After 10 Years, Song Joong-Ki’s Career-Saving K-Drama Is Still A Must-Watch Despite Its Real-Life Tragic Ending

by

I remember when Song Joong-ki really broke through with that 2016 K-drama – it was a huge turning point for him, even though the real-life story behind it is a bit sad now. It’s hard to believe he wasn’t always a major star, especially seeing how popular Korean dramas are worldwide now, and he’s been a big part of that! He’s led some amazing shows on Netflix like Vicenzo and Reborn Rich, and even made a memorable appearance in Queen of Tears. It’s easy to see why he’s so successful.

Fans of Korean dramas before the recent surge in popularity will remember Song Joong-ki started his career in the late 2000s. He appeared in numerous shows like My Fair Lady and Sungkyunkwan Scandal, though initially in smaller roles. Like many popular actors, he built his career by playing supporting characters until landing his big break in 2012 with Innocent Man.

2016’s Descendants of the Sun Effectively Revived Song Joong-ki’s Career

Following a successful 2012, Song Joong-ki began his mandatory military service in South Korea, a requirement for all men. This two-year commitment paused his growing popularity. When he finished his service in 2015, his choice of next project was crucial for restarting his career. He ultimately decided on Descendants of the Sun, which premiered in 2016.

The series was a big risk because its story hadn’t been tried before. Luckily, it attracted a fantastic cast, including major stars Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki, with Jin Goo and Kim Ji-won later joining them as leads. The gamble paid off – the KBS drama became the highest-grossing K-drama of 2016 and was a hit with both critics and audiences, who praised its unique concept and the actors’ performances. The show, Descendants of the Sun, proved to be a major success.

The show’s success benefited everyone involved, leading to bigger opportunities and awards for the main actors. For Song Joong-ki, it was a major turning point, significantly boosting his career. He was already gaining recognition with his previous role in Innocent Man, but needed a strong comeback project to solidify his position. The Korean entertainment industry, like Hollywood, moves quickly, so consistent visibility – through dramas or variety shows – is crucial to staying relevant.

I was a little worried about Song Joong-ki taking four years off! It’s tough to stay relevant with so many talented actors in K-dramas. Thankfully, he made a brilliant choice with Descendants of the Sun – it really launched him to new heights, becoming probably his most famous work. And because the show was such a huge hit internationally, it opened doors for him to star in projects all over the world. It was the perfect way for him to come back!

Descendants of the Sun Is Still A Must Watch, Despite Song Hye-kyo & Song Joong-ki’s Real-life Split

Even after 10 years, Descendants of the Sun remains one of the best K-dramas out there. It’s a refreshing choice for longtime fans who are tired of seeing the same old storylines, and it’s also a fantastic starting point for anyone new to K-dramas and curious about what all the excitement is about. While its unique story is a big draw, like most K-dramas, the heart of the show is the romantic relationship between soldier Yoo Shi-jin (played by Song Joong-ki) and doctor Kang Mo-yeon (played by Song Hye-kyo).

The connection between the two actors was so strong on screen that they began dating in real life. While it’s become more common for co-stars to date publicly in Korean entertainment recently, it was a big deal at the time, particularly because both actors were major stars. Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki married in 2017, which would have been a perfect ending to their characters’ story in Descendants of the Sun. Sadly, their marriage didn’t last, and they divorced after only two years.

It’s true that the real-life breakup of the lead actors adds a bittersweet layer to Descendants of the Sun. However, that shouldn’t stop you from watching – it’s still a well-made and enjoyable K-drama worth checking out.

Descendants of the Sun is available to stream on Prime Video and Kocowa.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/5-k-dramas-to-avoid-if-youre-just-getting-into-them-but-are-worth-watching-later-on/embed/#

Read More

2026-03-04 18:47