@30 samsooki:

Yes! Thank you, you brought up a lot of the other things I wanted to mention, but I already felt leery for taking up as big a chunk of space as I did. The reason I stuck with the Cultural norms angle was primarily because that seemed to be the angle the newspaper article was spinning, and like you had mentioned before my post, I'm not too sure about having that headline be a front-page runner (internet or hard-copy).

As for the DVR issue, I often wondered what impact that had on viewer ratings in other markets. I know it seems lately that I never watch anything live outside of the news or weather, and that a lot of the US broadcast companies are looking into ways to track online and DVR viewings to better represent the numbers who ARE watching (frankly, I have never cared for the Nielson ratings system, but what can you do?) I didn't know if outside markets had a jump on that and could already account for at least some percentage, or margin of non-live viewers.

**"Maybe it’s because Queen Seondeok is like grabbing 30%+ ratings and so, if people are going to watch one drama in a given Mon-Tues evening after dinner, then they choose Queen Seondeok?" ** See, another excellent point, and yet one that was completely left out of the newspaper article. I have yet to see any of the episodes of Queen Seondeok, but from what stills and reviews I have seen it certainly looks like a force to be reckoned with, and therefore makes a good argument for the low numbers of MWCGM.

So, I suppose the ultimate question becomes one of why these equally valid reasons weren't offered up as possibilities for the ratings in the article. I suppose I worded it poorly when I closed earlier, saying "if the article above is correct in its declaration that Cultural differences are the problem behind TMWCGM’s ratings and reception I would be more disappointed than if it were for anything else, especially if it results in an early truncation of the show", because I completely understand the tendency to stick with what you know and have no qualms whatsoever with citing a cultural difference as a block in gaining viewership/translating markets. Like with the example of Kairo/Pulse, some times you just cannot do a successful transition without amping up the back story and exposition, which becomes a fine balancing act because when does it start to bog down the story? (or, you simply eliminate any and all cultural poignancy and up the splatter factor, as they did with Pulse).

Perhaps it just strikes me as a weak argument for the newspaper to offer, in light of the fact that they DID leave out all the other highly plausible possibilities for the low numbers. No doubt that in reality, it is likely due to a combination of all of these factors, cultural differences simply being one aspect of the issue, therefore I hate to see TMWCGM's inability to rise in numbers be reduced by the press to be only a cultural issue.

@46:

"it just goes to show how immature the Korean audiences can be and so close minded."

Oh, I wouldn't call the audience immature and close-minded...
It's just that the tastes of Korean audiences and the taste of Japanese audience is different... and the Korean's like their tastes so let them have it if they don't care.

It's like food.

My mom eats Korean food. Give her pizza, she must add it with Kimchi. Some may think it must be tiring to eat only Korean and she should eat other types, but for 40 years she's been eating Korean, her taste buds are Korean, and so she just eats what she's use to eating. And she has no problem with it.

If the audience doesn't care about this "variety" and are obviously satisfied with what they have, why does it seem like it's a crime that they go for something they are more accustomed to and prefer than for something they perhaps don't have an interest for. Low ratings is not saying that they don't like AMWCGM or anything is wrong with the drama, but perhaps they just rather spend that time watching something they enjoy more. It's not immature or close minded... I'm not gonna sit through an hour of a drama when another drama that I like better is currently airing at the same time.

"No wonder the variety that exists in Japanese drama cannot be found in Korean dramas."

While this is true, and I do enjoy them, sometimes it's hard as >some< of them come off too comic-y (very comic-like). Too many adapted from mangas (particularly Shoujo).

So if you're going to talk about evil step-mothers, lukemia, chaebols overused in K-dramas, J-drama also has it's share of the dramas with numerous amount of rich people who live in mansions with French maids, countless of dramas based in high school, and JE boys who can't act.

On another note, MBC Drama Theater episodes are fun since they bring a new story each episodes and most are light hearted and fun.

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS DRAMA
Can't understand why it get such a low rating

I watched the Japanese version months ago and I love it. The article correctly described the drama - it contains "calm episodes", quite opposite to the histrionics found in the typical k-drama.

I will definitely watch the Korean version, regardless of current ratings. I will probably wait until the series it over. I dont like waiting week after week for an episode or two.

There really is no huge dramatic element in The Man Who Can't Get Married. But that is precisely why I like it—it shows how the ordinary can be funny and even charming. (I do understand that this formula doesn't work for everyone though.)

I haven't seen the Japanese version, but somehow Cho Jae Hee reminds of Jack Nicholson's character in As Good As It Gets. And with the dog, whoa!

The drama is on episode 9 now, and it's obvious that it is now very different to the japanese version. The plot was very similar up until about episode 4~5, but since then the Korean version has definitely been bringing its own charms.

Anyway, Ji Jin Hee is doing a great job. You can see he's so into his character!

Love the series. It does not need a lot of emotions, not a lot of thinking. Just perfect when you need something to watch for relaxation purposes! The dog is adorable!

This is a good series to watch. I have seen it up to episode 8, and so far the series has been uniquely funny. I have to say though that this series, in my opinion, is pretty much 'carried' by Ji Jin-Hee entirely. He does an excellent job of bringing out the 'oddball' personality in the main character.

Uhm is a bit too plain. Kim So-Eun is cute and respectable. The assistant with the glasses is quite good as I can feel him being as a 'character' - love the coupons. ;-)

I can't wait to see episode 9. BTW, is this a 16 series drama or more? Does anyone know?

hey, i'm filipino and i've watched the episodes..all i can say is that this series is so fun and hilarious!! it's a shame that most of the koreans neglect it.. i can't wait for the next episodes, i hope they won't change the storyline just to makr it more korean-like-type-of drama. indeed, this series is very nice and there's no episode wherein you won't be able to laugh..

Both lead actor and actress lack chemistry. I guess, that's the reasons. Also, the lead actor supposed to be a good actor, but not a comedian. The actress I think is simply could not act. It is a complete waste of time following this drama.

For entertainment, Ice Age 3 and Up are really good. ^__________^

As an American married to a Korean, the cultural differences in the appeal of this drama are obvious. I find it mildly entertaining, but my wife and her friends do not. The fact that the lead actress had plastic surgery appears to be a major factor in their dislike of the drama. For me, the writers did a poor job of developing the characters in the first couple of episode especially the with the doctor, but I also would have liked if Cho Jae Hee had flash backs to his youth explaining his behavior

"One netizen criticized, 'It feels like they took a Japanese drama and dubbed it over in Korean. It’s taken too exactly from the Japanese version so I can’t relate to the characters’ words or actions.'"

I definitely agree with this statement. I've seen the Japanese one all the way through, and I loved every bit of it. However, I watched it in the context of it being a Japanese drama and understanding how it would appeal to its audience. With the Korean version, I was struck hard by the similarities that shouldn't have been similar. I expected some things to remain the same (i.e. the plot), but I wanted to watch a Korean drama that made the storyline its own rather than trying to be exactly like its Japanese counterpart.

Well well well this series is very refreshing to me although I like drama with tragedy in it but still i luv this one too.Funny and entertaining and you don't have to think twice what's next as long as it makes me laugh...I don't care about ratings and I don't buy it when people said it is because the lead actress has a facial surgery co'z face it guys we all know that korean women loves surgery anyway and we don't know who has surgery or not , although I don't have evidence only just reading it from the news.

Remakes are in demand at present so we'll just enjoy it while we can and it depends what are your preferences anyway.Just like when I watch 'only you' philippine version it's very entertaining as well.

Currently aside from this I am watching BL and taiwan series Futune lead actress is the one in fated to love you.

I am an international watcher myself (watching from Texas!). I don't/didn't watch either the jdorama version or the kdrama version of this drama due to lack of interest. I prefered jdoramas with more humor like Atashinchi no Danshi which incidently is uber popular online (while it has low ratings in Japan).

I think this is very funny and entertaining drama. I'm just loving it. This drama tickles my European taste.

The first drama I watched was The Coffee Prince and I was so head over heel feeling about Kdramas.
The second drama was My Girl... enjoyed the drama
The third = little bride -- hmm same plot
later BBF ... ok
and the rest of dramas which carrying same plots = unable to watch and follow..

I'm sad that they are still experiencing low ratings cos this is a really entertaining drama

It bothers me how the dramas with the same clichés, stories and formula keeps getting high ratings. Do people in Korea really enjoy watching the same type of story over and over again? Some of these dramas with high ratings are basicly the same story, the only difference is the name of the characters, the actors and the type of fatal disease they have or the type of company they own or the secret of birth they have. Why people keep watching these dramas? I don't understand. Why don't they get tired of it? Why don't they feel like watching something with a fresh story?

Anyway, I like Uhm Jung Hwa so if I have time I'll watch this drama. I also like the story (that is different from most korean dramas) and the young cast (the girl from BOF and the boy of Antique).

I don't get it either, I guess Korean housewives prefer the same drama's afterall.

With the low ratings of Triple and MWCGM, I guess we should count out networks greenlighting such projects for a while.

^Chinese newspapers is the same. They sometimes quote blogs or use random blogs as sources. Which is pretty annoying because we never know if the sources they used are reliable or just one of those fan blogs.

I LOVE this drama, esp. the male lead. He's mean but he's funny ! I totally agree with PENN, I also love Soulmate which is very different and off-beat. Hope to see more of these quirky types of dramas.

I am not korean, so why compare the jap version and the korean version

and also on the actors. The actors also have their strengths and weakness

and they are acting base on their experienced as actors. So just enjoy

it with laughter and soon the odds are going on vacation ........

Ok my opinion is that it was funnier with Abe. Dunno just couldn't sit through this one and the original I had a hard time sitting through too.

Why are my favorite kdramas doing bad in the ratings? First Triple, and now this...

69 maria - to this i will say that in general koreans do everything in a similar fashion. sad but true. from where i stand, it seems that its mob psychology gone overboard. so there really is no suprise if there IS something popular that is continuously used. that's the *bitter* opinion coming from someone who is korean.

now, for my opinion of another possible reason for low ratings (that i could make without having seen the drama) is that there are newer sites that are similar to clubbox that probably dont count in the ratings (or $ made by the production companies). they watch the more popular shows on the day and watch the other ones some other time.

i can't say it's a total failure due to cultural cliches. this drama has it's moments. i was intrigued in the first episode, but by the 4th one, i was bored of the plot, partly because it's not moving fast enough and very little development. don't get me wrong, i've enjoyed dramas that stray from the typical korean storylines like soulmate and have watched jdramas, cdramas, vdramas, pdramas, and fdramas, etc but this one is starting to lose my interest.

better them then me i would hate to watch the same thing over and over again GO U.S.A AT LEAST WE HAVE MORE VARIETY CAUSE SOMEDAY IM GONNA GET SICK K DRAMAS it jus

Mainland Korean kdrama viewers have been overexposed to ludicrous story premises, over the top characters (bad and good) and unrealistic plot lines. It's no surprise that Kdramas are more or less a convenient form of escapism for those who indulge in it. Man Who Can't Married offers a comedic twist on numerous social issues and does it delightfully well with a nice balance of emotion and realism.

Arguments for and against the original Japanese version may be valid but it certainly is not the reason for the low ratings.

Culturally, do foreigners, in my case Americans, relate better to those TV characters and situations that are closer to what they would possibly encounter? Maybe Koreans are more aspirational in their viewing tendencies - wanting to be more of the kind-hearted daughter-in-law, the rich, cool and slick chaebol son, or the well-educated, attractive professional straight out of college or grad school.

i like this series, just a shame that it was not taken as just part of entertainment / comedy, didnt compare the korean or the japanese version although i've watched both, its still a good series with good acting, i do hope that this wont stop them from churning out fresh plots and ideas even quirky ones to the fact - in fact i found it hard to finish BBF and i gave up on shining inheritance after ep 18, as i cant stand the same plot over & over again..

Eh, it's a nicely written, gentle drama, which is already played up as "Mania" drama. It'll have its rabid followers, while most people will watch the crazy stuff BECAUSE they're crazy. (they'll watch the makjang while talking crap about it. "OMG they didn't!"- *switches to watch*)

It's already written up as one of those "quiet jewels" by those who like, anyway.

I mean, in the US, Pushing Daisies gets canceled, Arrested Development has its still-die-hard fans, etc etc... but the most popular stuff is always bad. Otherwise, why are all those reality shows at the top? And Dancing with the Stars? (What, we say, oh, those stupid Americans now? Pulease. It's just popular taste -- the shit will float)

Anyway, the media writers like it. Even if everyone's watching Seon-Duk. Which isn't makjang. btw.

I would hate to live in S Korean for the simple fact that. Almost everything on south Korean tv has been done to death most all there dramas are the same. At least in japan you can see medical,cop,dark,comedy some real variety they always try something new which is one reasons Korea taiwanese are always remaking there dramas.

I love it I'm on ep 9 now! When ever I watch dramas or movies I don't think "oh lets pick out things that have to do with my life or how I live" because it's just so diff from Media world or tv world whatever. It's a new world and a light comedy at that! I wouldn't consider issues unless they are strongly representing something such as the Russian movie 'Lilya 4-ever'

I may not understand caus I haven't lived in Korea but in terms of my own dramas, I hate British soaps cause htye try to hard to make it seem like outside my door. If I wanted to see that, I'd just go stand in my town centre and let it all take place and hope not to get stabbed whilst doing it. Same with big brother!

I currently watch this drama. It kinda sad when i heard the rating is not good in korea. although korean don't like this drama but foreign people watch this online.

korean ver is more refreshing.

Good article and a very valid argument that some people are more inclined with cliche type dramas. I moderate this kdrama in ViiKii.com and we're getting over 14,000 views per episode within the first 24 hours of uploading. This drama has developed a very large fan base and some actually have compared it to the japanese version. Although the kdrama is longer (16 episodes) but some has mentioned that it has a different texture of viewership as it gives viewers a sense of refreshness compared to the other kdramas. I'm not saying that other dramas are not good, but this drama definitely deserves better.

A copy cat drama I do agree with this one........And it lacks chemistry to main lead plus the fact that Kim So Eun and Yo Ah In has no chemistry whether you accept it or not.. They tend to put crazy encounters like a Kiss scene in episode 5 which I think isnt really appealing and it doesnt cost much a stir onsidering that it is not much needed in the scene .Even in Korean dramas I dont see much kissing scene but more of skinship which is more appealing and it creates more stir and excitement. The drama caters to mature audiences as well and after watching the episodes you will felt bored and lost interest in it since they have already showed up more than is needed to be shown

Well, I am an American who cannot get enough of Korean dramas. I find the Man Who Can't Get Married refreshingly amusing, touching & so, so, so much better than many American comedy/dramas!!!! I can't wait to see the rest of the episodes! All of the performers are so honest in the portrayal of their characters, which makes the series so believable. Just think, we are living in an age where people do not have a lot of dating experiences, due to lack of human contact (outside of technology), & who are waiting much longer to experience one on one relationships. These characters remind me so much of people that I have met, or known. The story line is original, and is just good fun!! I wish all involved with this show, the best of success. There is so much more depressing news in this world, this show is a welcome relief! I hope to view, with the help of English sub-titles, more shows like this one.

All BoF live action versions are craps. It's kind of hard to like this after watching the JP version. Abe Hiroshi is the man who can't get married. As much as I love Sir Ming in DJG, JJH can't pull this character off. I'm not surprised at the low rating.

yea i agree. i think this is a GREAT drama!!! i love all the characters and i can totally relate to this. what i cant relate to are the typical korean drama with all the "Hidden birth secrets, mother/daughter-in-law conflicts, a handsome chaebol who falls for an ajumma without reason" etc etc. that's not real life but then again, i think people want to get away from real life that's why they watch these "fantasy" dramas.

overall, i enjoy this drama very much (im from US btw) it is one of my top 5 fav. drama now. and those who say the japanese version is better is because that's the original one and probably the one you watched first. i've never watched the japanese version but for me this is MY original one and if i watched the japanese one now, i would probably prefer the korean one. it's like all these pop artists remaking old classic songs but they usually fail hardcore. and to those who say they "copied" too exactly from the japanese version, im sure there would be people who would complain if they changed the story to fit korea. people would be like "they shouldnt have changed it. it's not the same. they ruined it by changing. the original story is better. etc etc" so think about that.

The second Korean drama I watched was Coffee Prince, and I thought it was exceptionally good. I had seen a Mexican drama with the same topic before (the girl who lies about her sex in order to work) However I thought that the Korean drama was much better in terms of EVERYTHING. After Coffee Prince, I have watched a considerable amount of Korean comedy dramas. However, Coffee Prince still takes the number one spot when it comes to comedies. Why? I think I need not to explain, lol.
When I read about “The Man Who cant get Married” I was overjoyed because one of my favorite films is “As Good as it Gets” and I read that this drama follows somewhat the same idea as the movie. I started watching the drama and I got addicted right away after five minutes. After reading most of the comments here, I don’t have to say why I’m addicted to it. I think everybody gets the picture.
This is by far one of the best, if not the best, comedies I have watch. Excellent script; the actors did a great job. Very sublet, no overacting, especially from the male lead whose character has all the probabilities of taking the actor down that road, because of all the little details. These are all possible in fact due to a good director, writer, and producer. There is nothing bad about this drama. It entertains, absolutely, and makes you laugh till no end.
I have seen the Japanese version, and I think the Korean version is much, much better.

Now this drama has reached the number 6 spot on my 10 favorite korean dramas list. Four spots over Coffee Prince. YEP! I like it that much.

seriously, this drama is hilarious and i love it sooo much!!! kdramas about love is interesting to watch but too much of this "love" storyline kinda gets abit boring....if all the storyline is about the same, or so called " longwinded" what is the point of watching all the long eps,waste ur time only, y dun they just see the 1st and last ep? lolsXD sorry for sounding sacastic . i mean , y dun they watch something new and fresh for just 16 eps? and can laugh all time when seeing this show?[recommend for all persons that is very stress, lol] am i right? i just hope that this drama is well-loved by all for all the coming epsXD cherries:) and blow candles.... makes a wish....HaHa

I don't usually comment but I feel compelled to make my opinion be heard. I personally feel that this is a really, really good drama. i am shocked and half amused that it's getting low ratings. And contrary to what people have been saying here, I think the couple had awesome chemistry. They were so cute together! And JJH did a good interpretation of the original character. It was slightly different from Abe Hiroshi's but I wouldn't say that he was 'inferior' in that sense. His acting (and his butt) was so cute , I was grinning like, half the time! This drama makes me smile and laugh so much. It's refreshing too. Nobody dies of cancer, leukemia and there are no 'long lost' siblings who get reunited and what have you. THIS IS AN AWESOME DRAMA.

I just love this drama! It's light and uncomplicated yet it remains to be very entertaining. The cast is great especially the main characters. You can feel their chemistry which makes the audience want to know what will happen to them in the end. Definitely a drama I would watch over and over! Wish they could do a sequel of their married life haha!

Cute drama...so much better than the japanese version! Hope it gains popularity in other countries!

JI Jin Hee does a superb job playing the role and his female counterpart Uhm Jung Hwa as Dr. Jang complements him. Cool change from the typical korean dramas...He who can't marry is an awesome drama!

this drama was entertaining in its quirky jokes and plot. but i think the lead actor and actress didnt have much chemistry and all throughout the drama all they did was fight back and forth, i didnt think the characters developed much, and i found it hard to believe he actually changed almost 360 degrees by the end of it. although i stil managed to finish watching all of it cause it was funny and i liked yoo jin and jae hee. i found the ending rather disappointing. it was an ok drama but with the storyline they could have made it much much better!!

i LOVED this drama - mainly because there was a LACK of typical, cliche korean storylines. that basically explains why i stopped watching the popular drama, brilliant legacy. i got annoyed with getting worked up and deeply angry at my tv because the characters in the drama were acting like idiots. anyway, the japanese version of the man who can't get married was amazing and the korean one didn't fail. i thoroughly enjoyed how all the characters played out - and i was never sick of ANY OF THEM. a rare feat. i will watch this drama whenever i miss it - which will be often. btw, i love ji jin hee's man bags. i want them.