"Itaewon Class" Ranks 6th Highest-Rated Cable Drama + Park Seo Joon Thanks Viewers, Co-stars

Actor Park Seo Joon bids farewell to "Itaewon Class" while it ranked an all-time high rating in Korean drama history. Following its finale on March 21, Park Seo Joon did not forget to share with his fans how blessed and thankful he is for being a part of the show.

On his Instagram account, he released a photo and wrote a lengthy message to those who supported "Itaewon Class" and the people behind its success.

"Last night, the alcohol was too sweet. I'm just now finally coming out of it. Even sweeter is the feeling of being rewarded with many people's love and interest over these seven months that flew by without notice," he began. The actor also reflected on his character and how it affected his real self.

"While together with (my character) Sae-ro-yi, I could feel that Park Seo Joon as a person was also growing," he said before sincerely expressing his gratitude to his fellow cast members and the crew. 

Park Seo Joon then concluded his letter by thanking the viewers for loving, supporting, and cherishing Park Sae-ro-yi.

"It was even more beautiful and complete because I was with all of you. Please be happy and healthy," he said with a picture of his bruised face due to the fight scene.

Meanwhile, with its 16 episodes and 8-week run, the final chapter gained a 16.548-percent record in nationwide ratings, as per Nielsen TV's data. This made a total of 11.832 percent average ratings for the whole 16 series. The numbers put "Itaewon Class" as one of the Korean drama series highest-rated in peak and average. 

Below are the 10 all-time highest-rated Korean drama series in cable television as of March 22, 2020, in its nationwide average.

1. Mr. Sunshine (TVN) - 13.0%

2. Goblin (TVN) - 12.9%

3. Sky Castle (JTBC) - 12.5%

4. Reply 1988 (TVN) - 12.4%

5. Crash Landing on You (JTBC) - 12.2% 

6. Itaewon Class (JTBC) - 11.8%

7. 100 Days My Prince (TVN) - 9.0%

8. Hotel del Luna (TVN) 8.9%

9. Signal (TVN) - 8.8%

10. Encounter (TVN) 8.5%

On the other hand, the following are the 10 all-time highest-rated Korean drama series in cable television as of March 22, 2020 on its nationwide peak (or single-episodes with high ratings).

1. Sky Castle (JTBC) - 23.8%

2. Crash Landing On You (TVN) - 21.7%

3. Reply 1988 ( TVN) - 18.8%

4. Goblin (TVN) - 18.7%

5. Mr. Sunshine (TVN) - 18.1%

6. Itaewon Class (JTBC) - 16.5%

7. 100 Days M Prince (TVN) - 14.4%

8. Signal (TVN) - 12.5%

9. The Lady in Dignity (JTBC) - 12.1%

10. Hotel de Luna (TVN) - 12.0%

JTBC brought a big hit as an early quarter of this year for "Itaewon Class."