Culture critic Lee Moon-won recently commented about "Descendants of the Sun" saying that the series specifically targets female viewers, and not the other way round. He also said that the show, in a way, reflects Korea's state of gender imbalance.
Lee told Asia One that most Korean men, especially those who have served in the military do not want to watch a TV drama series like "Descendants of the Sun," which features men in military uniforms. According to him, it is not an experience that most want to get reminded of.
Rather, the critic supposes that "Descendants of the Sun" fulfills fantasies of the female audience, especially looking into the trait of physically strong men who are romantic and caring at the same time. "I think patriarchal men can be seen as attractive to female viewers when they are exceptionally capable, physically strong and responsible," he told the publication.
Considering the contemporary sluggish economy and job markets, it is hard to find men who possess such qualities whether patriarchal or not. Lee thinks that popularity of such military characters in "Descendants of the Sun" echoes women's collective anxieties and insecurity.
One such victim, a 27-year-old office worker Lee Soo-Yeon from Seoul admitted that she was a die-hard victim of the show. She disclosed to Korea Herald that the series features many things that she cannot see or even achieve in her life, like a sense of justice, altruism, and responsibility.
According to Today Online, the show has equally garnered a huge audience both from Korea and abroad. It has even triggered praise from President Park Geun-Hye, relationship health warnings in China, a thumbs up review from Thailand's junta chief, and general passion for its two main stars all over the world, particularly in Asia.
However, critics say that the military romance depicted in "Descendants of the Sun "is far from reality. As believed by activists cum critics, the series simply shows what the Korean military lacks, as it is impossible for a character like the one played by Song Joong-ki to exist in Korea's military system.
In spite of these critiques, "Descendants of the Sun" remains a preferred hit drama series featuring a military romance between a surgeon and a soldier.
Here is a clip of "Descendants of the Sun" songs: