Netflix K-drama sci-fi series 'The Silent Sea' is actually based on the director's short film for his grad work

Korean space sci-fi series "The Silent Sea" has finally dropped on Netflix today and director Choi Hang Yong revealed the Gong Yoo-starrer is based on a short film he did for graduation back in college.

"The Silent Sea is actually based on my graduation work when I was back in school, and immediately before graduation I really wanted to create something that is true to my passion," director Choi said in a virtual press conference attended by GMA News Online.

Director Choi knew that "there are a lot of movies that depict outer space" but there wasn't anything "that was literally and physically on the moon," he said.

"So I wanted to create a story with a backdrop being the surface of the moon."

The Korean director thoroughly researched for his film, and "found out that even though the moon is closest to us, there is not a lot [about it] that has been revealed to us. And that’s how I came about creating the story about the moon. 

According to a press release, his short film with the same name received much acclaim at the 13th Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival in 2014.

Actor Jung Woo Sung, who is the executive producer of the Netflix series, was enthralled by the story that Choi has been crafting for over a decade.

"I loved the spectacular ideas behind the story," Jung said. "I wanted to be involved in creating a sci-fi series that is uniquely Korean.” 

"The Silent Sea" follows a story of an elite crew sent on a mission to Balhae Lunar Research Station, Korea's first lunar base that had been permanently closed five years ago.

As soon as the team landed at the moon, they find unimaginable mysteries lurking inside the station, where they were trapped in isolation.

They soon realize they were sent on a deadly mission.

The elite team consists of astrobiologist Song Jian (Bae Doona), captain Han Yunjae (Gong Yoo), chief engineer Ryu Taesuk (Lee Joon), team doctor Doc Hong (Kim Sun Young), chief security officer Gong Soohyuk (Lee Mu Saeng), and pilot Kim Sun (Lee Sung Wook).

The newest Korean Netflix series is written by Park Eun Kyo, directed by Choi Hang-yong, and executive produced by actor Jung Woo-sung.

"The Silent Sea" is already streaming on Netflix. — LA, GMA News