‘Blood’ Made Some Progress But Still Came In Last With Ratings
According to the ratings report from Nielsen Korea, the KBS2 supernatural medical drama “Blood” experienced a 0.6% increase in ratings for the episode which aired on Tuesday, April 7. "Blood" came in at 5.0%. However, this slight increase in viewership was not enough to deliver “Blood” from its third place spot against primetime juggernauts “Shine or Go Crazy” and “Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
Ahn Jae Hyun and Gu Hye Sun have demonstrated their continued commitment to “Blood,” which may have yielded higher ratings for the drama.
The uptick in viewers for “Blood” was likely attributed to the bonding which occurred between the series key characters Park Ji Sang (Ahn Jae Hyun) and Yoo Ri Ta (Gu Hye Sun) during episode 15, which aired on April 6. Ji Sang and Ri Ta shared a sweet embrace, as Ji Sang channeled the conflicted vampire persona of Edward Cullen while waxing poetic about his lack of humanity and his desire to experience true love. Fans were rewarded with a sentimental and sweet kiss between the protagonists during April 7 episode, contrary to the push and pull dynamic of the series.
Ahn Jae Hyun and Gu Hye Sun have demonstrated their continued commitment to “Blood,” which may have yielded higher ratings for the drama. Beyond the romantic subplot, the medical horror of “Blood” continues to escalate, as the dynamic quartet of ethical physicians face the harsh reality that Ward 21 has been partially infected by the vampire virus.
While “Blood” continues to be a hit with viewers outside of Korea, the MBC period drama “Shine or Go Crazy” led Nielsen Korea viewership ratings with 13%. Jang Hyuk's "Shine or Go Crazy" concluded on a positive note, after leading the recent ratings war during its 24 episode run. The series will be followed by the period drama "Hwajung," which stars Cha Seung Won, Kim Jae Won, and 5urprise's Seo Kang Joon.
The KBS melodramatic chaebol parody “Heard It Through The Grapevine” placed second 11% of viewership, according to Nielsen Korea.
