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Comprehensive chronicle of Song Joong-ki's journey to global stardom
Comprehensive chronicle of Song Joong-ki's journey to global stardom
Song Joong-ki was a strong best actor nominee at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards for 'Descendants of the Sun', proving his standout performance still resonates years later. The event took place on December 31.
KBS will host its drama awards at 9:15 p.m., with Song Joong-ki favored to win best actor for 'Descendants of the Sun'.
Song Joong-ki hosted the 2018 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong, where BTS dominated, winning Album of the Year. The star-studded event marked his high-profile debut as a music awards emcee.
Song Joong-ki hosted the 2018 MAMA in Hong Kong, where BTS won Album of the Year and other top awards.
Song Joong-ki topped Gallup Korea's 2017 TV actor poll with 17.9% support, proving his enduring star power despite no new shows that year. The December 14 results cemented his status as one of South Korea's leading actors.
Song Joong-ki was voted 2017's top TV actor in a Gallup Korea poll, reaffirming his enduring popularity despite no new TV roles that year.
Song Joong-ki was named 2017's top TV actor in a Gallup Korea poll, solidifying his leading status in South Korea following his impact from 'Descendants of the Sun'.
'Descendants of the Sun,' starring Song Joong-ki, won Best Drama Series at the 2016 Asian Television Awards, cementing its success and elevating his stardom across Asia. The hit drama further established him as a top regional actor.
"Song Joong-ki's 'Descendants of the Sun' won Best Drama Series at the 21st Asian Television Awards, cementing his status as a top regional actor."
Song Joong-ki won Best Actor at the 2016 Seoul International Drama Awards for 'Descendants of the Sun', solidifying his star status. The drama also took home Best Drama, boosting its global recognition.
Song Joong-ki won Best Actor at the 11th Seoul International Drama Awards for his role in the globally acclaimed "Descendants of the Sun," which also won Best Drama, solidifying his status as a leading actor.
Song Joong-ki was named China's hottest celebrity on March 17, 2016, in a VLinkage survey, cementing his Hallyu star status after his breakout role in 'Descendants of the Sun'. His soaring popularity dominated the rankings.
Song Joong-ki became China's hottest celebrity due to his role in 'Descendants of the Sun', boosting his Hallyu stardom through the show's simultaneous Korea-China broadcast.
Song Joong-ki became a runner-up for Actor of the Year at the 2016 Soompi Awards, showcasing his global fame after 'Descendants of the Sun'. Fan votes from 139 countries cemented his international appeal, though Lee Min-ho took the top prize.
Song Joong-ki placed second (runner-up) for Actor of the Year at the 12th Soompi Awards, losing to Lee Min-ho but showcasing his global popularity post-'Descendants of the Sun' through fan votes from 139 countries.
Song Joong-ki earned a Best Actor nomination at the 2013 Film of the Year Awards for 'A Werewolf Boy', cementing his rising stardom, though Choi Min-sik took the prize.
Song Joong-ki was nominated for best actor at the Film of the Year Awards for 'A Werewolf Boy', showcasing his growing prominence, though he lost to Choi Min-sik.
Song Joong-ki soared to No. 2 in Gallup Korea's 2012 poll thanks to his breakout role in 'A Werewolf Boy', cementing his rising fame. The recognition further elevated his public profile.
Song Joong-ki's No. 2 ranking in Gallup Korea's 2012 poll for 'A Werewolf Boy' highlighted his growing fame and media presence.
Song Joong-ki will headline the sci-fi film 'Lightning Ship', distributed by Merry Christmas Inc. The project is expected to boost his career and global appeal.
Song Joong-ki stars in the upcoming sci-fi film 'Lightning Ship', distributed by Merry Christmas Inc., further elevating his global profile.
Netflix released 'My Name is Loh Kiwan' starring Song Joong-ki on March 1, 2024, showcasing his emotional depth and versatility. The film became a global hit, topping charts in 31 countries with 5.1 million views by March 4 and dominating Netflix's non-English movie rankings until its March 10 finale.
Netflix released 'My Name is Loh Kiwan,' starring Song Joong-ki in a deeply emotional role that showcases new dimensions of his acting talent, and the film achieved strong viewership.
"'My Name is Loh Kiwan' attracted 5.1 million views, topped charts in 31 countries, and showcased its global appeal and Song Joong-ki's international popularity."
"Song Joong-ki's 'My Name is Loh Kiwan' concluded its successful Netflix run by topping the non-English movie chart, showcasing his global appeal."
'Descendants of the Sun' premiered on February 24, 2024, starring Song Joong-ki, and became an instant hit across Asia, breaking viewership records in South Korea and China. By March 9, its fifth episode reached a staggering 31.2% rating in Seoul, cementing Song Joong-ki's status as a top Hallyu star.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki as an Army captain, premiered and became a record-breaking hit, boosting his fame across Asia and cementing his status as a top actor through its widespread popularity.
The fifth episode of 'Descendants of the Sun' hit a record 31.2% viewership in Seoul, highlighting its popularity and Song Joong-ki's pivotal role.
"Bogota: City of the Lost," starring Song Joong-ki as Guk-hui, premiered internationally at the 2023 Busan Film Festival. The film will hit South Korean theaters on December 31, marking its domestic debut.
"Song Joong-ki stars in 'Bogota: City of the Lost,' which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival for its international debut."
"Song Joong-ki's new film 'Bogota: City of the Lost' is set for its South Korean domestic release."
Song Joong-ki's noir film 'Hopeless', where he plays a gang boss, premiered in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section in May 2023—his first Cannes invite. The dark thriller hit Korean theaters on October 11, testing his versatility with local audiences.
Song Joong-ki and his wife Katy Louise Saunders attended the Cannes Film Festival to promote his film 'Hopeless' before relocating to Italy for their child's birth.
Song Joong-ki's film 'Hopeless' will debut at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard category, marking his first Cannes invitation and a major career milestone showcasing his rising global profile.
Song Joong-ki will make his Cannes debut at the Un Certain Regard section with his noir film 'Hopeless,' where he plays a character involved in organized crime.
Song Joong-ki stars as a gang boss in the dark-themed gangster film 'Hopeless,' which premiered at Cannes and is set for domestic release as he anticipates audience reactions.
Song Joong-ki's 'The Battleship Island' became a box office hit in July 2023, selling over 6.17 million tickets domestically before expanding globally to 15 regions, including the U.S. and France. The film's success highlighted his star power but also sparked debates about screen monopolies. Strategically timed around his wedding announcement, the release reinforced his prominence in Korean and international cinema.
Song Joong-ki announced his wedding timing to avoid overshadowing the release of his new film 'Battleship Island', which is expected to solidify his status as a top South Korean actor following his success in 'Descendants of the Sun'.
Song Joong-ki's film 'The Battleship Island' was a box office hit with over 6.17 million tickets sold, reinforcing his industry prominence while sparking debates about screen monopolies by blockbuster films.
Song Joong-ki's highly anticipated film 'The Battleship Island' is set for domestic release, achieving significant success in South Korea by selling over 4.5 million tickets, reinforcing his prominence and box office appeal in the Korean film industry.
"The Battleship Island" is expanding internationally with releases in 15 regions, boosting Song Joong-ki's global profile and competing with Hollywood summer blockbusters.
"The release of 'The Battleship Island' in the Philippines highlights Song Joong-ki's expanding influence in Asian cinema and potential to solidify his status as an international star."
Song Joong-ki's film 'Cobweb' premiered in the Cannes Film Festival's Out of Competition section on May 25, 2023—his eighth Cannes appearance. Playing a 1970s director fixated on crafting a masterpiece, he reaffirms his global star power and acting range.
Song Joong-ki's film 'Cobweb', where he plays a 1970s director fixated on crafting a masterpiece, will screen in the Cannes Film Festival's Out of Competition section, marking his eighth invitation to the event.
On January 4, 2023, a PMI survey showed Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo as the most desired on-screen couple to date in real life, reflecting their lasting popularity from 'Descendants of the Sun'. Fans overwhelmingly rooted for their off-screen romance.
South Korean fans voted Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo as the most desired on-screen couple to become real-life partners, reflecting their lasting popularity and chemistry from 'Descendants of the Sun'.
"Reborn Rich," starring Song Joong-ki, premiered on November 18, 2022, with a strong 6.1% rating and quickly became a global hit, breaking records with its eighth episode (highest-rated K-drama of the year) and peaking at 26.9% for its finale—the highest rating of 2022. The drama dominated charts in over 50 countries, cementing Song Joong-ki's star power and the show's massive appeal.
Song Joong-ki's drama 'Reborn Rich' debuted strongly with a 6.1% viewership rating, launching its successful and record-breaking run and highlighting his star power.
"Song Joong-ki's 'Reborn Rich' became the most-watched show in over 50 countries during its premiere week, with its eighth episode achieving the highest viewership for a Korean drama this year, showcasing his enduring popularity and global appeal."
On December 11, 2022, the 11th episode of 'Reborn Rich' set a 2022 Korean drama record with a 21.2% rating, making history as the first Korean drama that year to exceed 20% viewership and showcasing Song Joong-ki's star power and the series' ratings dominance.
"Reborn Rich" achieved a record 24.9% rating in its 14th episode, becoming JTBC's second-highest-rated drama, driven by Song Joong-ki's performance and topping streaming charts across Asia.
The final episode of 'Reborn Rich' set a 2022 Korean drama record with a 26.9% peak rating, cementing Song Joong-ki's status as a top actor.
Song Joong-ki made a triumphant TV return in 2021 with 'Vincenzo', a highly anticipated tvN drama that premiered in February and concluded in May with a 14.6% viewership rating. His role as a vengeful antihero marked his first small-screen appearance since 'Arthdal Chronicles' in 2019, captivating audiences despite industry challenges.
Song Joong-ki returns to television in tvN's 2021 drama 'Vincenzo,' a highly anticipated project amid reduced industry productions.
Song Joong-ki returns to television in tvN's highly anticipated 2021 legal drama 'Vincenzo,' his first role since 2019's 'Arthdal Chronicles.'
Song Joong-ki returns to TV in 'Vincenzo' as a Korean Italian mafia consigliere, premiering this weekend on tvN.
The finale of 'Vincenzo,' starring Song Joong-ki, achieved 14.6% nationwide viewership as it depicted his vigilante justice, marking his successful return to Korean TV since 2019.
Filming for Song Joong-ki's crime thriller 'Bogota' began in January 2021 but was halted twice—first in March 2020 due to pandemic safety concerns and again in March 2021 due to travel bans. These disruptions delayed production and spotlighted COVID-19's impact on the film industry, raising questions about the actor's future projects.
Filming began for Song Joong-ki's international crime movie 'Bogota,' marking a major career milestone.
Song Joong-ki returned early from Colombia due to COVID-19, disrupting his schedule and potentially impacting his future projects like 'The Season of Us.'
The 'Bogota' production team halted filming in Colombia and returned to South Korea due to COVID-19, prioritizing crew safety and disrupting the schedule amid global industry challenges.
The production of 'Bogota' was halted by COVID-19 travel bans, forcing the team to return to South Korea and disrupting the film's schedule, underscoring pandemic challenges in the industry.
"Space Sweepers," starring Song Joong-ki, premiered on Netflix in 190 countries on February 5, 2021, becoming South Korea's first space blockbuster and topping global charts within days. The sci-fi film, delayed from theaters due to COVID-19, showcased Song Joong-ki's versatility and marked a major international success.
"Space Sweepers," South Korea's first major space blockbuster starring Song Joong-ki, released globally on Netflix in 190 countries on February 5, 2021, and topped Netflix's movie chart in its debut week.
"Space Sweepers" topped Netflix's global charts and ranked first in South Korea and 15 other countries shortly after its release, showcasing Song Joong-ki's leading role in a major international project.
'"Space Sweepers," starring Song Joong-ki, pivoted from theaters to Netflix in 2021 due to pandemic delays, becoming Korea’s first space opera and a global hit with 26 million views. Song, playing a desperate pilot and first-time father, celebrated the film’s Hugo Award nomination, boosting his international sci-fi profile. Originally planned for theaters, its hybrid release marked a milestone in pandemic-era film distribution.'
The release of 'Space Sweepers,' starring Song Joong-ki, was delayed to late 2020 due to COVID-19 and shifted from theaters to Netflix.
The article reviews 'Space Sweepers,' focusing on Song Joong-ki's portrayal of Tae-ho, a despondent ex-special forces leader turned pilot.
Song Joong-ki enthusiastically discussed his role in Korea's first space sci-fi film, 'Space Sweepers', and his collaboration with director Jo Sung-hee during an online press conference.
"Space Sweepers," starring Song Joong-ki, was delayed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
"Song Joong-ki stars in 'Space Sweepers,' Korea's first space opera film, highlighting his versatility in a new genre."
Song Joong-ki's role in the Hugo Award-nominated Netflix film 'Space Sweepers' boosts his standing in global sci-fi cinema.
"Song Joong-ki starred as a father for the first time in the globally successful Netflix film 'Space Sweepers,' which reached 26 million households and boosted his international fame."
"Netflix will release Song Joong-ki's film 'Space Sweepers' globally in 190 countries, shifting from its original theatrical plan due to the pandemic."
Song Joong-ki's sci-fi film 'Lightning Ship' premiered in August 2020, marking his big-screen comeback. The release was seen as a potential boost for pandemic-hit theaters, fueling hopes for a summer box office rebound.
Song Joong-ki's sci-fi film 'Lightning Ship' marks his major return to theaters, potentially boosting summer box office recovery amid the pandemic.
Song Joong-ki returned to TV in 2020 with 'Asdal Chronicles', a high-profile fantasy drama directed by Kim Won-seok. The series, featuring a star-studded cast, showcased his versatility and cemented his status as a leading actor.
Song Joong-ki returns to TV in the highly anticipated fantasy blockbuster 'Asdal Chronicle', directed by Kim Won-seok and set to air in early next year.
Song Joong-ki is currently filming tvN's upcoming series 'Asdal Chronicles', set to premiere this year, showcasing his dedication to acting and role diversity.
In 2020, Song Joong-ki starred in the Korean film 'Space Shuttle Victory', reaffirming his acting prowess. The movie was set for release that year, but specifics remained under wraps.
Song Joong-ki is currently filming the Korean movie 'Space Shuttle Victory,' set for release this year, as he continues to prioritize his acting career.
Song Joong-ki starred in the 2019 fantasy series 'Arthdal Chronicles', which premiered to lower-than-expected ratings despite his acclaimed performance as Eunseom. Though the show faced mixed reviews, it marked his return to TV after 'Descendants of the Sun' and set the stage for his later success in 'Vincenzo'. A third season is slated for release in September 2019.
Song Joong-ki starred in 'Arthdal Chronicles' in 2019, which underperformed in viewership, before returning in 'Vincenzo' in 2021, adding to his diverse acting portfolio.
Song Joong-ki discussed his role in 'Arthdal Chronicles' at a Seoul press conference, marking his TV return and sharing his enthusiasm for the project and his wife's support.
Song Joong-ki stars in tvN's upcoming big-budget drama 'Arthdal Chronicles,' premiering this month.
Song Joong-ki returns to TV in the highly anticipated drama 'Arthdal Chronicles', which debuted on tvN with him in its star-studded cast, premiering on June 1, 2019, with weekend broadcasts and a later airing for the final six episodes.
The premiere of 'Arthdal Chronicles' starring Song Joong-ki underperformed with a 6.7% viewership rating, disappointing expectations and causing a drop in Studio Dragon Corp.'s stock price.
The second episode of 'Arthdal Chronicles' saw a slight viewership rise to 7.3% but faced mixed reviews due to plot and CGI issues, though the production team remains optimistic.
The third season of 'Arthdal Chronicles,' starring Song Joong-ki, marks a significant step in his post-divorce acting career and professional commitments.
The first season of 'Arthdal Chronicles,' starring Song Joong-ki, concluded its 18-episode run.
Song Joong-ki's 'The Battleship Island' broke South Korea's opening day box-office record and became the fastest 2017 film to hit 4 million viewers. The smash hit solidified his reputation as a top-tier star with major box-office draw.
Song Joong-ki's historical film 'The Battleship Island', set for local release, highlights his industry prominence and international appeal with strong global presales.
Song Joong-ki praised Song Hye-kyo's Mitsubishi decision during a Seoul press conference for 'The Battleship Island'.
"The film 'The Battleship Island' had a 65.1% reservation rate, showing strong audience anticipation."
Song Joong-ki's film 'The Battleship Island' was released in South Korea on July 26, 2017, topping the box office and marking another major role after his success in 'Descendants of the Sun,' though it received mixed reviews particularly criticizing his character's development as special forces agent Moo-young.
"The Battleship Island," starring Song Joong-ki, broke South Korea's opening day box-office record with 970,352 viewers, highlighting his star power and sparking debates about screen monopolies, after premiering strongly with nearly 600,000 opening-day ticket reservations.
"The Battleship Island," starring Song Joong-ki, premiered successfully in South Korean theaters.
"The Battleship Island" exceeded 4 million viewers in record time for 2017, showcasing Song Joong-ki's enduring star power and boosting his reputation as a top Korean actor.
KBS is considering a sequel to 'Descendants of the Sun', citing its enduring popularity and Song Joong-ki’s pivotal role. While discussions with the original cast took place in 2017, no final decision was made as actors awaited scripts.
KBS is considering a sequel to 'Descendants of the Sun,' starring Song Joong-ki.
In 2017, KBS aimed to release a sequel to 'Descendants of the Sun' and was discussing it with Song Joong-ki and original cast members, though no final decisions had been made pending script reviews.
Song Joong-ki made a surprise cameo in the 2016 web drama 'The Sound of Your Heart', reuniting with close friend Lee Kwang-soo in a comedic role post-'Descendants of the Sun'. He instantly agreed to play a cartoonist without reading the script, showcasing both his versatility and their strong bond.
Song Joong-ki will make a cameo appearance in the 2016 web drama 'The Sound of Heart,' continuing his collaboration with Lee Kwang-soo and expanding his web content presence.
Song Joong-ki returns to comedy in 'The Sound of Your Heart' TV version with a cameo as a successful cartoonist, accepting the role instantly due to his friendship with Lee Kwang-soo, airing on KBS.
The DMZ International Documentary Film Festival (Sept 22-29, 2016) featured Camp Greaves as a paid tour location, capitalizing on its fame from 'Descendants of the Sun' and Song Joong-ki's influence. The festival's conclusion on September 29 marked the last chance for visitors to explore the preserved set, highlighting its cultural appeal.
The DMZ International Documentary Film Festival features Camp Greaves as a paid tour site, capitalizing on the enduring popularity of 'Descendants of the Sun' and Song Joong-ki's influence, and runs until September 29, 2016.
The DMZ International Documentary Film Festival's conclusion marks the end of visits to Camp Greaves, a preserved 'Descendants of the Sun' set linked to Song Joong-ki's famous series, highlighting the series' cultural influence.
The 'Descendants of the Sun' filming site in Taebaek has opened to the public, drawing a 66% surge in visitors—proof of the drama's enduring popularity and Song Joong-ki's iconic role. With the show still airing in East Asia, even more fans are expected to visit.
The Taebaek filming site of 'Descendants of the Sun,' featuring Song Joong-ki's character, has opened to the public, attracting a 66% surge in visitors and boosting tourism expectations as the drama airs across East Asia.
'Descendants of the Sun', starring Song Joong-ki, premiered in Japan on Eisei Gekijou on June 21, 2016, with broadcasting rights selling for $100,000 per episode. The hit drama’s expansion into Japan further boosted Song Joong-ki’s global fame.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki, will premiere in Japan on Eisei Gekijou, expanding its global reach and demonstrating high demand with its $100,000-per-episode broadcasting rights.
The pilot episode of 'Descendants of the Sun', starring Song Joong-ki, will premiere in Japan on Eisei Gekijo at 11 p.m., following the sale of broadcasting rights for US$100,000 per episode in March.
Song Joong-ki begins shooting 'Gunhamdo', his first major project since 'Descendants of the Sun' and his recovery. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, the film marks an exciting new phase in his career.
Song Joong-ki will star in Ryoo Seung-wan's new film 'Gunhamdo,' his first major project since recovering from injury and the success of 'Descendants of the Sun.'
The season finale of 'Descendants of the Sun' (2016-04-14) starring Song Joong-ki hit a historic 38.8% viewership, nearly reaching 40%, and solidified his status as a top Hallyu star. The drama's success led to lucrative endorsements and a three-part special rerun (2016-04-20 to 2016-04-22), with viewership staying strong above 10%, proving its lasting cultural impact.
The season finale of 'Descendants of the Sun' on April 14, 2016, featured Song Joong-ki's character reuniting with Dr. Kang Mo-yeon after a presumed death, marking a pivotal moment that significantly boosted his popularity and career due to high viewership, leading to endorsement deals including one with Jeju Air.
"Descendants of the Sun" boosted Song Joong-ki's Hallyu stardom and secured him a Proya modeling deal, though his next projects remain unannounced.
'Descendants of the Sun' concluded its run with a viewer rating of 38.8 percent.
The first episode of a 'Descendants of the Sun' highlights special drew a 17.7% viewership, showcasing the drama's enduring popularity and Song Joong-ki's star power, with the remaining episodes set to air on April 21-22, 2016.
The final rerun episode of 'Descendants of the Sun' maintained over 10% viewership, reaffirming the show's enduring popularity and Song Joong-ki's success.
'"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki, shattered records with a 38.8% finale rating and 10 billion Weibo searches, boosting his global stardom and driving massive commercial success. The drama’s international reach expanded with premieres in Hong Kong and China, supported by promotional tours and KBS merchandise. Its record-breaking viewership and fan engagement cemented Song Joong-ki’s status as a top Hallyu star."' '(Condensed key points: record ratings, global impact, Song Joong-ki’s rise, and commercial wins—all in 3 sentences.)'
Song Joong-ki's drama 'Descendants of the Sun' broke the 30% viewership mark in Seoul, showcasing its massive popularity and his growing stardom.
The eighth episode of 'Descendants of the Sun,' starring Song Joong-ki, achieved a Seoul viewership record of 31.8% (or 28.8% as noted in one source), driven by Yoo Si-jin's heroic rescue and romantic tension with Dr. Kang Mo-yeon, showcasing the series' popularity and boosting Song Joong-ki's rising stardom.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki, broke its own record with a 28.5% viewership rating, boosting his career and gaining international acclaim, especially in China, while showcasing widespread popularity in South Korea and boosting commercial profits through product placements.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki, achieved a record 30.4% nationwide viewership, cementing his status as a top actor and showcasing the drama's immense popularity.
The 10th episode of 'Descendants of the Sun,' featuring Song Joong-ki's compelling performance in a hostage rescue scene, achieved record viewership ratings of 30.4% nationwide and 36.4% in Seoul, cementing his status as a top South Korean actor.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki, boosted iQiyi's paid memberships by 50%, showcasing its immense popularity and his market influence, potentially paving the way for more South Korean dramas in China.
'Descendants of the Sun' broke its own ratings record with 33% nationwide and 36.6% in Seoul, nearing the rare 40% milestone and cementing its popularity and Song Joong-ki's stardom.
"Descendants of the Sun" debuts on Viu TV in Hong Kong, showcasing its international appeal, with stars Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo promoting the drama to enhance viewership.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki, achieved massive popularity in China with over 10 billion Weibo searches, marking a significant milestone for the drama and its cast.
The finale of 'Descendants of the Sun' concluded with record viewership, marking a career peak for Song Joong-ki, cementing his status as a top Hallyu star, and expanding his global reach through simultaneous release in China, sparking ongoing fan engagement.
KBS released KakaoTalk emoticons of Song Joong-ki as his popular 'Descendants of the Sun' character Yoo Si-jin, extending the drama's cultural influence.
The final episode of 'Descendants of the Sun' achieved a 38.8% peak rating, solidifying Song Joong-ki's rise as a top Hallyu star and boosting his career.
'"Descendants of the Sun" premiered in 2016 starring Song Joong-ki, becoming a massive hit with viewership peaking near 40% and surpassing 200 million streams on iQiyi. The drama's success boosted tourism to filming locations and solidified Song Joong-ki's star power in Asia, marking his triumphant post-military comeback.' '(Optional extra sentence for key detail):' 'An emotional reunion scene scored a 28.5% rating, outperforming previous K-drama benchmarks.'
On February 24, 2016, 'Descendants of the Sun,' starring Song Joong-ki as Army Capt. Yoo Si-jin, premiered on KBS 2 TV and aired simultaneously in South Korea and China, becoming a major hit and boosting his fame in both countries before concluding on April 14, 2016, with high ratings.
"Song Joong-ki's lead role in the hit drama 'Descendants of the Sun' significantly elevated his domestic and international fame."
The third episode of 'Descendants of the Sun,' starring Song Joong-ki, reached a nationwide viewership of 23.4%.
The fourth episode of 'Descendants of the Sun' aired, achieving a 23.7% viewership rating.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki as an Army captain, achieved a 28.0% viewership, showcasing its surprising success, immense popularity, and his star power, while drawing comparisons to "My Love from the Star" for its rapid ratings success.
"Descendants of the Sun," starring Song Joong-ki, achieved over 200 million views on iQiyi in China, showcasing its massive popularity and his growing global appeal while sparking widespread discussions and live interactions.
"Descendants of the Sun" achieved a record 31.2% viewership in Seoul, marking its first entry into the 30% range and solidifying Song Joong-ki's status as a top actor.
In 'Descendants of the Sun', Yoo Si-jin and Kang Mo-yeon's emotional reunion after an earthquake deepened their relationship, with the episode achieving a record 28.5% viewership.
The article discussed Song Joong-ki's acclaimed performance in 'Descendants of the Sun' and his successful shift to more masculine roles after his military service.
Song Joong-ki rose to global fame as the charismatic captain in 'Descendants of the Sun', co-starring Song Hye-kyo—a role that cemented his A-list status and sparked their real-life romance (and later divorce). The hit drama, penned by Kim Eun-sook, dominated ratings in Korea and China, catapulting him to international stardom.
In February 2016, Song Joong-ki returned to television in his post-military comeback with a leading role in 'Descendants of the Sun,' which aired simultaneously in South Korea and China, showcasing his international appeal and becoming a massive hit with over 30% viewership in South Korea and 1.2 billion views in China.
On February 24, 2016, Song Joong-ki's highly anticipated post-military drama 'Descendants of the Sun' premiered simultaneously in South Korea and China at 10 p.m., achieving record viewership and popularity by becoming the first South Korean weekday drama in four years to exceed 30% nationwide ratings.
Song Joong-ki's fame in China soared after 'Descendants of the Sun' premiered, with his role as a soldier in a war-torn country earning him widespread adoration, cultural nicknames, and high Weibo search numbers that evidenced his increased international popularity.
Song Joong-ki's role in 'Descendants of the Sun' alongside Song Hye-kyo skyrocketed his fame internationally and in South Korea, cementing his status as a top Korean actor and marking a career-defining moment, with their on-screen chemistry leading to a real-life relationship.
Song Joong-ki made a triumphant return to acting in 2016 with 'Descendants of the Sun', playing Army Capt. Yoo Si-jin—a role that skyrocketed his fame in Korea and abroad. The drama, filmed on a high budget amid challenges like his injury, became a massive hit, cementing his status as a Hallyu star and sparking romance rumors with co-star Song Hye-kyo. It marked his last TV role before 'Arthdal Chronicles'.
Song Joong-ki returned to acting post-military by joining 'Descendants of the Sun' as Yoo Si-jin after Song Hye-kyo signed on in 2015.
"Production for the high-budget drama 'Descendants of the Sun,' starring Song Joong-ki, has concluded without details on post-production reactions."
Despite setbacks like Song Joong-ki's injury, 'Descendants of the Sun' completed filming and premiered successfully on February 24, 2016.
Song Joong-ki gained widespread fame domestically and internationally for his role as Army Capt. Yoo Si-jin in the hit drama 'Descendants of the Sun,' which achieved high viewership ratings just shy of 40%, cementing his status as a top actor and heartthrob and significantly boosting his career and popularity.
Camp Greaves served as a filming location for the popular drama 'Descendants of the Sun' featuring Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo.
Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo's on-screen chemistry in 'Descendants of the Sun' led to a real-life romance, fueled by the drama's success.
Taebaek city spent 270 million won to revive the 'Descendants of the Sun' set as a theme park, complete with a statue of the drama’s famous kiss scene. The attraction drew major tourist interest, especially after the lead actors' real-life marriage in 2017.
Taebaek city invested 270 million won to create a "Descendants of the Sun" theme park, featuring a statue of the lead couple's kiss scene, to capitalize on the drama's popularity and boost tourism, especially after the actors' marriage in 2017.
Song Joong-ki skyrocketed to fame with 'A Werewolf Boy' (2012), a fantasy romance thriller that sold over 7 million tickets, becoming one of South Korea’s most successful melodramas. The film cemented his star status before his military enlistment and broke records, drawing 3 million viewers in just 11 days—a rare feat for a romance film. Its success also sparked early discussions between Song and director Jo Sung-hee about 'Space Sweepers'.
Song Joong-ki's starring role in Jo Sung-hee's hit melodrama 'A Werewolf Boy' (2012), which sold over 7 million tickets, significantly boosted his popularity, cemented his leading actor status, expanded his Asian fanbase, launched his stardom, and led to early discussions about 'Space Sweepers'.
Song Joong-ki's return in 'The Battleship Island' was a career milestone following his hiatus after 'A Werewolf Boy,' his last pre-military film.
Song Joong-ki and director Jo Sung-hee's collaboration on 'A Werewolf Boy' led to their future project 'Space Sweepers', which Jo initially proposed to Song during that time.
"A Werewolf Boy," starring Song Joong-ki, became a hit in South Korea, drawing over 3 million viewers in 11 days and solidifying his appeal as a leading actor.
"A Werewolf Boy" surpassed 3 million viewers, boosting Song Joong-ki's stardom and setting potential records for Korean romance films.
Song Joong-ki's nuanced performance in 'The Innocent Man' proved his ability to balance darkness and vulnerability, a skill that later landed him the lead in 'Vincenzo'. This breakout role became a turning point in his career.
Song Joong-ki's compelling portrayal of nuanced emotions in 'The Innocent Man' led director Kim Hee-won to cast him in 'Vincenzo'.
Song Joong-ki debuted in 2008 as No Tak, a charming guard in 'A Frozen Flower', launching his career with early "eye-candy" roles. This marked the start of his rise to becoming one of South Korea's most adored actors.
The Asian financial crisis devastates Guk-hui's family business, forcing their move to Bogota and shaping Song Joong-ki's character's challenges in the film.
Song Joong-ki began his acting career in 2008 with a supporting role in 'A Frozen Flower,' gaining initial recognition before achieving stardom through leading roles in TV dramas and films, establishing himself as a top actor with a lasting industry presence.
The 1997 Asian financial crisis bankrupts Guk-hui's family, forcing them to move to Bogota—a pivotal event shaping Song Joong-ki's character in the film.
The Asian financial crisis devastates Guk-hui's family business, forcing their move to Bogota and shaping Song Joong-ki's character's challenges in the film.