Netflix's Korean mystery thriller Dead-End Job, starring Lee Jae Wook, is gaining even more attention worldwide after recording a sharp increase in viewership during its second week of release.
According to Netflix's Global Top 10 rankings released on November 10, the series climbed to No. 1 on the Non-English TV Shows chart for the week of November 2 to 8, recording 8.7 million views.
The figure marks a major increase from its first-week performance of 5 million views, bringing the show's total to 13.7 million views across its first two weeks.
Meanwhile, Netflix-focused publication What's on Netflix reported that the series reached 44.4 million viewing hours, representing a 74.8% increase from the previous week.
Unlike many streaming releases that experience their strongest viewing figures during their opening week, Dead-End Job attracted a larger audience in its second week, suggesting growing international interest.
The eight-episode mystery horror series follows Byun Hyuk Joon (Lee Jae Wook), a young man struggling with debt who accepts unusually high-paying part-time jobs through a mysterious employment agency called Spider. However, the jobs soon lead him into frightening and unpredictable situations.
As more international viewers finish the series, online discussions about its deeper meaning and Lee Jae Wook's performance have also gained attention.
On IMDb, the drama reportedly received a rating of 7.0 out of 10 from approximately 4,500 users.
One viewer who rated the series nine out of ten compared its story to a survival game, saying, "It feels like playing a psychological survival game. Every job is like clearing a level in a video game."
Another viewer praised its addictive storytelling, commenting, "The fact that I watched all eight episodes in one sitting says it all."
Lee Jae Wook's acting also received positive reactions. One viewer who reportedly watched the series twice described his performance as "almost a masterclass in acting."
Beyond the performances, some international viewers interpreted the drama as a reflection of modern working conditions.
A Reddit user described the series as horror that requires viewers to think carefully, pointing out how its dangerous workplaces reflect real concerns about exploitation and difficult working environments.
Another viewer suggested that the drama uses horror to explore criticism of capitalism, leading to discussions about the meaning behind its unusual story.
However, reactions have not been entirely positive. Some viewers expressed disappointment with the ending and certain character developments, while others praised the show's originality and suspense.
Despite these mixed opinions, discussions about a possible second season have continued among viewers hoping to see more of the story. Netflix has not confirmed a renewal.
With its 74.8% increase in viewing hours, 8.7 million second-week views, and No. 1 global ranking, Dead-End Job is showing strong momentum as more international audiences discover the Korean thriller.
Netflix's Korean mystery thriller Dead-End Job, starring Lee Jae Wook, is gaining even more attention worldwide after recording a sharp increase in viewership during its second week of release.
According to Netflix's Global Top 10 rankings released on November 10, the series climbed to No. 1 on the Non-English TV Shows chart for the week of November 2 to 8, recording 8.7 million views.
The figure marks a major increase from its first-week performance of 5 million views, bringing the show's total to 13.7 million views across its first two weeks.
Meanwhile, Netflix-focused publication What's on Netflix reported that the series reached 44.4 million viewing hours, representing a 74.8% increase from the previous week.
Unlike many streaming releases that experience their strongest viewing figures during their opening week, Dead-End Job attracted a larger audience in its second week, suggesting growing international interest.
The eight-episode mystery horror series follows Byun Hyuk Joon (Lee Jae Wook), a young man struggling with debt who accepts unusually high-paying part-time jobs through a mysterious employment agency called Spider. However, the jobs soon lead him into frightening and unpredictable situations.
As more international viewers finish the series, online discussions about its deeper meaning and Lee Jae Wook's performance have also gained attention.
On IMDb, the drama reportedly received a rating of 7.0 out of 10 from approximately 4,500 users.
One viewer who rated the series nine out of ten compared its story to a survival game, saying, "It feels like playing a psychological survival game. Every job is like clearing a level in a video game."
Another viewer praised its addictive storytelling, commenting, "The fact that I watched all eight episodes in one sitting says it all."
Lee Jae Wook's acting also received positive reactions. One viewer who reportedly watched the series twice described his performance as "almost a masterclass in acting."
Beyond the performances, some international viewers interpreted the drama as a reflection of modern working conditions.
A Reddit user described the series as horror that requires viewers to think carefully, pointing out how its dangerous workplaces reflect real concerns about exploitation and difficult working environments.
Another viewer suggested that the drama uses horror to explore criticism of capitalism, leading to discussions about the meaning behind its unusual story.
However, reactions have not been entirely positive. Some viewers expressed disappointment with the ending and certain character developments, while others praised the show's originality and suspense.
Despite these mixed opinions, discussions about a possible second season have continued among viewers hoping to see more of the story. Netflix has not confirmed a renewal.
With its 74.8% increase in viewing hours, 8.7 million second-week views, and No. 1 global ranking, Dead-End Job is showing strong momentum as more international audiences discover the Korean thriller.