K-DRAMA: THOUGHTS AFTER REWATCHING 'DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN'

Well, we didn’t know what will happen in the future. As surprising as their marriage, their divorce news was incredibly a huge shock for their fans, including me. I almost forgot about this issue completely, but then KBS World was replaying “Descendants of the Sun” and then, I want to do some experimental study if the fact that Song-Song couple divorced changed my view about this drama or not.

Some of my friends kinda dislike this drama, but on the other hand, I loved it since the first time I watched it. At first, it's because of Song Joong-ki's first comeback after his military service. But after watching it few episodes, I liked all the casts inside this drama. It's a mega project and there is a little Korean drama that took an army troop and doctor relationship as the setting. So, I wanted to know what is the reason I liked this drama. Is it purely because of Song Joong-ki? Or because of the story itself? So, here it is viewpoints that I got after rewatching the drama.

1. I got to focus more on the chemistry of Yoon Myeongju and Seo Daeyoung.

Source: KBS via Pinterest

At first, I didn’t really pay attention to this couple, because all of my focus is toward Song Joongki’s comeback drama. But, on the second time, I watched it, this couple should receive more love! They are not just a sidekick. Here are a few moments of the couple that I love.

When Yoon Myeongju helped Seo Daeyoung gave revenge for his ex-girlfriend on her wedding day. The “angel” act is quite memorable, for me.

Source: KBS via Google Images

"For lieutenant Yoon, I chose to lose”. 

Seo Daeyoung’s feeling is real for Yoon Myeongju, but he is not really good at expressing it. The typical "I leave you because I love you" scene. But, Seo Daeyoung made it cool. If I am her, I’ll definitely clueless about his feeling. I think it is because of his sense of duty is pretty strong which, and Yoon Myeongjoo doesn't have the same concept of dating means. Also, Seo Daeyoung is a part of the Alpha Team, which has many dangerous tasks. He is afraid that Myeongjoo will get hurt often seeing him doing those dangerous tasks.

Source: Netflix

The walkie-talkie scene when Yoon Myeongju was confirmed infected the virus. It was so heartwarming. Maybe, it is quite relatable these days. As many friends and family members of the infected COVID-19 might experience this stressful situation. When you are sick, the most painful part is your mind, not your body. It’s the battle of yourself. 

Source: descendant-of-the-sun.tumblr.com

2. Onew’s acting was remarkable

Source: KBS2 via Pinterest

As a SHAWOL (SHINee’s fan name) for 10 years, I’ve always attracted to what SHINee members do. I knew Onew has participated in a few musicals and dramas. But I guess, this is the first real, important, noticeable role that Onew has. It’s not easy to act crying, but he really nailed it.

3. My favorite scenes are always my favorite.

I probably have more than 10 favorite and memorable scenes of this drama. Even after rewatching the drama, the scenes are still vividly reminisced in my head and heart. I still feel the same emotion for the scenes I love. Here are some of my favorite scenes:

WINE SCENE (Ep. 4 - 5) 

Source: as tagged via Pinterest
You probably know which exact scene I’m talking about. Yeah, the last scene on ep. 4 and the opening of ep. 5. I love this kissing scene because it’s just not a kissing scene. It’s the start of their romantic-comedy-thriller relationship. The awkwardness, butterflies, and many emotions in one scene. I like how Yoo Sijin’s expression in this scene and how he said the lines, “It’s not like there is no other way.” I believe the wine taste sweeter than it supposes. Since the previous episodes have a brighter mood, this scene is the opening of what is coming in the “unknown” land.

Yoo Sijin speaks English.

I don’t know why, but it seems like this shows how capable Captain Yoo is. The scene looks cool. Mostly he spoke English in his uniform and like what Kang Moyeon said, “Woman have fantasies about a man in uniform”. I can relate to this so much.

The “what is your blood type?” (ep. 11) scene.

Source: KBS via Pinterest

I cannot leave this scene out. Maybe some of you didn’t get the joke behind this scene, because sometimes there is a mistranslation. But I really like this scene. I even make dubbing for this scene on an app a few years ago. Can’t imagine that Song Hye Kyo can act that cute (since she acted mellow character most of the time). I couldn't say anything else for this scene. Hands up! with thumbs up!

Yoo Sijin requested a chopper to the Arab League.

Source: Netflix

It is not a really important scene in the drama, but I just kinda like it. He said, “I have a date to keep”. He looks cool here. How come he can be that sweet even in an intense situation. Good moves, Writer Kim!

The “forget this” (ep. 12) scene. 

Source: KBS2 via Greenteaafrappe (Tumblr)

It was such a dilemma for Kang Moyeon since she is a doctor to see someone died right in front of her eyes, but she's also in danger. To make it less frightening, Yoo Sijin covered Kang Moyeon’s eyes before shooting Agus. I loved this scene because I wish I can have someone who can protect me like that, without the shooting and killing part of course.

All scenes of Yoo Sijin and Seo Daeyeong’s bromance. 

Source: descendants-of-the-sun.tumblr.com

 Their bromance is love. This is how a bro-hood should be, I think. They know how to support and tease each other. To be there by their side in joy or sorrow. Their bromance is so cute to me.

"He is my friend"

Source: KBS via Google Images

It is not a realistic scene, but helping the North Korean personnel is also looks awesome for me. I didn’t know much about the army and action stuff, but the director captures the scene pretty great and it looks awesome for me. The choco pie thing is a brilliant idea. Hope the South and North can get their peace as soon as possible.

Red Velvet as a cameo (last episode). 

Source: KBS via Google Images

This scene is just a sidekick, but I just love how the troopers acted in front of a girl group. They are legit fanboys. And who can resist Red Velvet, anyways? 

4. It’s not about romance, but it’s about relationships.

The genre of this drama is a romance, but it’s not a hardcore romance like we used to know. It’s emphasizing the relationship. Either it is with family, friends, and colleagues, even the unfortunate neighbors. The drama is like a donut covered with sugar. The sugar is the romance and the donut is the relationship.

5. Ahn Bohyun’s charm rediscovered

Source: KBS via Google Images

Ahn Bohyun who acted in ‘Her Private Life’ and ‘Itaewon Class’ actually acted in this drama. At first, I didn’t recognize him but after the rise of ‘Itaewon Class’ and his name got more popular, this drama was mentioned. So, after rewatching the drama, I finally got to recognize him. He barely had lines inside the drama, but he shows that he got the potential and great visual. The Alpha Team looks great, aren't they?

Alpha Team in action!
Source: KBS2 via oketekno.com

The drama reminds us of it’s not about ourselves, but also others. There are a few scenes where we can see how the other part of the world is still suffering and need our attention. There are few touching scenes (like when Kang Moyeon and Yoo Sijin have to choose who to save between the two survivors inside the ruins) and it’s relatable with our daily lives. The drama teaches us that there are types of people in this world and how we act toward them might change their life. Someone greedy and ignorant, the troublemaker, the mood-maker, the savior, and many more types of character that we might encounter at least once in our lives. And it applies to every part of the world.

Inside the drama, there was once a virus outbreak, which the situation is as suspense as today. Rewatching that scene reminds me of how hard medical teams work. If you are part of the medical team and also a survivor, stay strong! My prayers are with you, guys. I can get it if you are frustrated and feels stuffy, but please hang in on and pray all the time.

The only unrealistic thing about this drama is there is 0.0000001% probability that someone like Yoo Sijin in real life, I guess. But the main storyline works pretty real to me.

It turns out that the fact that the Song-Song couple got divorced didn’t really affect my views about the drama. But in some scenes, I got to think about them. Maybe, they were like this or that before they chose to part ways. It is only my assumptions and how I empathize with them.

“I think you are not the man I can handle” - Kang Moyeon

This line stroke me right into my heart. I didn’t know that this line can be that hurt and didn't know their feelings actually. I hope both of them are happy now and get through the painful past. Please don't be harsh to them. 

Surprisingly, I remember a few lines of the drama. Sometimes, when I remember the lines or scenes of a drama, I feel proud of myself. For some people, it might be useless stuff, but it makes me happy. Anyways, this is purely based on my opinion, so if you don’t agree with me, it’s okay. I just want to share and who knows we might share a similar opinion. And by the way, I really worked hard finding those archives. I searched Tumblr for hours..... and had to redo it because some didn't work.

Thank you for reading this post. Maybe you are interested to watch or rewatch 'Descendants of the Sun' after seeing a few pieces of it. I wanted to have a break from writing JCP Features for a while (though I’ve been late for 2 months already), so I post this instead. See you real soon on my next post. 

Bye~ 

Stay safe people!

xoxo,