'Yumi's Cells Season 3' dips to 1% ratings, new star-studded voice actor team comes to the rescue

'Yumi’s Cells Season 3' has unveiled a “dream team” of voice actors set to elevate the charm of its beloved cell characters. The series was first released on TVING before making its tvN premiere on April 13, opening with a 2.3% rating and dropping to 1.7% for episode two.

Amid the relatively modest ratings, some analysts suggest this may be due to its nature as a TVING original, with a larger share of viewers choosing to watch via OTT platforms rather than live broadcasts.

Despite this, 'Yumi’s Cells Season 3' has already captivated audiences within just two episodes through the playful “love-hate” romance between Yumi (played by Kim Go Eun) and Soon Rok (played by Kim Jae Won). Alongside this, the production revealed a lineup of voice actors who will breathe new life into the cell village.

Voice actors including Sim Gyu Hyeok, Park Ji Yoon, Ahn So Yi, Uhm Sang Hyun, Lee Jang Won, Jung Jae Heon, Sa Moon Young, Kim Yeon Woo, Lee Seul, Tak Won Jung, and Lee Sang Ho return this season, bringing detailed emotional depth to the characters. Comedian Ahn Young Mi also reprises her role as Yumi’s “Impulse Cell.”

New additions have also joined to portray the diverse cells of Soon Rok, a “homebody perfectionist.” Leading the lineup is actor Jung Hyung Seok, known for his distinctive voice and as the narrator of I Am a Natural Person. He is joined by Jang Min Hyuk, who has voiced Kristoff in Frozen and Jung Dae Man in Slam Dunk. Jang Ye Na, who voiced Suzume in Suzume, also joins the cast, sparking curiosity about which of Soon Rok’s cells they will portray.

Jung Hyung Seok shared, “As a viewer, I was excited to join Yumi’s Cells Season 3, which I had been looking forward to. Please show lots of love, and check the broadcast to find out which of Soon Rok’s cells I’ve been cast as.”

Jang Min Hyuk added, “I’m happy to be part of such a great project. From the perspective of Soon Rok’s cells, I’m rooting for the beautiful love between Yumi and Soon Rok. Please look forward to which cell character I will portray.”

Jang Ye Na commented, “It’s a great honor to join as one of Soon Rok’s cells, doing my best in everything for him. Through diverse cells and a heart-fluttering story, we hope to connect more closely with viewers, so please show lots of love and interest.”

Director Lee Sang Yeob emphasized the importance of voice acting, stating, “Each voice actor brings their own unique tone and color, which greatly influences how the cell characters are shaped. Their individuality plays a huge role in expressing the wide range of cells.” He added, “In Soon Rok’s case, the character has an unexpected and quirky charm, so we tried to avoid casting voices that felt too typical. Thankfully, talented voice actors have brought these cells to life, resulting in something very entertaining.”

Episodes 1 and 2 showcased the lively and humorous “love-hate” dynamic between Yumi and Soon Rok, drawing laughs from viewers. Episodes 3 and 4 are expected to heighten anticipation with a shift in their relationship.

In newly released stills, Yumi appears confused upon seeing Soon Rok by a railway track, piquing curiosity. The contrast between Yumi’s complex expression and Soon Rok’s smile hints at a pivotal turning point in their relationship, leaving viewers wondering what unfolds between the two.

Episodes 3 and 4 of 'Yumi’s Cells Season 3' will be released exclusively on TVING on April 20 at 6 PM, ahead of their tvN broadcast. The series airs on tvN every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM, one episode per day.