Tears have been shed following the conclusion of massive hit Korean drama Descendants of the Sun.

But before die-hard fans could dab their eyes dry or observers could figure out what the craze was all about over a story set in a fictional war-torn country, a Chinese version with fire-fighters as the protagonists is already in the works after a production company bought the rights for a remake.

And expect it to be dubbed in other languages too.

Following the announcement that production company NEW in China has secured the rights to produce a remake, netizens have been debating which Chinese actors are eminently placed to play the leading roles made famous by Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kio and other South Korean actors,

In an online poll, Chinese fans voted five actors as their top candidates to play the main characters:

1) Hu Ge

2) Gao YuanYuan

3) Wallace Huo

4) Li YiFeng

5) Liu Shi Shi

Top two choices in the poll

Although all the five stars boast drop-dead gorgeous looks and good acting skills, actor Hu Ge and actress Gao YuanYuan are netizens’ top two choices to play the main roles in the poll. Name your favourites in the poll at the bottom of the article.

But some fans are wondering whether the remake would be as wildly popular without charismatic heart-throb Song Joong Ki, who has continued to capture many female hearts in Asia even after the series had ended. Would they find Chinese fire-fighters more appealing than Korean army guys?

Another question raised is whether fans would be interested in watching a rehash of the all-too-familiar plot and twists after having lived through the original drama in its entire run. But some netizens feel the most enamoured fans would still devour the remake and happily relive highs and lows all over again.

Plans are still patchy for the planned 16 episodes but what had made it so popular are likely to be included: a great love story, spectacular landscapes and gorgeous actors.

What aren’t these the usual formulaic ingredients in successful K-dramas that have gotten fans hooked in recent decades all over Asia?

Om Bee, a Korean drama addict, proffered another reason in an Asia Times article: “The plot caters to the two types of viewers: the testosterone-type, or action, and estrogen-type, or romance. It’s a perfect combination of both.”

chenj@sph.com.sg

Film locations in Descendants of the Sun fans can go crazy at

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Descendants of the Sun fans recreate romance through fan art

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The long weekend is here and there are just too many events to check out. So let’s get to it, come out with our Party Girl!

Start Friday night off at Tolido’s on Crawford Lane where our very own Shaun T does Comedy Happy Hour from 8pm.

There’s one for one beers when you buy truffle fries, and it’s free entry.

Then head down to one place I haven’t been to in a while – New Asia at Swissotel.

DJ Eazy from France will be on decks playing a mish-mash of soul, reggae, latino and house music.

Cover charge is $35 with one drink from 10pm.

Over on Friday and Saturday, Muddy Murphy’s is celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Enjoy exclusive promotions at their pub at Triple One Somerset from 11am onwards.

On Saturday, from 5pm, One Degree 15 Marina at Sentosa is opening their doors to non-members to come soak up the atmosphere of yachts, supercars, and a fashion show by the pool side.

There is a whole slew of DJs and VIP packages for table bookings. Otherwise, it’s $15 entry with one drink.

Sunday nights sees a special ladies night at Suite 36 on Beach Road.

It is free entry all night for ladies with four free drinks per lady, and a free bottle of champagne for groups of four ladies before 12.30am.

And men, you get free entry too but it’s limited to the first 50 of you, so get there early from 10.30pm.

And for something rather different, now guys, don’t make noise, but I do think this is good date night material and to show your softer side to your partners.

From Friday till Sunday, the Superstars of Ballet will be dancing at the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands from 8pm.

You will get to see the finer movements of the top 12 principal ballet dancers in the world.

I promise it will be spectacular.

If you don’t know, now you know.

To catch the Party Girl, listen to her on OneFM‘s #1 Breakfast Show with Glenn Ong and The Flying Dutchman on Thursday mornings.

Find out what she gets up to on AsiaOne’s social media! Follow @sphasiaone on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and @RasbiSG on Snapchat.

spanaech@sph.com.sg