Im Si Wan’s ‘Tracer’ Debuts with Strong Viewership Ratings + Lands as Top Friday and Saturday KDrama
"Tracer," starring Im Si Wan, Son Hyun Joo, Go Ah Sung and Park Yong Woo, kicks off with an impressive start. The mystery series surprised fans with a jam-packed episode as the MBC series debuted on January 7.
Im Si Wan's Kdrama' Tracer' Tops Fri-Sat Night Series
"Tracer" drew the public's attention as Nielsen Korea recorded an average nationwide rating of 7.4 percent while 8 percent in metropolitan areas.
Due to its striking response from the viewers, Im Si Wan's new drama made it the number one Friday and Saturday night series.
Moreover, the media research company also noted that the mystery Kdrama had the highest viewership rating per minute, garnering 9.7 percent.
'Tracer' Episode 1 Highlights
Helmed by "Voice 2" PD Lee Seung Young and penned by "Falsify" screenwriter Kim Hyun Jung, "Tracer" follows the story of Hwang Dong Joo (Im Si Wan), a skilled National Tax Service expert and the chief of taxation division.
He is set to uncover and find out the whereabouts of "bad money" hidden from the tax service.
READ MORE: Im Siwan Net Worth 2022: How Much Did the 'Tracer' Actor Earn From His Dramas?
In "Tracer" episode 1, despite Hwang Dong Joo being a successful accountant, he quit the company to enter the National Tax Service. He pays In Tae Joon (Son Hyun Joo) a visit and tells him that he will help run the organization.
"I will help you run to the place you want. I want to pay you back," he said to his senior.
In Tae Joon is the Central Regional Tax Office's head who ranked third in the National Tax Service.
"Tracer" Episode 1 also revealed how his father died. Hwang Dong Joo's father committed suicide after undergoing a tax audit in the past.
Fast forward to completing his four-year service and was recognized for his impressive skills and became the leader of the 5th Bureau of Taxation at the Central Branch.
Im Si Wan Talks About His Character in 'Tracer' and What prompted him to Accept the Role
Ahead of the premiere of "Tracer," Im Hi Wan graced Elle magazine for its January 2021 issue.
During his interview with the publication, he was asked what made him agree to accept the offer and play Hwang Dong Joo.
He revealed that he was curious about the National Tax Service, noting that "there was no reason not to appear in it."
"Until now, the story of the National Tax Service has not been well dealt with. Not only was I personally curious but I also felt that the background investigation related was thoroughly and meticulously done," he explained.
Moreover, he also described his character as someone who does not hesitate to act on what is right.
Although it was his first time portraying the role of National Tax Service chief, Im Si Wan says that he is open and will continue to play different characters in the future.
"Tracer" episode 2 is scheduled to air on January 8 at 9 PM.
