tvN continues to show strong success with its weekend dramas, following a series of popular shows that have recorded high ratings.
In the second half of last year, dramas such as Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, Typhoon Family, and Pro Bono each recorded peak ratings above 10%, continuing the network’s streak of hit series.
The most recent drama, Undercover Miss Hong, also performed strongly before its finale on March 8. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama reached a peak rating of 13.1% nationwide, ranking No.1 in its time slot across all channels, including public broadcast networks.
The drama gained attention for its unique story set in the Yeouido financial district during the late 1990s IMF financial crisis. The series followed financial supervisor Hong Geum Bo, played by Park Shin Hye, who goes undercover at a large securities company.
One of the most interesting parts of the story was the setup of a 35 year old elite financial supervisor pretending to be a 20 year old entry level contract employee. With its strong script, fast paced direction, and solid acting performances, the drama maintained high quality throughout its 16 episode run.
Park Shin Hye’s performance in the lead role was especially praised. Her portrayal of the confident and justice driven Hong Geum Bo helped bring strong credibility to the story and showed a wider range in her acting.
With Undercover Miss Hong ending successfully, tvN’s next weekend drama is set to continue the momentum. The upcoming series “Mad Concrete Dreams” will premiere on March 14 and marks Ha Jung Woo’s return to television dramas after 19 years, following his 2007 drama Hit.
At the drama’s production press conference on March 9, Ha Jung Woo shared his thoughts about returning to TV.
“I still can’t believe it,” he said. “I’m not used to being evaluated by ratings every episode, but I’m waiting humbly for viewers’ responses.”
The drama tells the story of Ki Soo Jong, played by Ha Jung Woo, a building owner struggling with heavy debt after buying property with large loans. As he tries to protect his family and his building, he becomes involved in an unexpected situation.
Im Soo Jung plays his wife, while Kim Joon Han and Jung Soo Jung appear as a close married couple.
Ha Jung Woo explained the message of the series, saying, “It tells the story that when people take on something they cannot handle with vague hope, they will eventually have to face the consequences.”
Actress Shim Eun Kyung also returns to Korean dramas after six years, taking on the role of Yona, an employee at a loan company.
With a strong cast and the network’s ongoing streak of successful dramas, viewers are paying close attention to whether tvN’s next series will continue the momentum.
Source: [1]
