Han Yunjae
Cover Han Yunjae

Set in a distant future where the world has undergone desertification, The Silent Sea—South Korea's first sci-fi mystery thriller—explores the vast secrets that lie beyond Earth

Wonderful and gripping, Netflix's latest science fiction series The Silent Sea offers an unforgettable and immersive space experience to lovers of Korean drama. 

The Silent Sea is a series based on director Choi Hang-yong’s short film of the same name. The film revolves around a crew who rummages an abandoned Balhae Base (space station) to retrieve a mysterious sample that will save the Earth from an impending mass destruction.

In the trailer, audiences are greeted by Gong Yoo and Bae Doona who peeks through a window and asks "What in the world happened here?"

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Netflix has revealed that The Silent Sea will be available to stream on Friday, December 24, 2021 and will arrive on the streaming service globally. It will be added at 4PM KST / 3PM Philippine time. 

As everyone eagerly waits for the star-studded Korean drama, Tatler listed reasons why no one should dare to miss it:

1. Learn more about the moon

Tatler Asia
The Silent Sea presscon (from left to right: Director Choi Hang-yong | Writer Park Eun-kyo | Lee Mu-saeng | Kim Sun-young | Gong Yoo | Bae Doona | Lee Joon | Lee Sung-wook | Executive Producer Jung Woo-sung)
Above The Silent Sea presscon (from left to right: Director Choi Hang-yong | Writer Park Eun-kyo | Lee Mu-saeng | Kim Sun-young | Gong Yoo | Bae Doona | Lee Joon | Lee Sung-wook | Executive Producer Jung Woo-sung)

A lot has been said about the moon in movies and books but there aren't many Asian films that let viewers have an immersive out-of-the-world experience. "Even though the moon is near to us, there is really nothing much about it that we know," Director Choi Hang-yong said.

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2. Gong Yoo's return to TV

Tatler Asia
Gong Yoo in Squid Game
Above Gong Yoo in Squid Game

Gong Yoo's fans have only seen a glimpse of him in the hit K-drama Squid Game. This year, the Goblin star will throw more lines and have more screen appearances through his silver screen return in The Silent Sea.

"When I read the script I shouted 'EUREKA' I felt like there were 10 exclamation marks that popped in my head," he said during the press conference. "The main reason why I agreed to be part of this is because I always wanted to challenge myself and play a role that my fans don't usually see. As a member of the audience, I am also drawn into content that tackle dystopian themes. Everything came together: the story, my character, and the background. It felt very refreshing."

Gong Yoo also hinted that his character in The Silent Sea is unlike anything his fans have seen before.

"It's going to be real different, not like anything I played before I dont' want to bombard my fans with word but if you watch the series you will know," the actor told the press.

3. More of Bae Doona

Tatler Asia
Gong Yoo and Bae Doona
Above Gong Yoo and Bae Doona

Many people were charmed by the role of Bae Doona in another Netflix hit Kingdom. In The Silent Sea, she plays the role of astrobiologist Doctor Song Ji-an, who is very determined to unravel the truth behind an accident at the Balhae Base research station.

"When I first read the script, I was surprised because science fiction is not a common genre in South Korea. I thought this was a big challenge. But after immersing myself in the story and watching the film where this series was inspired, I was really amazed," she discussed.

"I think the Korean science fiction is a big challenge and I wasn't quite sure if I was up for it, but after reading, I realised that the series would give our audiences a food for thought. It tackles many prevalent social issues that will intrigue viewers in the long run," she explained.

More from Tatler: There is No Planet B: Netflix's 'Don't Look Up' Mirrors the Modern World's Biggest Challenges

4. Realistic set and costume

Tatler Asia
The SIlent Sea set
Above The SIlent Sea set

The production crew of The Silent Sea were not kidding when they promised an out-of-the-world experience for the viewers. Apparently, the series has a very realistic set and costumes that made everyone feel they're really on the moon. 

"Our costumes were heavy," Bae Doona said when asked about their space gears. "They [the production team] really tried hard to make sure that the space suit was made as light as possible to make sure actors can act in ease, but it is still very heavy. The suits in question weigh 8.5 kilogrammes (kg); when I had it on, I felt totally immersed in the role I was playing but it took all of us time to get used to it." 

As for the set, Director Hang-yong revealed that they used a LED technology that lets actors see the space instead of putting green and blue screens. "This is a new technology where they [actors and crew] can see what kind of backdrop or scene they are in. They'll see the moon and the vast space and it feels all seamlessly connected." he explained.

5. South Korea's first sci-fi mystery thriller series

Tatler Asia
The cast of Netflix Drama Silent Sea
Above The cast of Netflix Drama Silent Sea

The Silent Sea promises a lot of drama, action, and space knowledge for all its viewers as it holds a title of being the "first science fiction mystery and thriller" series in South Korea. The cast who gave life to this highly-anticipated series include Doona Bae, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon, Lee Mu-saeng, and Lee Sung-wook.

Its creators, on the other hand, are writer Park Eun-kyo, Director Hang-yong, and Executive producer Jung Woo-sung.

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