( 1st ) 28.8 % ( 1st ) 30.5 % ( 1st ) 9 March 23, 2016 29.7 % ( 1st ) 32.3 % ( 1st ) 30.4 % ( 1st ) 31.0 % ( 1st ) 10 March 24, 2016 28.8 % ( 1st ) 31.0 % ( 1st ) 31.6 % ( 1st ) 33.3 % ( 1st ) 11 March 30, 2016 29.1 % ( 2nd ) 31.3 % ( 1st ) 31.9 % ( 1st ) 33.5 % ( 1st ) 12 March 31, 2016 31.1 % ( 1st ) 33.9 % ( 1st ) 33.0 % ( 1st ) 34.3 % ( 1st ) 13 April 6, 2016 30.4 % ( 1st ) 33.7 % ( 1st ) 33.5 % ( 1st ) 35.0 % ( 1st ) 14 April 7, 2016 31.1 % ( 1st ) 33.5 % ( 1st ) 33.0 % ( 1st ) 35.6 % ( 1st ) 15 April 13, 2016 31.1 % ( 1st ) 35.6 % ( 1st ) 34.8 % ( 1st ) 37.5 % ( 1st ) 16 April 14, 2016 35.3 % ( 1st ) 40.5 % ( 1st ) 38.8 % ( 1st ) 41.6 % ( 1st ) Average 26.3 % 28.5 % 28.6 % 30.1 % Special April 20, 2016 15.3 % ( 5th ) 16.6 % ( 4th ) 17.7 % ( 4th ) 19.5 % ( 3rd ) April 21, 2016 12.3 % ( 6th ) 13.9 % ( 5th ) 13.6 % ( 5th ) 14.7 % ( 5th ) April 22, 2016 10.9 % ( 7th ) 11.8 % ( 6th ) 12.2 % ( 5th ) 13.2 % ( 6th ) Awards and nominations Year Award Recipient Result Ref. 2016 2016 Rookie Asia Awards Male Rookie of the Year Choi Woong Won 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards Grand Prize ( TV ) Descendants of the Sun Won Best Drama Nominated Best Director ( TV ) Lee Eung - bok, Baek Sang - hoon Nominated Best Actor ( TV ) Song Joong - ki Nominated Best Actress ( TV ) Song Hye - kyo Nominated Best Scriptwriter ( TV ) Kim Eun - sook, Kim Won - seok Nominated Most Popular Actor ( TV ) Song Joong - ki Won Jin Goo Nominated Most Popular Actress ( TV ) Song Hye - kyo Won Kim Ji - won Nominated iQiyi Global Star Award Song Joong - ki Won Song Hye - kyo Won Jin Goo Nominated Kim Ji - won Nominated 2nd Scene Stealer Festival Scene Stealer Award ( Male ) Lee Seung - joon Won Jo Jae - yoon Won Newcomer Scene Stealer Award ( Male ) Onew Won 1st Indonesian Television Awards Special Award Jin Goo Won 43rd Korean Broadcasting Grand Prize Best Drama Descendants of the Sun Won 11th Seoul International Drama Awards Excellent Korean Drama Won Outstanding Korean Actor Song Joong - ki Won Outstanding Korean Drama OST Gummy ( You Are My Everything ) Won 5th APAN Star Awards Grand Prize ( Daesang ) Song Joong - ki Won Song Hye - kyo Nominated Drama of the Year Descendants of the Sun Won Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Song Joong - ki Nominated Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Song Hye - kyo Nominated Best Supporting Actor Lee Seung - joon Nominated Jin Goo Won Best Supporting Actress Kim Ji - won Won Best New Actor Kim Min - seok Nominated Best APAN Star Award Song Joong - ki Won Best Couple Award Song Joong - ki and Song Hye - kyo Won Jin Goo and Kim Ji - won Nominated 9th Korea Drama Awards Grand Prize ( Daesang ) Song Joong - ki Nominated Best Drama Descendants of the Sun Won Best Drama Writer Kim Eun - sook Nominated Excellence Award, Actor Jo Jae - yoon Won Best New Actor Kim Min - seok Nominated Best Original Soundtrack Gummy ( You Are My Everything ) Nominated Korean Advertisers Association Awards Best Drama Descendants of the Sun Won 1st Asia Artist Awards Grand Prize ( Daesang ), Drama Song Joong - ki Nominated Best Artist Award, Actress Song Hye - kyo Nominated Best Celebrity Award, Actor Jin Goo Won Best Celebrity Award, Actress Kim Ji - won Won Best Rookie Award, Actress Park Hwan - hee Nominated Best OST Award Gummy ( You Are My Everything ) Won Popularity Award, Actor Song Joong - ki Nominated Popularity Award, Actress Song Hye - kyo Nominated Kim Ji - won Nominated 8th Melon Music Awards Best OST Gummy ( You Are My Everything ) Nominated Yoon Mi - rae ( Always ) Won Davichi ( This Love ) Nominated 18th Mnet Asian Music Awards Best OST Nominated 21st Asian Television Awards Best Drama Series Descendants of the Sun Won Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards Presidential Award Song Joong - ki Won Song Hye - kyo Won 29th Grimae Awards Grand Prize ( Daesang ) Kim Si - hyung, Uhm Jun - sung ( Cinematography ) Won 30th KBS Drama Awards Grand Prize ( Daesang ) Song Joong - ki Won Song Hye - kyo Won Top Excellence Award, Actor Song Joong - ki Nominated Top Excellence Award, Actress Song Hye - kyo Nominated Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Song Joong - ki Nominated Jin Goo Nominated Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Song Hye - kyo Nominated Kim Ji - won Won Best Supporting Actor Jo Jae - yoon Nominated Best Supporting Actress Seo Jeong - yeon Nominated Best New Actor Kim Min - seok Nominated Onew Nominated Best New Actress Kim Ji - won Won Best Screenwriter Kim Eun - sook, Kim Won - seok Won Netizen Award Song Joong - ki Nominated Song Hye - kyo Nominated Best Couple Award Song Joong - ki & Song Hye - kyo Won Jin Goo & Kim Ji - won Won Asia Best Couple Award Song Joong - ki & Song Hye - kyo Won 2017 31st Golden Disk Awards Best OST Gummy ( You Are My Everything ) Won 26th Seoul Music Awards OST Award Won 29th Korean Producer Awards Best Performer Award Song Joong - ki Won Korea Communications Commission Broadcasting Awards Grand Prize for Excellence in Production Descendants of the Sun Won 50th WorldFest - Houston International Film Festival Special Jury Award ( TV series ) Won International broadcast Asia In China, iQiyi bought the exclusive rights to stream the show for US $250,000 per episode which, in total, is equivalent to about 40 % of the show 's production costs. The show was released simultaneously in South Korea and China, the first Korean drama to do so, and was viewed 2.4 billion times by April 2016. The success of the drama was credited for driving up the paid membership of iQiyi. Government mouthpiece People 's Daily praised it as `` an excellent advertisement for conscription '' showcasing South Korea 's `` national spirit '' and `` communitarian culture ''. However, its popularity in China caused concern with the country 's Ministry of Public Security, posting a warning on its official Weibo account against the drama warning viewers `` watching Korean dramas could be dangerous, and even lead to legal troubles ''. It is part of a growing concern among Chinese officials who are wary of the growing influence of Korean pop culture on the Chinese populace since the similar success of My Love from the Star in 2014. In Thailand, the drama premiered on May 7, 2016, on Channel 7. Prior to the screening of the drama in Thailand, Prayut Chan - o - cha, the prime minister of Thailand, called for citizens of Thailand to watch the drama claiming it conveys messages of `` patriotism, sacrifice, obeying orders and being a dutiful citizen ''. The drama 's lead star, Song Joong - ki, was invited to Thailand by Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. He visited the country to promote the drama as part of his Asia tour. In Singapore, the drama was streamed on Viu with English and Chinese subtitles. Each episode was available to stream eight hours after the original South Korean broadcast.In May 2017, it was also streamed onto the national television, Channel U, debuting from 3 May onwards. During its run it was the most watched show on Viu in the country and enjoyed ratings as high as 31.8 %. Statistics from March 2016 showed about 60 % of users on Viu had tuned in to watch the drama. In the week following its finale, eight songs from the drama 's soundtrack occupied the top 10, including the top six positions, of Singapore 's Top 30 Singles chart. In Vietnam, the drama premiered on April 21, 2016, on HTV2. The popularity of the show drew 8000 tourists from Vietnam, who signed up for tour packages to visit major sightseeing areas and filming locations of Descendants. Prior to the airing of the show, there was a debate on whether it 's appropriate for Vietnamese to watch it given the alleged atrocities committed against civilians during the Vietnam War. In Japan, the drama premiered on June 21, 2016, on the cable channel BS Sky PerfecTV !. Reports have claimed that the drama was sold for US $100,000 per episode. In Hong Kong, it was streamed on Viu with Traditional Chinese subtitles four hours after the original broadcast and also aired on ViuTV. Song - Song couple attended a promotional event for the premiere. It recorded over 1.2 million views. In India, its Hindi dubbed version premiered on February 8, 2017 and was telecast from Monday to Saturday, 20 : 00 Indian time on Zindagi and was well received by Indian audiences. In Malaysia, the drama was streamed on Viu with English, Malay and Chinese subtitles within 24 hours of the original South Korean broadcast. It aired one week later on KBS World through ASTRO channel subscription. It premiered on 8TV on June 9, 2016, with Malay subtitles. In the Philippines, the drama premiered on July 25, 2016, on GMA Network as part of The Heart of Asia programming block, dubbed in Filipino. In Indonesia, the drama is available to stream on Viu with Indonesian subtitles. It premiered on RCTI on July 25, 2016. In Cambodia, the drama premiered on August 5, 2016, on Hang Meas HDTV under the title, រឿង ភាគ កូរ៉េ `` ម្ចាស់ ព្រះ អាទិត្យ dubbed into Khmer. Others In Greece, the drama premiered on December 7, 2016, on TV100 The Municipal Television of Thessaloniki with Greek subtitles. TV100 is the only TV network in Greece that airs K - Dramas. The drama also contributed to the rise of tourism in Greece, where scenes of the drama were shot. In some countries, the drama is available to stream on Viki with subtitles in many languages created by the volunteer community. Each episode was available to stream a couple hours after the original South Korean broadcast. The drama was also broadcast around the world on KBS World with English subtitles. In particular, it enjoyed popularity in the United States, where the drama was the most - searched on Viki. The drama was put up for streaming worldwide on Netflix. Adaptation and sequel Adaptation A Chinese film adaptation produced by Huace Film & TV and directed by Zhang Yibai is planned. A book based on the script is also planned for release. Sequel As per KBS 's Head of Drama, Jung Sung - ho, said the sequel is in planning, and filming would likely to take place in Greece. The sequel, this time, will be co-produced by Jidam Inc., the production company behind the hit and award - winning TV dramas My Daughter, Geum Sa - wol and Jang Bo - ri is Here !. References Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants ' bet pays off for NEW ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. March 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Hye - kyo, Song Joong - ki pair up for new drama ''. The Korea Herald. 2 April 2015. Jump up ^ `` Actors chosen for ' Sun 's Descendant ' ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. April 3, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, Jin Goo and Kim Ji Won Confirm for ′ Descendants of the Sun ′ ''. enewsWorld. April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants ' first K - drama to air simultaneously in Korea, China ''. The Korea Herald. January 6, 2016. Jump up ^ `` KBS to air ' Descendants of the Sun ' special edition ''. Kpop Herald. March 30, 2016. Jump up ^ `` KBS prepares special programs for ' Descendants of the Sun ' fans ''. Yonhap. March 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' ends with record rating ''. The Korea Herald. April 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' most engrossing show of 2016 ''. Kpop Herald. December 28, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Actor Song Joong - ki toes line between pretty, masculine in ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. The Korea Herald. March 15, 2016. Jump up ^ Yoon, Sarah ( May 19, 2015 ). `` Song Hye - kyo talks her next role as military doctor with Elle ''. K - pop Herald. Retrieved September 20, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Actor Jin Goo gets boost with ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. The Korea Herald. March 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Kim Ji - won Gains Leverage from Hit TV Soap ''. The Chosun Ilbo. April 2, 2016. Jump up ^ `` SHINee Onew dons doctor gown for his new role ''. Kpop Herald. February 10, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ( Yonhap Interview ) Supporting actor for ' Descendants of the Sun ' says he ' could have been better ' ''. Yonhap. April 6, 2016. Jump up ^ Choi, He - suk ( July 16, 2015 ). `` Song Joong - ki recruits Lee Kwang - soo for new drama ''. K - pop Herald. Retrieved September 20, 2015. Jump up ^ `` '' Produce 101 '' Trainee Jun Somi 's Father Cameos in `` Descendants of the Sun '' ``. Soompi. February 25, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Yoo Ah - in gets ' Descendants of the Sun ' role ''. The Korea Times. April 1, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun outpaces My Love from the Star ''. Yonhap. March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki to Return to Acting After Military Discharge ''. The Chosun Ilbo. April 3, 2015. Jump up ^ orionight. `` The Staggering Production Cost of `` Descendants of the Sun '' Revealed ``. Soompi. Retrieved April 6, 2016. Jump up ^ `` The Reason SBS Missed Out on `` Descendants of the Sun '' and `` Signal '' ``. Soompi. March 9, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki initially not cast as Yoo Shi - jin ''. Kpop Herald. April 4, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Director says Song not first choice in ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. Yonhap. March 31, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun : See who were the 4 actors who rejected Song Joong Ki 's role ''. International Business Times. June 8, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo revealed to have started filming Descendants of the Sun ''. Allkpop. June 12, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2015. Jump up ^ Sung, So - young ( October 1, 2015 ). `` Song Joong - ki is filming in Greece ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved October 11, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun Starts Filming in Greece With Month - Long Schedule ''. Soompi. September 29, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki, Song Hye - kyo in Greece for drama shoot ''. K - pop Herald. September 30, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun filming in Greece ''. Hancinema. October 17, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Uruk, backdrop of ' Descendants of the Sun, ' inspired by Iraq ''. Kpop Herald. March 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki hurt while filming drama ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. November 26, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong Ki 's Agency Updates Fans on His Injury ''. Soompi. November 27, 2015. Retrieved December 14, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong Ki returns to Descendants of the Sun despite injury ''. DramaFever. December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 14, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus ( MERS - CoV ) -- Republic of Korea ''. World Health Organization. July 3, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Let 's Discover Filming Sites from `` Descendants of the Sun ! '' ``. Visit Korea. October 17, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo Wrap Up Filming for `` Descendants of the Sun '' ``. Soompi. December 29, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' director 's cut to be released ''. Kpop Herald. May 31, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' concert lineup revealed ''. Kpop Herald. April 24, 2016. Jump up ^ `` DOTS ' OST concert partly revealed ''. Kpop Herald. May 9, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Star couple Song Joong - ki, Song Hye - kyo to wed on Oct. 31 ''. Kpop Herald. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki, Song Hye - kyo to Wed in October ''. The Chosun Ilbo. July 5, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun ' transforms TV production in S. Korea ''. Yonhap. April 28, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Dramas get lift from pre-production ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. July 8, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Will ' Descendants ' spur film - style TV drama production ? ''. The Korea Herald. March 18, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Pre-production of ' Descendants of the Sun ' raised drama 's quality : writer ''. Yonhap. April 23, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Korean Dramas Adopt Pre-Produced Format to Mixed Results ''. Variety. Jump up ^ `` Hundreds of businesses violate ' Descendants of the Sun ' publicity rights : producers ''. Yonhap. April 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Hye - kyo sues J. Estina for misappropriation ''. Yonhap. April 27, 2016. Jump up ^ `` J. Estina ups ante against Song Hye - kyo, NEW jumps into fray ''. Kpop Herald. April 28, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Hye Kyo Donates Money Won From Legal Case To Charity ''. Korea Portal. December 30, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Songs from ' Descendants of the Sun ' soundtrack rule music charts ''. The Korea Times. March 18, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Preorders surge for ' Descendants of the Sun ' soundtrack ''. The Korea Herald. March 23, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Original soundtrack of ' Descendants of the Sun ' sells 60,000 copies ''. Yonhap. April 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` EXO 's Chen, Punch sing in ' Descendants of the Sun ' soundtrack ''. Kpop Herald. February 4, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendant of the Sun ' OST defeats ' Call You Bae ' by Jimin, Xiumin ''. Kpop Herald. March 3, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gummy 's ' Descendants of the Sun ' OST sweeps local chart ''. Kpop Herald. March 10, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Lyn to sing ' Descendants of the Sun ' soundtrack ''. Kpop Herald. March 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Junsu tops charts with song in ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. Kpop Herald. April 14, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gaon Download Chart ''. Gaon. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gaon Digital Chart ''. Gaon. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2016. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` Always '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 9 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` Everytime '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 22 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` This Love '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 4 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` You Are My Everything '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 6 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` Once Again '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 31 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` Talk Love '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 14 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` With You '' : `` 2016 Half Year Download Chart ( see # 68 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved July 8, 2016. `` 2016 July Download Chart ( see # 286 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved September 17, 2016. `` 2016 August Download Chart ( see # 393 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved September 17, 2016. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` Be My Side '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 53 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` Wind Beneath Your Wings '' : `` 2016 Half Year Download Chart ( see # 65 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved July 8, 2016. `` 2016 July Download Chart ( see # 161 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved September 17, 2016. `` 2016 August Download Chart ( see # 246 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved September 17, 2016. Jump up ^ Cumulative sales for `` How Can I Love You '' : `` 2016 Year Download Chart ( see # 95 ) ''. Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved January 14, 2017. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants ' sets viewership record of 40.4 % ''. The Korea Times. April 8, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Descendants of the Sun : the Korean military romance sweeping Asia ''. BBC News. March 26, 2016. Jump up ^ Park, Hyun - Taek ( March 25, 2016 ). `` ( 이슈 is ) ' 태후 ', 세계 가 본다... 판권 또 수출 ' 국민 국제 드라마 ' '' ( Descendants of the Sun has been exported 32 countries. ). Joins ( in Korean ). Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' available in 32 languages ''. The Korea Times. March 23, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' sets new standards for K - dramas in 2016 ''. The Korea Times. December 25, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Even N. Korea watches ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. The Korea Times. April 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` ( Yonhap Interview ) Story, co-production behind success of ' Descendants of the Sun ' in China ''. Yonhap. March 22, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` New hallyu dawns on ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. The Korea Times. April 3, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Park says ' Descendants of the Sun ' will help attract foreign tourists ''. Yonhap. March 21, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Park : ' Descendants of the Sun ' exemplary case of cultural enhancement ''. The Korea Herald. April 11, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Mega-hit Korean drama creates huge economic effect ''. The Korea Herald. May 1, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Drama Series Gives Boost to Korean Economy ''. Epoch Times. April 26, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' secures 12.2 bln won worth of ad deals ''. The Korea Herald. April 17, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Hye - Kyo Makeup Beauty : Descendants of the Sun Kang Mo Yeon Laneige Two Tone Lipstick ''. SweetNara. April 1, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016. Jump up ^ 영남 일보. `` ' 태양 의 후예 ' 중국 대륙 삼키다, 송중기 황 치열 특집 기사 봇물 ' 송혜교 상품'은 동 났다 ''. 영남 일보 ( in Korean ). Retrieved April 11, 2016. Jump up ^ `` What Singapore fans think of Descendants Of The Sun 's finale ''. The Straits Times. April 16, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun shines bright for brands ''. Marketing Interactive. Retrieved December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' buoys Korean economy ''. The Korea Herald. March 31, 2016. Jump up ^ `` KBS makes ' Descendants of the Sun ' cookies ''. The Korea Herald. April 6, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' stars get role on memory sticks ''. The Korea Times. April 12, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Emoticons of ' Descendants of the Sun ' characters released ''. The Korea Times. April 14, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song - Song couple medals to go on sale ''. Kpop Herald. December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gov 't to turn ' Descendants of the Sun ' filming sites into tourist destinations ''. Yonhap. March 31, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' filming set to be rebuilt ''. The Korea Herald. April 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Filming site of ' Descendants of the Sun ' to be turned into park ''. Yonhap. April 3, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Hit drama gets its own park, too ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. April 18, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Production site of ' Descendants of the Sun ' opens as tourist attraction ''. The Korea Times. August 12, 2016. Jump up ^ `` '' 2 Days & 1 Night '' Airs `` Descendants Of The Sun '' Themed Episode ``. Soompi. September 11, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Trip 215 : Drama Road ''. 2 Days & 1 Night. Season 3. September 18, 2016. KBS2. Jump up ^ `` Episode 1 ''. Battle Trip. Season 1. April 16, 2016. KBS2. Jump up ^ `` How to speak like the Korean soldiers in Descendants of the Sun ''. DramaFever. April 27, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Popularity of hallyu drama spurs rush to become special forces NCO ''. The Korea Herald. May 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Korean chicken soup set to make inroads into China ''. The Korea Herald. July 26, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Hit Drama to Boost Exports of Korean Chicken - Ginseng Soup to China ''. The Chosun Ilbo. April 11, 2016. Jump up ^ `` 유통 업계 ' 태양 의 후예 ' PPL 광고 효과 ↑, ' 사고 싶지 말입니다 ' ''. Asia Today ( in Korean ). April 10, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of PPL ' ''. The Korea Times. April 7, 2016. Jump up ^ 한국 경제 TV. `` 태양 의 후예 PPL `` 시청자 우롱 하나 ''... 높은 시청률 로 돈벌기 ? -- 한국 경제 TV ``. www.wowtv.co.kr ( in Korean ). Retrieved April 11, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' cinematographer admits product placement excessive ''. Kpop Herald. April 19, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants ' marred by unrealistic storyline, PPL ''. The Korea Times. April 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' : more fantasy than reality ''. The Korea Herald. April 8, 2016. Jump up ^ `` While triumphant, ' Descendants of the Sun ' leaves mixed legacy ''. Yonhap. April 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` TNMS Daily Ratings : this links to current day - select the date from drop down menu ''. TNMS Ratings ( in Korean ). Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2015. Jump up ^ `` AGB Daily Ratings : this links to current day - select the date from drop down menu ''. AGB Nielsen Media Research ( in Korean ). Archived from the original on December 26, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2015. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' special tops ratings ''. Kpop Herald. April 21, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Choi Woong, A-Yeon named Asian rookies of 2016 ''. Yonhap. April 21, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' 52 회 백상 예술 대상 ', ' 동주 ' ' 태양 의 후예 ' 대상... ' 시그널 ' 3 관왕 ( 종합 ) '' ( `` Dongju '' And `` Descendants of the Sun '' Take Home Grand Prizes At The 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards + Full List Of Winners ). Busan.com ( in Korean ). June 4, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Director Lee takes top Baeksang honor ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. June 6, 2016. Jump up ^ `` 온유 신혜선, 2016 신 스틸러 페스티벌 남녀 신인상 '' ( SHINee 's Onew And Shin Hye Sun To Receive Newcomer `` Scene Stealer '' Awards ). enews24 ( in Korean ). July 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Daftar Lengkap Pemenang Indonesian Television Awards 2016 ''. Sindo News ( in Indonesian ). September 16, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' 43th 한국 방송 대상 ' 알 권리 충족 SBS 대상... 황정음 하 현우 개인 상 ( 종합 ) '' ( Winners Of `` 43rd Korean Broadcasting Grand Prize '' Awards Announced ). Joins ( in Korean ). September 2, 2016. Jump up ^ `` British - American TV series wins top prize in Seoul Drama Awards ''. The Korea Herald. September 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki wins grand prize at APAN awards ''. The Korea Herald. October 3, 2016. Jump up ^ Mattew, llin ( September 27, 2016 ). `` APAN Star Awards 2016 : Complete nomination list ; Descendants of the Sun earns 8 nods ''. International Business Times. Jump up ^ `` 김소연, 데뷔 22 년만 에 첫 연기 대상... 2 관왕 영예 ( 2016 KDA 종합 ) '' ( Winners Of The 2016 Korea Drama Awards Revealed ). OSEN ( in Korean ). October 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' 광고주 가 뽑은 좋은 모델 ' 설현 김우빈 '' ( Advertisers select Seolhyun and Kim Woo Bin as the best models ). Yonhap. October 13, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' AAA ' 조진웅 ∙ 엑소 대상... 방탄 소년단 ∙ 박 보검 ∙ 윤아 2 관왕 ( 종합 ) '' ( Winners of the 2016 Asia Artist Awards ). TV Daily ( in Korean ). November 16, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Winners from the 2016 MelOn Music Awards ''. Kpop Herald. November 20, 2016. Jump up ^ Yumul, Tricco ( December 4, 2016 ). `` The 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards : Check out the list of winners here ''. Billboard Philippines. Jump up ^ `` Asian Television Awards : ' Descendants, ' ' Green ' Share Top Honors ''. Variety. December 2, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Hye - kyo, Song Joong - ki to Receive Presidential Awards ''. The Chosun Ilbo. October 26, 2016. Jump up ^ `` 김응수 - 유이 - 윤균상, ' 2016 그리메 상 ' 연기자 부문 수상 ''. SPOTV News ( in Korean ). December 16, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song - Song couple wins top KBS Award ''. Kpop Herald. January 1, 2017. Jump up ^ `` ( 2016KBS 연기 대상 ) 대상 은 ' 태양 의 후예 ' 송중기 송혜교, 다관왕 은 ' 구르미 ' ( 종합 ) '' ( 2016 KBS Drama Awards Winners ). eToday ( in Korean ). January 1, 2017. Jump up ^ `` ( MD 리뷰 ) `` 역시 음원 퀸 '' 트 와이스, 이변 없는 골든 디스크 대상 '' ( Winners Of The 31st Golden Disc Awards Day 1 ). My Daily ( in Korean ). January 13, 2017. Jump up ^ `` ' 서가 대 ' 엑소, 4 년 연속 대상... 방탄 은 앨범 트 와이스 는 음원 상 ( 종합 ) '' ( Winners Of The 26th Seoul Music Awards ). OSEN ( in Korean ). January 19, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki, Twice honored at PD Awards ''. Korea JoongAng Daily. March 18, 2017. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' wins grand prize from broadcasting watchdog ''. Yonhap. March 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` KBS Wins 10 Awards at 50th WorldFest - Houston Int'l Film Festival ''. KBS World. May 2, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Korean Drama ' Descendants Of The Sun ' Breaks Records Thanks To Chinese Investments ''. Forbes. April 5, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Chinese love for Descendants of the Sun hits 2.4 billion views in latest episode ''. AsiaOne. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' spurs jump in iQiyi subscribers ''. The Korea Heral. July 4, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Fever over S. Korea 's hit TV drama gets attention of China 's military ''. Yonhap. March 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' a real threat to Chinese couples ''. The Korea Times. March 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Chinese government warns of dangers of Korean dramas as Descendants Of The Sun hits 440m views in China ''. The Straits Times. Jump up ^ `` คอนเฟิร์ม ! ไทย ได้ ลิขสิทธิ์ Descendants of the Sun เตรียม ออกอากาศ ช่อง 7 เร็ว ๆ นี้ ! ''. Sanook ( in Thai ). Jump up ^ `` Thai PM calls on people to watch ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. The Korea Times. March 18, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Song Joong - ki gets invitation to visit Thailand ''. The Korea Times. March 24, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Actor Song Joong - ki enjoys unrivaled popularity in Thailand ''. Yonhap. May 9, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Korean Drama Series Online TV Viu Launches In Singapore ''. Vulcan Post. Jump up ^ GWENDOLYN NG. `` Descendants Of The Sun : Hot, hot, hot ''. The Straits Times. Jump up ^ `` Viu Singapore -- # DescendantsOfTheSun hits a new tv rating ''. VIU Singapore Facebook. Jump up ^ Gwendolyn Ng ( April 5, 2016 ). `` Descendants Of The Sun star Song Joong Ki : `` It feels natural for me to be in a soldier 's uniform '' ``. The Straits Times. Jump up ^ `` Music Weekly AsiaTop 30 Singles Chart Singapore -- Music Weekly Asia ''. Music Weekly Asia. April 24, 2016. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. CS1 maint : BOT : original - url status unknown ( link ) Jump up ^ `` HTV2 -- Trailer Hậu Duệ Mặt Trời ''. YouTube ( in Vietnamese ). April 15, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Popular Korean drama draws travelers from Vietnam ''. Kpop Herald. November 8, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' stirs debate over Korean atrocities in Vietnam ''. The Asia Times. April 2, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Vietnamese journalist blasts ' Descendants of the Sun ' ''. Kpop Herald. March 31, 2016. Jump up ^ `` BS スカパー ! スカパー ! の '' おまけ `` チャンネル BS スカパー ! ( BS241 ) ''. SPTV.com ( in Japanese ). Retrieved December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' to premiere in Japan ''. Yonhap. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' holds promotion in Hong Kong ''. Yonhap. April 5, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Viu app nets 1.2 m downloads in Hong Kong ''. Marketing Interactive. Retrieved December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' to air in Hong Kong ''. Kpop Herald. April 6, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun -- Coming Soon ''. Zindagi ( in Hindi ). Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Retrieved January 27, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Viu Malaysia -- If you have n't yet, today 's the perfect day... ''. VIU Malaysia Facebook. April 2, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun ''. Tonton. Retrieved December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` The highest - rating Korean Drama of 2016, # DescendantsOfTheSun, malapit nang mapanuod sa GMA ! ''. GMA Network 's Twitter ( in Filipino ). Jump up ^ `` Viu Indonesia -- Tonton tayangan Korea favorit kamu dengan... ''. Viu Indonesian Facebook ( in Indonesian ). May 27, 2016. Jump up ^ `` RCTI Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia ''. Rcti.tv ( in Indonesian ). Retrieved December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ Hang Meas HDTV. `` រឿង ភាគ កូរ៉េ `` ម្ចាស់ ព្រះ អាទិត្យ '' Trailer ``. YouTube ( in Cambodia ). Retrieved December 7, 2016. CS1 maint : Unrecognized language ( link ) Jump up ^ `` Δημοτική Εταιρεία Πληροφόρησης, Θεάματος και Επικοινωνίας ''. Fm100.gr ( in Greek ). Retrieved December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Descendants of the Sun ''. Fm100.gr ( in Greek ). Jump up ^ `` Latest drama hit creates new travel boom ''. The Korea Times. March 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Exclusive : `` Descendants of the Sun '' Press Conference ``. Soompi. Jump up ^ `` KBSWORLD - Weekly Schedule ''. KBS World. Archived from the original on November 19, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' going viral in North America ''. Kpop Herald. March 23, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Netflix plans to expand presence in Korea ''. Kpop Herald. June 30, 2016. Jump up ^ Ryan, Fergus ( July 5, 2016 ). `` Hit Korean TV Drama ' Descendants ' to be Remade as Chinese Film ''. China Film Insider. Retrieved July 6, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Descendants of the Sun ' to meet fans as movie, book ''. Yonhap. April 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` KBS plans ' Descendants of the Sun ' sequel ''. Yonhap. April 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` NEW ' 왔다 장 보리 ' 제작사 손 잡았다... '' 제 2 의 ' 태후 ' 제작 '' ( NEW, `` Jang Bo - ri '' producer Jidam start collaboration, plan to produce `` Descendants 2 '' ) ``. The Chosun Ilbo ( in Korean ). October 25, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2017. External links Official website ( in Korean ) Descendants of the Sun at HanCinema Descendants of the Sun at MyDramaList KBS 's Wednesday -- Thursday dramas 1990s Papa 2000 -- 2004 Empress Myeongseong April Kiss Full House Emperor of the Sea 2005 -- 2009 Resurrection My Rosy Life Golden Apple Goodbye Solo Great Inheritance Hwang Jini Dal - ja 's Spring The Devil Capital Scandal Hong Gil - dong One Mom and Three Dads Women of the Sun The Kingdom of the Winds The Accidental Couple My Fair Lady Iris 2010 -- 2014 The Slave Hunters Cinderella 's Sister King of Baking, Kim Takgu The Fugitive : Plan B President The Thorn Birds Romance Town The Princess ' Man Glory Jane Wild Romance Man from the Equator Bridal Mask The Innocent Man Jeon Woo - chi Iris II The Fugitive of Joseon The Blade and Petal Secret Love Bel Ami Inspiring Generation Golden Cross Gunman in Joseon Blade Man The King 's Face 2015 -- 2017 Unkind Ladies Masked Prosecutor Assembly The Merchant : Gaekju 2015 Descendants of the Sun The Master of Revenge Uncontrollably Fond On the Way to the Airport My Fair Lady Naked Fireman Good Manager Queen of Mystery Queen for Seven Days Manhole Mad Dog Black Knight Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize -- Television 1970s - ( 1974 ) - ( 1975 ) - ( 1976 ) - ( 1977 ) - ( 1978 ) Kim Hye - ja, Jung Hye - sun and Kim Young - ok ( I Sell Happiness ) ( 1979 ) 1980s Kim Min - ja ( A Lonely Affair ) ( 1980 ) Ulhwa ( 1981 ) A Life - sized Buddha ( 1982 ) Winds of Change ( 1983 ) The Five Indian Kingdoms ( 1984 ) Korea 's Butterflies ( 1985 ) Shin Bong - seung ( 500 Years of Joseon Dynasty ) ( 1986 ) The Boil ( 1987 ) Love and Ambition ( 1988 ) Kim Hye - ja ( Winter Mist and Sand Castle ) ( 1989 ) 1990s Peace, the Arduous Way to Go and Tree Blooming with Love ( 1990 ) The Second Republic ( 1991 ) Eyes of Dawn ( 1992 ) Go Doo - shim ( My Husband 's Woman ) and Kim Hee - ae ( Sons and Daughters ) ( 1993 ) Park Chul ( My Mother 's Sea ) ( 1994 ) Sandglass ( 1995 ) Korea 's Reptiles ( 1996 ) The Most Beautiful Goodbye ( 1997 ) Lee Jang - soo ( Offspring ) ( 1998 ) Jang Soo - bong ( When Time Flows ) ( 1999 ) 2000s Kuk - hee ( 2000 ) Kim Soo - hyun ( The Aspen Tree ) ( 2001 ) Taejo Wang Geon ( 2002 ) All In ( 2003 ) Kim Hee - ae ( Perfect Love ) ( 2004 ) Lovers in Paris ( 2005 ) My Lovely Sam Soon ( 2006 ) Jumong ( 2007 ) Kang Ho - dong ( 2 Days & 1 Night ) ( 2008 ) Kim Hye - ja ( Mom 's Dead Upset ) ( 2009 ) 2010s Go Hyun - jung ( Queen Seondeok ) ( 2010 ) Hyun Bin ( Secret Garden ) ( 2011 ) Deep Rooted Tree ( 2012 ) Yoo Jae - suk ( Infinite Challenge, Running Man and Happy Together ) ( 2013 ) Jun Ji - hyun ( My Love from the Star ) ( 2014 ) Na Young - seok ( Grandpas Over Flowers and Three Meals a Day ) ( 2015 ) Descendants of the Sun ( 2016 ) Kim Eun - sook ( Guardian : The Lonely and Great God ) ( 2017 ) awarded to theatrical play or film Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Descendants_of_the_Sun&oldid=804588041 '' Categories : Grand Prize Paeksang Arts Award ( television ) winners Korean Broadcasting System television dramas 2016 South Korean television series debuts 2016 South Korean television series endings 2010s South Korean television series Military television series Screenplays by Kim Eun - sook South Korean romance television series South Korean pre-produced television series Hidden categories : CS1 Korean - language sources ( ko ) CS1 Indonesian - language sources ( id ) CS1 Thai - language sources ( th ) CS1 maint : BOT : original - url status unknown CS1 Vietnamese - language sources ( vi ) CS1 Japanese - language sources ( ja ) All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from September 2017 Articles with permanently dead external links CS1 Hindi - language sources ( hi ) CS1 foreign language sources ( ISO 639 - 2 ) CS1 maint : Unrecognized language CS1 Greek - language sources ( el ) Wikipedia introduction cleanup from August 2017 All pages needing cleanup Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from August 2017 All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify Use mdy dates from April 2016 Pages using infobox television with editor parameter Articles containing Korean - language text Articles with hAudio microformats Album infoboxes lacking a cover Music infoboxes with deprecated parameters Articles with Korean - language external links MyDramaList title ID same as Wikidata Talk Contents About Wikipedia Bân - lâm - gú Català Dansk Deutsch Español فارسی Français 客家 語 / Hak - kâ - ngî 한국어 Հայերեն हिन्दी Bahasa Indonesia Italiano Basa Jawa Magyar Bahasa Melayu Nederlands 日本 語 Polski Português Română Русский Suomi Svenska Tagalog ไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 粵語 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 9 October 2017, at 23 : 33. 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Question: when did descendants of the sun start filming
Answer: June 12, 2015