Swallow the Sun (South Korean TV Series)

Swallow the Sun (Korean: 태양을 삼켜라; RR: Taeyangeul Samkyeora) is a South Korean television drama series that aired on SBS in 2009. The series was directed by Cheol-yong Yu and written by Wan-kyu Choi, a creative team that previously collaborated on the 2003 drama All In.

Production

The production of Swallow the Sun was notable for its extensive international filming schedule. While domestic scenes were filmed on Jeju Island, the production team also shot on location in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Las Vegas, Nevada. A dedicated shooting site covering 6,417 square meters was constructed in Seogwipo, Jeju, specifically for the production. The series also featured an appearance by the Canadian circus troupe Cirque du Soleil, who participated without royalties as part of a strategy to enter the Korean market.

Promotional poster for Swallow the Sun — Promotional poster for the 2009 drama Swallow the Sun.

Development Challenges

During the production phase in July 2009, four crew members were diagnosed with the H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu) following their return from the United States. The diagnosis led to a quarantine period for the affected staff, resulting in the premiere date being adjusted to July 9, 2009.

Cast

The series features an ensemble cast, including:

Ji Sung as Kim Jeong-woo
Sung Yu-Ri as Lee Su-hyeon
Lee Wan as Jang Tae-hyeok
Jeon Kwang-Leol as Jang Min-ho
Yu Oh-Seong as Lee Jackson

Actor Ji Sung — Ji Sung, who portrays Kim Jeong-woo.

Actress Sung Yu-Ri — Sung Yu-Ri, who portrays Lee Su-hyeon.

Actor Lee Wan — Lee Wan, who portrays Jang Tae-hyeok.