Winners And Losers In This Week’s Ratings War
This week's ratings offer few surprises. The MBC fantasy historical drama "Gu Family Book" about a half human, half mythical creature, played by Lee Seung Gi, still leads its competition with 14.5 percent ratings. The drama, which also stars Suzy, is followed closely behind by the KBS drama about a super temp, "God of the Workplace." That drama reached 13.1 percent in the ratings this week
However, ratings for the third competitor, "Jang Ok Jung" have risen to 9.2 percent, as Kim Tae Hee's character, Jang Ok Jung, becomes more of a scheming villain and plots to take her revenge against the other members of the royal court. Viewers may be more comfortable with this historical character when she is being evil and in early episodes, the series did attempt to portray her in a more positive light.
"A Hundred Year's Inheritance," the MBC drama about a daughter returning home to work in her family's noodle business, continues to be the popular winner in its time slot. According to Nielsen Korea the drama's viewers rose 4.1 percent this week, for a total score of 30.3 percent. It is the first time the drama has done more than 30 percent.
The KBS 2TV drama "Lee Soon Shin is Best" rated a healthy 27.6 percent of the viewers, while the "Secret of Birth" scored only 6.9 percent and "Gold Appear!" earned 15.1 percent.
Yoon Sung Shik, the producer of "You're the Best Lee Soon Shin" seemed concerned about the show's ratings.
"We are really under pressure to figure out why, since our predecessors were so successful," said Yoon. "Many have shown concern over how we haven't been able to pass 30 percent mark and we are trying to evaluate why this is happening."
The show's predecessors, "My Daughter Seo Young" and "Unexpected You" surpassed 40 percent in viewership and became the most popular dramas of their time. "You're The Best Lee Soon Shin" has so far only achieved ratings in the 20s.
"I believe viewers will start to show favorable reactions if we keep pushing the romance between Jun Ho, played by Jo Jeong Seok, and Soon Shin, played by IU," said Yoon. "We have 30 episodes left, and we will have this story end beautifully."
Among variety shows, the SBS show "Healing Camp" scored 7.2 percent in ratings, while the KBS show "Hello" had a boost in ratings, due to a guest appearance by the group Shinwa. "Hello" ratings exceeded10 percent.
