K-drama production has a complicated process before making it to your screens. From scripts, ensembles, locations, budget, and more, it indeed cost a lot before it received support from the masses. These top-notch series almost never aired due to some circumstances. Luckily, the right companies were able to manage it and have now become some of the megahit K-dramas.
SBS is a known broadcasting company in Korea that has released various K-series for the past two decades. Some of their iconic works were lauded by the public. Despite being a pioneer in producing big programs, SBS also missed out on showcasing these record-breaking dramas "Descendants of the Sun," "Mr. Sunshine," and more.
'Descendants Of the Sun'
This series is almost every K-Drama fan's favorite. This 2016 romantic-comedy starring two of the A-list stars in entertainment, Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo, has become a phenomenon.
According to SBS, they did not have enough funds to produce "Descendants of the Sun." Also, the series is said to be not 'public-friendly'due to the involvement of the military. Because of that, they believe "DOTS" would be unsuccessful.
Fortunately, KBS took a risk and placed their bets on the said drama. Eventually, "DOTS" took Asia by storm and recorded its highest viewership rating of 35.3 percent. Apart from it, the K-drama and its stars bagged major awards at the 2016 Baeksang Arts Awards.
The dramas now have different adaptation in Asia, proving the power of Hallyu outside South Korea.
'Signal'
SBS was consistent in producing screenwriter Kim Eun Hee's masterpieces from 2011 to 2014. However, the broadcasting company refused to produce "Signal" since it is a crime-themed drama. They thought the story was complicated and would not be able to attract viewers. They believed it would be hard to get the interest of sponsors and ad companies.
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In the end, the drama starring Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, and Cho Jin Woong aired on tvN and is now one of the iconic K-dramas on the famous broadcasting station. It also gained recognition from several big awarding ceremonies. Earlier this 2022, "Signal" confirmed they were gearing for a second installment.
'Mr. Sunshine'
Another masterpiece is the 2018 K-drama "Mr. Sunshine." After "DOTS," award-winning scriptwriter Kim Eun Sook penned the story of "Mr.Sunshine" and offered it to SBS with high hopes. Unfortunately, SBS turned down the offer again because of the high production budget.
Luckily, tvN opened its door and accepted the script. Since the drama premiered, "Mr. Sunshine" became a huge commercial success and a high-quality drama that various viewers lauded. It was also consistent in having double-digit ratings. The drama received multiple nominations and won an award at the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards.
'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'
Yes, you read it right. Before ENA Channel acquired this masterpiece, the script was officially presented to SBS. However, the broadcasting station didn't disclose to the public why they rejected "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."
However, it is a big regret for SBS to turn down such a beautiful project. The drama is currently trending on Netflix and various social media platforms. It is now the hottest K-drama airing on primetime. The series also continues to break its own viewership records.
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Shai Collins wrote this.
