MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama A Bona Fide Killer has surpassed 8 percent viewership after only two episodes, even as lead actor Jung Joon Won faces divided reactions over his casting and recent variety show appearance.
According to Nielsen Korea, episode 2, which aired on August 1, recorded a nationwide rating of 8.0 percent. The drama showed early growth after opening at 7.4 percent with its premiere.
Based on the webtoon of the same name, A Bona Fide Killer follows Yoo Bo Na, played by Gong Hyo Jin, a working mother who tries to balance her ordinary family life with a dangerous secret profession.
Jung Joon Won plays Kwon Tae Sung, Bo Na’s caring husband and a determined reporter known for finding major stories. Gong Hyo Jin and Jung Joon Won lead the drama with their warm married-couple chemistry.
However, Jung Joon Won’s casting initially received mixed reactions because Tae Sung is described as exceptionally handsome in the original webtoon. Some online users questioned whether the actor matched the character’s original appearance.
Addressing the discussion during the drama’s press conference on July 30, Jung Joon Won explained that the television adaptation changed parts of the original character.
He said, “In the original story, Tae Sung has an appearance that could make Bo Na fall for him visually. However, the script and some of the character’s settings changed during the adaptation.”
He added, “As the actor playing him, I did not believe that detail was essential. Tae Sung can appear attractive because he loves his wife and daughter, treats them warmly, and works hard at his job. I did not think too deeply about the issue.”
Director Yoon Jong Ho also defended the casting and praised Jung Joon Won’s performance.
He said, “Everyone has different standards. In my eyes, Jung Joon Won is very handsome. This drama presents a more realistic story rather than copying the beautiful young man shown in the webtoon.”
The director continued, “I believe Jung Joon Won portrayed the character even better than I expected.”
Jung Joon Won later appeared with Gong Hyo Jin on the August 1 episode of MBC’s Hangout with Yoo to promote the drama. During the broadcast, the cast asked him to participate in an acting challenge in which one sentence had to be delivered with different emotions.
Yoo Jae Suk changed the challenge line to “How old are you?” and invited Jung Joon Won to perform it. However, the actor hesitated and moved his lips without speaking, leaving the cast visibly surprised.
Yoo Jae Suk initially ended the attempt by saying, “We will move on to the next part.”
Jung Joon Won then said, “I can do it,” and received another opportunity after Heo Kyung Hwan demonstrated the challenge. However, he again appeared too nervous to deliver the line and closed his eyes, leading Gong Hyo Jin to complete the challenge instead.
After the episode aired, viewers shared divided opinions about the moment. Some criticized Jung Joon Won for appearing unprepared, especially while Gong Hyo Jin actively participated in the program.
Others defended him, suggesting that he may have felt uncomfortable because he had limited variety show experience or was naturally shy.
The segment appeared to be a casual and comedic variety show moment, and Jung Joon Won has not issued a separate statement about the reactions.
Despite the online discussion, A Bona Fide Killer continues to show early ratings momentum. The drama rose from 7.4 percent to 8.0 percent in its second episode, placing attention on whether its viewership can continue increasing in the coming weeks.
Jung Joon Won made his film debut through Birdman in 2015 and later appeared in projects including Believer, Escape, and SBS’s VIP.
He gained wider recognition through his role as senior obstetrics and gynecology resident Gu Do Won in tvN’s Resident Playbook.
