NEW's first-ever produced drama "Descendants of the Sun" is being reborn as an Indonesian theatrical film tentatively titled "Descendants of the Sun Indonesia".
On September 7, NEW stated regarding this remake, "This project, which introduces a Korean drama in an overseas film format, goes beyond simply exporting remake rights. It holds great significance in expanding the global business scope of K-content from the planning stage to co-production."
The original drama "Descendants of the Sun" is a blockbuster melodrama that depicts the value of life through young soldiers and doctors dreaming of love and success in an unfamiliar, extreme environment. When it aired in 2016, it recorded a peak viewership rating of 38.8%.
The film "Descendants of the Sun Indonesia" (working title) incorporates local sentiments and backgrounds into the original narrative, with NEW participating in production processes such as planning and production to enhance its quality. Similar to how NEW's film "Miracle in Cell No. 7", which achieved major success in Indonesia, was later produced locally as a sequel and animation, this is counted as a representative case where popular content continues its vitality in a new format.
The film is directed by Hanung Bramantyo, a box-office hit director who led the Indonesian remake of NEW's "Miracle in Cell No. 7" to the top tiers of the all-time box office and won the Indonesian Film Festival director's award twice. In addition, two actors boasting top local ticket power have joined as leads. Reza Rahadian, who achieved national actor status by perfectly portraying a former president and even served as the chairman of the Indonesian Film Festival, and Dian Sastrowardoyo, who captivated global viewers with Netflix's "Cigarette Girl", promise a flawless acting ensemble.
On September 5, a session titled "DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN, LOCALIZED: WHEN GLOBAL STORIES FIND LOCAL SOULS" was held at "Ideafest", a leading creative cultural festival in Indonesia, with the director and lead actors in attendance, announcing the official launch of the global project to the public.
Having finished filming and currently in post-production, "Descendants of the Sun Indonesia" (working title) is slated for a local release next year. Domestic distribution and releasing will be handled by Contents Panda, NEW's content distribution affiliate, with plans to introduce it to Korean audiences as well.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)