Hit Drama 'Descendants of the Sun' to Be Remade as Indonesian Film, Slated for Local Release in 2027

NEW's first-ever produced drama, "Descendants of the Sun," is set to be reborn as an Indonesian theatrical film tentatively titled "Descendants of the Sun Indonesia."

On September 7, NEW commented on the remake, stating, "This project, which introduces a Korean drama into an overseas film format, holds great significance as it goes beyond simple remake rights exports to expand 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 and extreme environment, starring Song Hyekyo and Song Joong-ki. At the time of its broadcast in 2016, it enjoyed explosive popularity, recording a peak viewership rating of 38.8%.

The film "Descendants of the Sun Indonesia" (working title) infuses the original narrative with local sentiments and backgrounds, with NEW participating in production processes such as planning and production to enhance its quality. Much like how NEW's film "Miracle in Cell No. 7," which achieved massive success in Indonesia, was subsequently produced locally as a sequel and animation, this project is considered a prime example of popular content continuing its vitality in new forms.

The film will be directed by Hanung Bramantyo, a blockbuster director whose Indonesian remake of NEW's "Miracle in Cell No. 7" climbed to the top tier of the all-time box office and a two-time winner of the Citra Award for Best Director at the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI). In addition, two actors boasting top local ticket power have joined as the leads. Reza Rahadian—who rose to the ranks of a national actor by perfectly portraying a former president and even served as the chairperson of the Indonesian Film Festival—and Dian Sastrowardoyo, who captivated global viewers with Netflix's "Cigarette Girl," are set to deliver 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 prominent Indonesian creative cultural festival, with the director and lead actors in attendance to announce the full-scale launch of the global project to the public.

Having wrapped up filming and currently in post-production, "Descendants of the Sun Indonesia" (working title) is poised for local release next year. Content Panda, NEW's content distribution affiliate, will handle domestic distribution and release, with plans to showcase the film to Korean audiences as well.

(Photo: Yonhap News / Reported by Kim Ji-hye, SBS Entertainment News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.