Is the chemistry between Kim So Hyun and Chae Jong Hyeop not enough to save 'Serendipity's Embrace'? The show's ratings are falling.

In the third episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Serendipity's Embrace' (directed by Song Hyun Wook and Jung Kwang Sik, written by Park Geu Ro, based on the Naver webtoon ‘Serendipity's Embrace’), Hu Young (played by Cha Jong Hyeop) confessed his true feelings to Hong Joo (played by Kim So Hyun), sparking a love triangle.

Hu Young rushed to the hospital after hearing about Hong Joo's car accident, giving up his plans to go to the U.S. He took her hand, placed it on his heart, and asked, "Is it nothing now?" revealing his feelings.

Hong Joo, unaware she was Hu Young's first love, was already confused by working with her ex-boyfriend, Bang Jun Ho (played by Yoon Ji On).

According to Nielsen Korea on July 30, the third episode of 'Serendipity's Embrace' recorded a rating of 2.679%, the lowest so far, dropping from the previous episode's 3.3%.

Despite fans loving the chemistry between Kim So Hyun and Cha Jong Hyeop, the ratings are low. This decline is due to repeated clichés and predictable plots, making the show less exciting. Also, the 2024 Paris Olympics events airing at the same time, like archery, judo, and badminton, are drawing viewers away.

Even with low ratings, the show is creating a buzz. According to Good Data Corporation’s report for the fourth week of July (July 22 to July 28), 'Serendipity's Embrace' ranked second in TV-OTT drama buzz, just behind SBS's 'Good Partner.' Chae Jong Hyeop and Kim So Hyun ranked second and third in the TV-OTT drama cast buzz index.

The fourth episode, airing on July 30, will feature a kiss scene between Hong Joo and Hu Young and a three-way confrontation with Jun Ho. However, with the last three episodes being predictable, excitement for the next episode is low. We'll see if the love triangle between Hu Young, Hong Joo, and Jun Ho can boost the ratings.

Source: [1]

Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

Source: [1]