Descendants of the Sun: A Love Story in the Midst of War (2016)

Descendants of the Sun is a 2016 South Korean television series that tells the story of a romance between a surgeon and a special forces officer. The series was a huge hit in South Korea and across Asia, winning several awards and boosting tourism to Korea.

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The Plot

The series follows the lives of Yoo Shi Jin (Song Joong Ki), the captain of a South Korean Army's special forces unit, and Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hye Kyo), a cardiothoracic surgeon at Haesung Hospital. They first meet when Shi Jin and his friend Seo Dae Young (Jin Goo) catch a thief who is injured and sent to the hospital where Mo Yeon works. Mo Yeon initially mistakes Shi Jin for a gangster, but soon learns that he is a soldier who risks his life to protect others. They are attracted to each other, but their different values and careers make it hard for them to pursue a relationship.

Their paths cross again when they are both assigned to work in the fictional war-torn country of Uruk, where Shi Jin leads a peacekeeping mission and Mo Yeon leads a medical team. There, they face various dangers and challenges, such as natural disasters, epidemics, terrorist attacks, and hostage situations. They also meet and befriend other characters, such as Yoon Myung Joo (Kim Ji Won), an army surgeon and Dae Young's love interest, and Song Sang Hyun (Lee Seung Joon), a doctor and Mo Yeon's colleague. Through their experiences in Uruk, Shi Jin and Mo Yeon learn to overcome their differences and appreciate each other's values. They also develop a deeper bond and a stronger love that transcends life and death.

The Themes

Descendants of the Sun explores several themes, such as love, friendship, patriotism, sacrifice, and humanity. The series shows how love can blossom in the most unlikely and difficult circumstances, and how it can inspire people to do good and be brave. The series also portrays the friendship and camaraderie among the soldiers and the medical staff, who support and protect each other in times of need. The series also highlights the patriotism and sacrifice of the soldiers, who are willing to risk their lives for their country and their comrades. The series also raises questions about the morality and ethics of war, and how it affects the lives of the people involved. The series also depicts the humanity and compassion of the characters, who try to help and heal the people of Uruk, regardless of their nationality, religion, or background.

The Reception

Descendants of the Sun was a phenomenal success, both in South Korea and internationally. The series achieved a peak viewership rating of 38.8% in South Korea, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean television history. The series also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised the acting, the writing, the cinematography, the music, and the overall production quality. The series also won several awards, such as the Grand Prize in television at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards, and the Most Popular Show of the year by Korea Broadcasting Advertising Corporation. The series also had a huge impact on the Korean culture and economy, as it sparked a craze for the locations, the products, the fashion, and the music featured in the show. The series also boosted the tourism to Korea, as many fans visited the filming sites and the landmarks associated with the show. The series also inspired several adaptations and remakes in other countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and China.

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