Google recently released its annual list of most-searched terms for the year. Naturally, 2016's biggest, most obsessed-over South Korean drama series landed a spot on the list. It's none other than Song Jong Ki and Song Hye Kyo's "Descendants of the Sun."
As per Google's official list, "Descendants of the Sun" is the only Korean search term to appear on the global list. "Descendants of the Sun" takes the No. 9 spot in the TV Show category, which is topped by Netflix's supernatural-themed hit series "Stranger Things." Also listed in the TV show category is "Westworld," "Luke Cage," "Game of Thrones," "Black Mirror," "Fuller House," "The Crown," "The Night Of" and "Soy Luna."
In some Asian countries, "Descendants of the Sun" was also listed as a popular search term for 2016. In the Philippines, "Descendants of the Sun" was the No. 1 search term for TV Shows. Song Joong Ki was listed as the second most-searched male personality. Song Hye Kyo ranked eighth in the female category.
In Singapore, Song Joong Ki ranked fourth in the most-searched person list. Soompi reported that other South Korean dramas that gained traction and became trending topics in 2016 include "Scarlet Heart: Goryeo," "Uncontrollably Fond," "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds" and "Doctors."
Overall, the most searched term is Niantic Labs' wildly successful mobile game "Pokémon Go." It is followed by iPhone 7, Donald Trump, Prince and Powerball.
"Descendants of the Sun" premiered in KBS on February 2016. It starred Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo in leading roles. The chemistry of the pair, now dubbed "Song Song Couple" by their legions of fans, is the primary driving force that catapulted the show to global popularity. The interesting storyline, picturesque locations and well-rounded characters also factored into the show's massive success. The popularity of the KBS drama series solidified Song Joong Ki's and Song Hye Kyo's status and international stars and prominent influencers of the Hallyu Wave.