Remember the global phenomenon that was Descendants of the Sun (DOTS)? Six years after its explosive 2016 run, this military-romance K-drama captivated millions with its high-stakes action, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry between its leads. Set in the fictional war-torn country of Uruk, DOTS launched its stars into unparalleled international fame. But where have our beloved Captain Yoo Si Jin, Doctor Kang Mo Yeon, and the rest of the Alpha Team been since their tours of duty ended? Let’s catch up with the main cast who stole our hearts.
1. Song Joong Ki
Song Joong Ki played the charismatic Captain Yoo Si Jin. After Descendants of the Sun, Joong Ki continued his reign as a top Hallyu star. He reunited with his co-star Song Hye Kyo, marrying her in 2017, though they later divorced in 2019. Professionally, he chose diverse and challenging roles, starring in the sci-fi blockbuster film Space Sweepers (2021) and leading the critically acclaimed drama Vincenzo (2021), where he played a charming Italian-Korean mafia consigliere. Most recently, he achieved immense success with Reborn Rich (2022), a fantasy-revenge drama that became one of the highest-rated cable dramas in Korean history. Song Joong Ki remains a powerhouse, constantly reinventing himself, a fact that is cemented by his skills in Hopeless (2023) and My Name Is Loh Kiwan (2024) films. In January 2023, Song Joong Ki announced his marriage to British actress Katy Louise Saunders and that they were expecting their first child. The couple welcomed a son in June 2023 followed by a daughter in November 2024. Song Joong Ki remains a major star but has largely kept his second marriage and family life private, contrasting with his first marriage.
2. Song Hye Kyo
Song Hye Kyo played Song Joong Ki’s on-screen love interest, the brilliant Dr. Kang Mo Yeon. Following Descendants of the Sun and her marriage to Song Joong Ki, Hye Kyo has continued to cement her status as a fashion icon and an acting veteran. She made a powerful return to the small screen with the melodrama Encounter (2018-2019) alongside Park Bo Gum. Following the divorce with Song Hye Kyo in 2021, Song Hye Kyo retreated somewhat from the public eye regarding her dating life. She resulted to focusing on her professional career. Her most notable recent work is the chilling revenge thriller The Glory (2022-2023), where she shed her usual romantic image to portray a victim of school violence seeking meticulous retribution. The drama was a massive hit for Netflix, showcasing her incredible range and proving her enduring star power. Song Hye Kyo is also expected to appear in the Dark Nuns film scheduled for release in 2025.
3. Jin Goo
Jin Goo played Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young. His stoic loyalty and heartfelt romance with Yoon Myeong Joo were a fan-favorite storyline. After Descendants of the Sun, Jin Goo diversified his roles, appearing in dramas like Untouchable (2017) and Legal High (2019). He also explored more gritty and action-oriented roles in films such as One Line (2017) and The Witch: Part 2. The Other One (2022). While perhaps not in as many leading roles as the Song-Song couple, Jin Goo consistently delivers strong, memorable performances, maintaining a steady and respected career in the industry. Jin Goo has also been cast in other projects including You’re Precious to Me (2021), A Superior Day (2022), Shadow Detective (2022), and The Auditors (2024). Jin Goo was already a married man before Descendants of the Sun aired. He married his non-celebrity girlfriend on September 21, 2014. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in June 2015m and a second child, a baby girl, in November 2016. Jin Goo maintains a very private family life and rarely discusses his wife or children in the media, choosing to focus public attention entirely on his professional acting projects.
4. Kim Ji Won
Kim Ji Won played the fierce and beloved Lieutenant Yoon Myeong Joo. Her “Goo-Won” couple storyline was as popular as the main lead’s (“Song-Song” couple storyline). After Descendants of the Sun, Kim Ji Won continued her ascent as a leading lady. She starred in the highly successful office drama Fight for My Way (2017) alongside Park Seo Joon, solidifying her romantic comedy credentials. She then took on a more complex role in the fantasy-historical drama Arthdal Chronicles (2019). Her most recent triumph was the slice-of-life drama My Liberation Notes (2022), where she received widespread critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of a woman seeking meaning and liberation from a mundane life. She is currently starring in the hit romantic comedy Queen of Tears (2024), proving her versatility and sustained popularity. Kim Ji Won has maintained a strictly professional image since her debut. There has been no confirmed public relationship or dating scandal throughout her career.
The main cast of Descendants of the Sun have certainly not rested on their laurels. Each actor has meticulously built upon their Descendants of the Sun fame, choosing diverse projects that highlight their evolving talents. Their journeys continue to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that their star power was anything but a temporary deployment.
—-Karen Mwenda
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