Star-studded K-dramas dominate primetime—but ratings reveal a stark divide
Some of Korea’s biggest stars—Park Min Young, Song Joong Ki, Im YoonA, Go Hyun Jung, and Han Suk Kyu—are currently lighting up primetime television. However, despite the glitzy lineups, the ratings gap between these dramas is growing increasingly evident.
'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' dominates for tvN
Starring Im YoonA, tvN’s Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is enjoying a runaway success, recording an impressive 15.4% viewership rating by episode 8—making it the highest-rated tvN drama of 2025 so far. The time-slip fantasy romantic comedy premiered with a modest 4.9%, but has seen steady weekly growth, setting new records with each episode.
The drama’s success holds special meaning for tvN, which had struggled with previous weekend series like 'Ask the Stars' (3.9%) and 'Potato Lab' (2.0%). Following last year’s hits 'Queen of Tears' (24.9%) and 'Jung Nyeon' (16.5%), the network’s drama brand had slightly lost momentum. Now, 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' is being hailed as the “savior” of the network.
Critics attribute the show’s popularity to Im YoonA’s delightful and cheeky comedic acting, as well as Lee Chae Min’s solid performance, which added stability after his surprise casting. The signature comic direction of director Jang Tae Yoo—often described as “out-of-this-world directing”—is also earning praise.
Song Joong Ki’s My Youth struggles to connect
On the other end of the spectrum, JTBC’s 'My Youth', starring Song Joong Ki, is underwhelming with a viewership of just 2.3% by episode 4. Despite marking his return to the romance genre after nine years ('Descendants of the Sun') and his first broadcast network drama in three years ('Reborn Rich'), the show has failed to live up to its hype.
Given Song’s past success in romantic dramas, the low ratings are surprising. Industry insiders suggest that recent changes in the actor’s personal life—including remarriage and parenthood—may have affected viewers’ immersion in the pure romance storyline. There’s a perception that these real-life developments may clash with the fantasy nature of the show.
Additionally, the show’s unusual Friday-night timeslot on JTBC may be unfamiliar to audiences. Some also point to shifting viewer preferences—where slow-paced, emotional romances are falling out of favor compared to thrillers with intense pacing.
Genre matters: thrillers and fantasy outperform romance
Han Suk Kyu’s tvN drama 'Project Manager Shin' debuted with a solid 5.9%, the highest premiere rating for a tvN Monday-Tuesday drama in 2025. His commanding performance as a negotiation expert and the show’s suspense-driven plot are capturing attention, earning the top spot in its cable time slot.
Go Hyun Jung’s SBS crime thriller 'Mantis: A Murderer’s Day Out' is steadily climbing, reaching 7.5% by episode 4. The genre’s inherent tension and Go Hyun Jung’s bold transformation, alongside Jang Dong Yoon, have generated strong buzz and solid ratings.
Meanwhile, Park Min Young is facing the toughest challenge. Her show 'The Confidence Man KR' on TV Chosun is struggling with just 0.9% at episode 4. Even after a scheduling change, the show has yet to regain traction.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on Lee Young Ae, whose new KBS drama 'Walking on Thin Ice' premieres on September 20. The story follows a seemingly ordinary mother who dives into a dangerous world. Viewers are anticipating her chemistry with co-star Kim Young Kwang, as well as her bold acting shift.
Overall, current drama trends show a growing emphasis on genre. Fantasy rom-coms like 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' and thrillers like 'Mantis' are excelling, while mellow romances like 'My Youth' are lagging behind. It’s a clear indication that audiences are favoring escapist storytelling or gripping suspense over slow emotional narratives.
The era where star power alone guarantees success appears to be over. Strong storytelling and an accurate understanding of audience preferences are now the true keys to a drama’s success.
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