Mainstream media noticed the KBS 2TV drama “Descendants of the Sun” when China’s Ministry of Justice warned this week Chinese viewers not to spend too much time watching Korean dramas. The warning was given amid a report that female fans swooning over male lead Song Joong-ki is causing problems on some marriages.
However, other negative reports followed, such as a young Chinese woman allegedly diagnosed with glaucoma after binge-watching for 18 hours the drama aired over video platform site iQiyi. Newseveryday reported that Song found it difficult to believe in those news reports.
“I can only guess (at my popularity in China) from media reports and messages from my friends in China. I don’t think greater popularity abroad would make a difference in my life,” said Song. He attributed the popularity of the 16-episode show, aired simultaneously in China and South Korea on Wednesday and Thursday - to the unique combination of having a doctor and soldier as a love team.
Song explained, “Doctors have appeared in many dramas, but a soldier is a relatively uncommon occupation on TV. I think people appreciate that.” He added. “People like the idea of a doctor dating a soldier because it’s different.”
In fact, a soldier – actually a former general – endorsed the show to his countrymen. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha praised the show on Thursday for its patriotic messages. Despite the good words of the prime minister and the show’s high ratings and viewership in China and South Korea, some critics said it lacks a plot and condoned militarism.
But Episode 8 this week highlighted that love when Kang Mo-yeon, played by Song Hye-kyo, admitted her feelings for Song’s character, Army Captain Yoo Si-jin, which translated into another record rating of 28.8 percent across South Korea. It was higher than Episode 7’s 28.5 percent, reported Korea Herald.