Local entertainment news outlet Xports News cited reports from Sina.com as saying Song has become more popular than actor Lee Min-ho, thanks to the drama's popularity.

It also said Song was expected to earn about 5.4 million yuan (1 billion won) for a year, with more than 10 advertisers interested in him.

The actor is following in the China footsteps of Kim Soo-hyun in "My Love from the Star" and Lee Min-ho in "Following The Heirs."

"Descendants of the Sun" registered a 28.8 percent national rating average, according to Nielsen Korea.

In the eighth episode on Thursday, Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo) confesses her feelings for Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki).