10 amazing facts you probably didn’t know about Descendants of the Sun

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:34 pm

We just can’t get enough of Descendants of the Sun, can’t we? It’s so good that even the Thai Prime Minister has urged its citizens to watch it. But other than the fact that it’s taking Asia by storm, what else do you know about this phenomenal Korea drama?

Here’re some facts to wow you, and possibly make you a bigger fan.

Song Joong Ki was injured while filming an action scene
On 23 November 2015, while filming an action scene, Song Joong Ki hurt his arm and got everyone worried. Thankfully, his arm wasn’t fractured and filming resumed three days later.

The drama is allegedly sold at $100,000 per episode to Japan
Prior to that, most Korea dramas were sold at less than $100,000 per episode since 2013. With its popularity, there is a possibility that it might just be increased to $200,000 soon.

This is the first KBS drama whereby the filming is completed prior to its airing
All KBS dramas would be filmed during the airing of the drama, and the script would be changed or improvised based on the viewers’ reactions and ratings. However, this is the first drama that has completed its production before it aired, so the ending can’t be changed.

The drama was already in pre-production when Song Joong Ki was still serving his NS
Song Joong Ki only started acting in July 2015, and he finished his NS in May 2015.  Filming for other characters have begun in June 2015 instead.

Red ginseng tonic sales have boosted exponentially after a scene in which Song Joong Ki drank one in an episode
Okay, we don’t know whether it’s a perfect product placement or mere coincidence, but it sure made everyone interested in it. I wonder if it encourages more people to join the army as well.

The female lead, Song Hye-Kyo, is four years older than Song Joong Ki
And did you know that Song Joong Ki is already 31 years old? Shocking as well, isn’t it? He looks 18 to everyone!

It is now subtitled in 33 different languages
If you think there’re only English and Chinese subtitles available, you’re so wrong!

The drama has been exported to 32 countries
The international appeal is incredibly crazy. Even people in the US are watching it.

It is the most-watched show on Viu in Singapore
In Viu, there’re also Running Man, so that means more Singaporeans are watching Descendants of the Sun than Running Man. That’s a lot of viewers!

Song Joong Ki admitted that he could get into the role easily because he’s freshly out of the army
You know the hairstyle he has in the drama? Well, it’s the cut that he had in the army. In other words, he needs not style himself up for the drama.