Drama Review : 태양의 후예 (Descendants of the Sun)

This ultra popular drama has just wrapped up with three special episodes just this week. And I must say that I was hooked! Being a completely pre-produced drama, we can be certain that the plotline does not change despite the demands of the viewers. Plus, they also have more time to edit and think through many parts. They stuck to their plan, and I guess it really was for the best! A drama to be anticipated, indeed! Star-studded cast, collaboration between great writers (one of them wrote for The Heirs too, if I'm not mistaken) and huge budget. All of them are the supporting factors of the huge success of this drama and the drama itself surely does not disappoint despite the great expectation. It is action-packed yet balanced with some fluffy romance! Well, let's get on with the review :)


First Impression :

Honestly, I didn't even know that this drama was produced at any point in time. News about it was completely irrelevant to me. I've never watched any production with Song Joongki in it. The only stuffs with Song Hyekyo that I watched were Autumn in My Heart and bits and pieces of Full House. Kim Jiwon and Jingoo were simply strangers' name to me. BUT one day I came across the poster on my Twitter timeline and my head (or was it my heart?) told me that I just had to watch it. I did and I don't regret it. The first two episodes clearly spell out the problem and the pre-disposition of each character nicely. There was a perfect balance between action and romance :) It kept me on my toes for the next episodes which only would come the following week! 

Flow and Plot : 

It has a somewhat unique plot. Romance between a soldier and a doctor is surely something interesting to see. Two people from very two different world meet against all odds. Differing principles and nature of job make them a very unlikely couple, but something in this drama actually creates a common ground for them to work together and deepen their relationship plus understanding. 

Even the somewhat 'side' couple is very compelling. Due to circumstances, their way to happiness is challenging and treacherous. This is of course just the right dose for people who prefer angsty love stories. 

Anyways, the flow of the drama is good. The pace is nice and pretty realistic. There is this time skip in the drama and I think it is used appropriately :) Love takes time to grow, just like this masterpiece of a drama needs time to be produced. 

On a side note, I like how they alternate the cute fluffy scenes with the more tension-filled ones. It creates a great balance and allow us not to get diabetes from fluff overload. In short, the 16 episode is simply packed with goodness. If it is wine, then it's a really fine one! 

Characters : 

There are quite a few characters that I want to talk about but I'll just keep it to 4 main characters :) 

1) Yoo Si Jin (Song Joongki)

Yoo Si Jin is the captain of a special force team in the Korean Army. He takes his job seriously and strictly sticks to his 'patriotism principle'. That is one trait that, a lot of time, put him on a tight spot and frustrates his superiors. Despite the serious nature of his job, he is witty, funny and easy going (which is probably why our dearest heroine falls for him :p). 

Indeed, there is no one else fit for this role other than Song Joongki. Even Song Hyekyo herself said in an interview that she can't imagine anyone else playing the role! Song Joongki was just discharged from the army when he started shooting the drama, so his soldier vibe was still very strong. And I guess the army helped him shed his cuter image, it makes him look more manly! A plus point is actually his looks, he is 'rough-edged' enough to portray the serious side of Yoo Sijin and yet flowerboy-ish enough to show the cute side :) (No wonder many people around the world has Song Joongki fever now~)

2) Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hyekyo)

A beautiful doctor struggling in the hospital due to the ways of the world. An originally earnest and determined doctor, she ends up in Urk (a fictional country) as a representative of the hospital. There, she experiences a lot of events that in the end make her realize her call as a doctor. A bonus for her is that she get to spend time with the man of her dreams. 

A seasoned actress, indeed. Song Hyekyo excellently brought Kang Mo Yeon's character into life. Personally, I feel that there are other actresses that can play her role as well as her. But her face just fits the character so much, I can't even...  She simply has this professional look, fit for a doctor and of course pretty enough to be the main character. Anyways, she has done her job well. Her gazes and tears can easily make the viewers sympathize with her. Well, I did cry with her a few times~ 

3) Seo Dae Young (Jingoo) 

Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young has the appearance of a brusque man. But under that semblance, he is actually a passionate lover and quirky friend. Coming from a background that no one can be proud about, he takes pride in his job as a soldier. Even so, loved ones are even more important for him. 

The casting crew did really well in casting Jingoo for Seo Dae Young! At a glance, Jingoo looks like a very serious man but in reality he has a warm and rather laid back personality.  Even his original personality screams 'Seo Dae Young!'. Do watch the drama to discover more about the quirky Seo Dae Young :) 

4) Yoon Myeong Ju (Kim Jiwon)

An army surgeon as well as the daughter of a higher-up in the army, everyone would expect her to be uptight and stern. Behind that, she is just a woman/girl (?) longing for love and affection. Having said that, she sure is a strong-minded woman! 

Kim Jiwon did a great job in portraying the stern and the cute side of Myeong Ju :) A glance at her drama-o-graphy (?), she's more used to playing the stereotypical spoiled girl. So, I guess this role has done some justice to her skill. Totally looking forward to her future projects!

Soundtracks :

The soundtrack line-up blew me away. The first soundtrack by Yoon Mirae made me fall in love with it and the rest are just as good! This is the first in a long time that I actually enjoy all the soundtrack. They are super fitted to the atmosphere of the drama, from the angsty to the happier moments, there is a song to suit each moment :) Above is the playlist of the soundtrack! Be careful with the video though, they may contain spoiler~ 

Overall Impression : 

I'm sold! This drama is totally worth the hype. The supporting characters are all very memorable too. Quite a lot are scene stealers, even the villains too! I totally recommend this drama to anyone who hasn't watched it yet :) 

A little teaser for those who aren't convinced yet! 

Pictures are from KBS! 

Do check out this page if you want to see more Scene Stills :) Link

PS. Whoever manages that page is totally Song Joongki biased.