Before BinJin stole our hearts with “Crash Landing on You,” there was the iconic Song-Song couple, Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo, who had us swooning with “Descendants of the Sun.” Written by acclaimed screenwriters Kim Eun-sook and Kim Won-seok, this rom-com melodrama follows the love story of Captain Yoo Si Jin, also known as Big Boss (played by Song Joong Ki), and the determined Dr. Kang Mo Yeon (played by Song Hye Kyo), set against the backdrop of a war. The Song-Song couple’s amazing chemistry resonated with K-drama fans worldwide, adding to the popularity of Korean dramas around the globe.
“Descendants of the Sun” isn’t just about the main couple; it also shines with its second lead couple, portrayed by Jin Goo and Kim Ji Won. Jin Goo plays the reserved Master Sergeant Seo Dae Young, aka Wolf, while Kim Ji Won portrays the steadfast Army Doctor Yoon Myung Ju. Despite their differences in military rank and class, they share a deep and enduring love. With its gripping storyline and stellar performances from the versatile cast, “Descendants of the Sun” gained immense popularity locally and globally, including in India. This led the K-drama to rightfully win the prestigious Baeksang Daesang (Grand Prize). Additionally, Song Joong Ki won the Most Popular Actor — Television award and the iQiyi Global Star Award, while Song Hye Kyo received the Most Popular Actress — Television award and the iQiyi Global Star Award, each taking home two Baeksangs.
Let’s feel in the void that Descendants of the Sun has left in our hearts by diving into these 7 binge-worthy K-dramas starring the cast:
1) Vincenzo
When Song Joong Ki is at the helm of a K-drama, you know it’s going to be a must-watch. Take ‘Vincenzo’ for example, one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. This Baeksang-nominated crime dark comedy-drama follows the story of a charismatic Italian lawyer and mafia consigliere (no, not the corn salad!) portrayed by Song Joong Ki. He teams up with a lively lawyer to bring down Babel Group, a corrupt conglomerate, and its sinister leaders. Alongside Song Joong Ki, the cast includes Jeon Yeo Been, 2PM’s Taecyeon, Kwak Dong Yeon, Kim Yeo Jin, and Jo Han Chul. Song Joong Ki’s stellar performance earned him a Baeksang nomination for Best Actor — Television.
2) Doctor Cha
Another standout supporting character from “Descendants of the Sun” is Colonel Park Byung Soo, played by Kim Byung Chul. Recently, Kim Byung Chul had everyone laughing with his lead role in “Doctor Cha.” This medical family comedy K-drama follows the story of a neglected housewife who decides to prioritize herself by pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. She joins as a first-year medical resident at the same hospital where her ungrateful husband, played by Kim Byung Chul, is the Chief Surgeon and is secretly involved in an affair with another doctor. “Doctor Cha” also features Uhm Jung Hwa, Myung Se Bin, and Min Woo Hyuk.
3) The Glory
Song Hye Kyo’s captivating performance in “The Glory” earned her the well-deserved Baeksang Award for Best Actress — Television. This Baeksang-winning revenge psychological thriller drama follows the journey of a homeroom teacher who was once a victim of school violence. As an adult, she seeks vengeance against her former bullies by taking a job at the school where the daughter of the ringleader studies. “The Glory” also features Lee Do Hyun, Lim Ji Yeon, Yeom Hye Ran, Park Sung Hoon, and Jung Sung Il.
4) Lovestruck In The City
Kim Min Seok made a memorable impact as the pickpocket-turned-Lance Corporal Kim Gi Bum in “Descendants of the Sun.” Now, he’s back to charm viewers in the romance K-drama “Lovestruck in the City.” The series adopts an interview format, where six individuals, including Kim Min Seok and his “DOTS” co-star Kim Ji Won, candidly discuss their dating lives while three couples navigate their relationships. Alongside Kim Min Seok and Kim Ji Won, “Lovestruck in the City” features Ji Chang Wook, So Joo Yeon, Ryu Kyung Soo, and Han Ji Eun.
5) Shadow Detective
If you’re a fan of Jin Goo from “Descendants of the Sun,” you won’t want to miss “Shadow Detective.” This gripping mystery crime thriller spans two seasons and revolves around a veteran detective framed for murder and blackmailed by the real culprit, who refers to himself as the detective’s “old friend.” Jin Goo portrays the detective’s new team member, adding depth to their complex relationship. “Shadow Detective” also features an ensemble cast including Lee Sung Min, Kyung Soo Jin, Lee Hak Joo, Jung Jin Young, Kim Shin Rok, and Joo Jin Mo.
