Royal Family, Thorn Birds make weak premieres

75 March 2, 2011

by javabeans

Two new dramas premiered on Wednesday, but both were unable to carve out much of a space for themselves; SBS’s Sign shot up in the absence of My Princess, leaving both Thorn Birds (pictured above) and Royal Family (below) nursing disappointed hopes with single-digit premieres.

The forensic-medical investigation drama Sign has been the leader in the Wednesday-Thursday game for a while now, and hit its series high with 23.3% ratings. My Princess had been in a distant second place over on MBC, but had managed numbers in the low teens, but it seems not many of its viewers stuck around for the chaebol-centric Royal Family, whose first episode drew a 7.0%. Uber-weepfest melodrama Thorn Birds fared even worse with a low 5.9% rating on KBS.

Of course, this is hardly a death knell for either new drama, since Sign is on its way out, which gives them both a second chance to grow their audiences in a couple weeks. The downside? The new kid on the block will be the fantasy series 49 Days, which looks potentially GREAT.

Plus, 49 Days has a lot of potential to draw viewers who may not be up for the seriousness or intensity of Royal Family or Thorn Birds, particularly if weepies aren’t your bag. It also totally wins on the eye-candy front, which I know ought not to be such a big factor, but, admittedly, is. Hey, I’m shallow, I can admit it. (Jo Hyun-jae, Bae Soo-bin, and Jung Il-woo? I am THERE.)

Via Sports Chosun

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1 Li~~

March 2, 2011 at 8:01 PM

Nowadays, if there's no gimmick, there's no audience.

Sad, but true.

Can't wait for 49 Days, potentially full of gimmicks, but with eye candy that includes Bae Soo Bin and Jung Il Woo. That's enough for me. ^^

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Dav

March 3, 2011 at 12:38 PM

Yeah, but it's not like Thorn Birds and Royal Family are gimmick-free. ("This is the Return of the Melodrama!")

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2 tisyamey

March 2, 2011 at 8:01 PM

YEY for Sign!
I went to wet my toes and went crazy and finished up til ep 15 within a day! It's gripping and I love all the cast!

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jojo

March 3, 2011 at 2:48 AM

I'm a Sign fan too...I've been watching it raw and later when it's subbed...love the concept of two-episode stories within the main plot...also the series has three things going for it: writing, acting and directing. I'm happy that there are others out there who like it as much as I do.

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Linda165

March 3, 2011 at 6:33 AM

I went and marathoned Sing last weekend too. I like it very much.

I'm gonna give Thorn Birds a go because I'm loving Joo Sang Wook so very much this days ♥

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3 jacq

March 2, 2011 at 8:02 PM

I love Signs. After it's over, I'm more inclined to watch 49 Days than these 2.

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4 ar

March 2, 2011 at 8:05 PM

49 days! 49 days!

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kooriyuki

March 3, 2011 at 2:18 AM

13 days!!! 13 days!!!

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Mrs. Jo Hyun Jae

March 3, 2011 at 5:51 AM

hahahaha so right 13 days to 49 Days!

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5 Birdie

March 2, 2011 at 8:14 PM

Actually you do not need gimmicks. You need a good plot and solid acting from a well chosen cast. Signs is that. I love how they explain all those forensic science stuff in the dialogue without a pause. I admit I was a little put off by the male lead at the beginning with his shouting and stiff expression, but he got better. Also there is not too much emphasis on the mushy romantic stuff, which often wreck a drama .

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LOVE

March 3, 2011 at 5:11 AM

PSY, IT MY MAN HE SO GOOD ACTING

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6 blueangel

March 2, 2011 at 8:25 PM

Yeah sorry to say but for my wed/thursdays i'm going to watch 49 days. i'm not really in a weeping drama type right now.

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Katey B

March 3, 2011 at 1:32 AM

Ditto:)

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7 mary

March 2, 2011 at 8:26 PM

All I read was 49 DAYS IS COMING.

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8 Maddy

March 2, 2011 at 8:28 PM

(Jo Hyun-jae, Bae Soo-bin, and Jung Il-woo? I am THERE.)

Totally right beside you there.

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9 Bluefyre

March 2, 2011 at 8:31 PM

Huh...maybe Sign will be my new crack?
or just wait until 49 Days?
Haha. You're right. I am sooo there.

Thanks!

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10 bopbopbop

March 2, 2011 at 8:42 PM

SIGN IS SO GOOOOOOD

someone needs to recap it..and share it with everyone on dramabeans...

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11 Amber

March 2, 2011 at 8:43 PM

Hey! I am also shallow and proud of it.

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12 Biscuit

March 2, 2011 at 8:48 PM

Honestly, I don't mind chaebol-makjang type dramas. Only when done right, that is. There has to be a good plot or a good hook and not simply crazy, crazy, and only dramatic craziness.

It's liking binging on ice-cream. Except it better taste good so I won't feel sick til after I'm done. With poor makjang dramas, I feel sick at the first bite.

But lately, spring has made me in a cheerful mood. I feel like staying up late, with the window open, laptop on the bed, and watch something fun. I happily welcome 49 Days.

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Biscuit

March 2, 2011 at 8:55 PM

BTW, is there something about fantasy dramas going on a roll of hits this year?

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13 kathy

March 2, 2011 at 8:52 PM

thanks JB

49 days ? ... we will be dissapointed too !!

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14 danna

March 2, 2011 at 8:52 PM

Thornbirds looked kinda bad...Royal family seems more interesting but i dont know if its my type of drama...waiting for crime squad next week and then 49 days the week after!!...admittedly the latter more than the former..and for the time being my drama palate looks very bare without any thing on it except for a TW drama and a family drama

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15 indigowine

March 2, 2011 at 8:56 PM

Midas is not that bad either. I actually found it interesting and very much Bad Guy + Dirty Sexy Money recipe

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djeedjes

March 2, 2011 at 10:38 PM

I agree. After I finished Dream High, I only watch Midas for weekdays drama, and I'm catching up with President.

Only 49 Days which sounds interesting, but I'm not really looking forward for it too.

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Laeah

March 2, 2011 at 10:47 PM

I first started watching simply for No Min Woo because I want to see his eye candy and to see if he's getting better in different roles. It seems so awesome so far! I hope they recap, it will be awesome!

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j

March 2, 2011 at 11:55 PM

MIDAS is great
if you're looking for the "cute!" then its a no go area
but its AWESOME. It leaves me wanting more.
JB can we please get an indication about the recap status for MIDAS
pls dont get me wrong this is not an attempt to nag at you
for recaps just wondering if you are undecided/decided to drop

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Lenita

March 3, 2011 at 12:34 AM

i've been wondering about midas, esp since there's no peep out of jb/gf about it. glad to hear that it's interesting (at least the beginning); looks fwd to marathoning this in a month of two then, wheee!

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pumpkinattack

March 3, 2011 at 4:49 PM

I often hold out on new dramas until I see it on DB...
So, Javabeans, Girlfriday, how did you like the premier of Midas? (o=

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Linda165

March 3, 2011 at 6:34 AM

I'm desperate to watch Midas, but only episode 1 has subs :(

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Laeah

March 3, 2011 at 9:11 AM

I think VIKI will probably have the most subs up the fastest, so check there!

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16 Yuko

March 2, 2011 at 9:05 PM

TQ javabeans.

T winkle ! T winkle ! is entertaining ,

with good ratings too for a very light drama !!

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onemorepls

March 2, 2011 at 10:45 PM

where, where? can i watch t winkle (sparkle or shining or all that giltter) doesn't seem like it's been sub after ep 2.
Thanks!!

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Yuko

March 2, 2011 at 11:19 PM

viki.com is trying their best till epi 6 but not available to viewers for now.

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MJP

March 3, 2011 at 2:06 AM

I agree. I am enjoying Twinkle Twinkle/Shining.

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Linda165

March 3, 2011 at 6:36 AM

I saw the first two episodes of Sparkling - Twinkle Twinkle and liked it. I'll be waiting for the subbed episodes too :)

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Yuko

March 3, 2011 at 7:03 AM

dramacrzy.net is now showing subbed for episode 3.

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Linda165

March 3, 2011 at 7:20 AM

Really??? thank you thank you thank you !

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17 Mrs. Jo Hyun Jae

March 2, 2011 at 9:21 PM

Of course waiting for 49 Days coz these days i don't see my husband at home anymore. he's out working all day and night.... sigh

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Julia

March 2, 2011 at 10:11 PM

opps! sorry he got a new home with me ^^

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Mrs. Jo Hyun Jae

March 3, 2011 at 5:47 AM

I don't believe you. He wouldn't have given up the priesthood only to cheat on me. You're just trying to drive us apart, but that won't work. I have complete faith in him.

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18 maureen

March 2, 2011 at 9:28 PM

Is Sign really good? I have been let down alot lately. So I havent even tried to watch it.

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bopbopbop

March 3, 2011 at 5:04 PM

YES SIGN IS SO GOOD
except it really depends on your style..
if you like romantic comedies, it's not it.

but if you like intense mystery, crime...that stuff.
IT'S GREAT.

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19 IMO

March 2, 2011 at 9:30 PM

poster for Royal Family looks creepy

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slovly

March 3, 2011 at 3:39 AM

Agree) And trailers no good too... But the drama has appeared very interesting!

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20 Dreamer

March 2, 2011 at 9:30 PM

I didn't expect Thorn Bird to be a hit but 5.9% is awfully low. Even though I like Han Hye Jin but it is too much melow for me to handle.

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21 breaker

March 2, 2011 at 9:35 PM

Ah.... 49 DAYS !!
twoo weeks ahed .. Wohoooo !!!
SIGN rocks we-thurs drama, and 49 DAYS will be another ROCKZZ !!!!!!!!!

Aj AJaaaaaaaa Fighting!

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22 ninimi

March 2, 2011 at 9:38 PM

i also didn't think Thorn Birds can be that low, i though it could be two digits at least more then 10 %.

49 DAYS? Ahaa, agree with you JB, we are happy welcoming the drama.
last night the 3rd teaser has come, and it makes me feel really good !!

it's fun, catchy, unique plot, and Awesome Pretty cast..!!
not only pretty but they have good acting...

WELCOME 49 DAYS !!!!

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23 mayke

March 2, 2011 at 9:52 PM

Royal Family 7% isnt too bad for nowadays premiere. But completely wrecked on Thorn Birds case. 5,9%? ok good luck compete with Playfull Kiss, you, for the lowest rating. And I tell ya after I glimpsed both drama, RF deserved a bit higher, it got potential for you who likes that kind of plot, but TB deserves its low rating. Completely mess and horrible, even worse than I initially thought.

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24 jinhak

March 2, 2011 at 9:55 PM

I am also not in a weeping mode these days so looking forward to 49 Days.

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25 minayuki

March 2, 2011 at 10:15 PM

I'm relieved. Does this mean I can enjoy Joo Sang Wook by myself? JACKPOT!! 5.9% ratings ftw.

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26 swui

March 2, 2011 at 10:18 PM

A lot of series started low and pick up from thr...and a lot of series started high and went downhill from thr...it's early days yet, who's to know...

BUT, I'll choose 49 days anyday...lol...the cast and fantasy plot ...totally right up my alley.

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27 Sly

March 2, 2011 at 10:47 PM

While, I'm REALLY NOT one for the weepies. I'm gonna stick it out and see how Thorn Birds fares cause I fell in love with Joo Sang Wook fast and hard. Noticed him on Paradise Ranch, went on to check out Giant (cause of him) and nearly died at how well he played the roll. If he could make Giant's makjang tendencies tolerable, maybe he can do the same with Thorn Birds, right?

On a separate note, have we hit a rom-com dry spell? Nothing else on other than 49 days and the cardboardy Paradise Ranch?

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saraha

March 2, 2011 at 11:14 PM

I think I'll check out Thorn Birds too, just because I really like Han Hye Jin. (I'm wishing for her to make a really great casting choice--because I haven't seen one since Jumong.)

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LISA

March 3, 2011 at 1:30 AM

Yep, what's happen with Han Hye Jin anyway? She seems to drained her energy until the last drop for Jumong. She seems can't shine anymore after that. She like keep walk backward, become more & more of so-so actress.

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saraha

March 3, 2011 at 3:08 AM

I was thinking, maybe she should do a Kim Tae Hee and be in a romcom! I think she would be great being wacky and not taking herself too seriously... because all her roles are just SO serious.

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Masaya

March 3, 2011 at 4:39 PM

Just because she isn't starred in some popular series therefore she's a so-so actress?

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28 mariah

March 2, 2011 at 10:48 PM

What about Midas? I do hardly see any review of the drama.
And yes I am looking forward to the upcoming 49 days becoz I love Lee Yo Won

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29 vic

March 3, 2011 at 12:40 AM

a lot of decent dramas this year,but it's march already and not even one TRUE masterpiece till now? Looks like this year is definitely not as good as 2010. Hmmm i really hope '49 days' will be the first masterpiece of the year.

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jomo143

March 3, 2011 at 5:37 AM

Just curious, what was last year's masterpiece for you?

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vic

March 3, 2011 at 3:28 PM

Secret Investigation Record is the best of them all in my opinion, but Giant was also a true masterpiece. Jejungwon as well. And Comrades ! And of course My Girlfriend is a Gumiho was also exceptional !

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30 naughtybaby

March 3, 2011 at 2:57 AM

Kim Min Jung is obviously playing a doomed a character in Thorn birds. I still can't get over how sad and pitiful her character was in Fashion 70s and given a similar plot in Thorn Birds, I know I'll be soaking up in tears again, with a part of me feeling sorry for her while the other part of me cursing her ruthlessly.

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31 pofy

March 3, 2011 at 3:31 AM

I watching ep.1 Royal Family and Thorn Birds.
Royal Family is very interesting! Love it! Ji Sung so cute!
OST so good too!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OGYXWP25bo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Thorn Birds... I didn't like it.

Midas so good, but Royal Family MUCH better!

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32 Linda165

March 3, 2011 at 6:15 AM

That back hug looks hot. What? You didn't noticed?
Oppa FTW!!

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33 dany

March 3, 2011 at 8:42 AM

I saw the first five minutes from Royal Family and it was ok, I want to watch it so i am waiting for the subs.

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34 Nahan

March 3, 2011 at 12:26 PM

What about President? I thought it was going to be 24eps? It doesn't matter since it's only been subbed up until ep 14. I am really enjoying this drama more than I expected. I wish you guys would say something about it. or maybe you did and I missed it :)

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35 Masaya

March 3, 2011 at 4:41 PM

I will watch 49 for the eye candies (while I wait for Jin 2). Korean dramas are getting stale.

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36 Anne

March 3, 2011 at 5:31 PM

Royal Family is REALLY good:) I reccomend to anyone who saw Ji-Sungs talent go wasted in Kim Su-ro! Really fun:) so far!

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slovly

March 4, 2011 at 12:16 AM

YES Royal Family is REALLY SO good:)))
I watching ep.2 and I like this drama
Ji Sung so COOL here!

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37 Heather

March 4, 2011 at 5:50 AM

I love Thorn Birds!
Beautiful and wonderful casts! I adore Joo Sang Wook and Good Luck to JSW and ThornBird.
Joo Sang Wook and Thorn Bird Fighting!!! you can DO It!

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38 maryta

March 4, 2011 at 9:36 AM

I MEAN THAT Thorn Birds IT COULD BE A EXCELLENT DRAMA
BOTH ACTRESSES ARE REALY CUTE
THE CHARMY HAN HYE JIN AND THE THE GOOD ACRESS TOO Kim Min Jung

HURRA HURRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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39 Pat

March 4, 2011 at 10:35 AM

Can not handle the plastic nose.I am out.

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40 AnonB

March 4, 2011 at 9:34 PM

Since I'm not into Kleenex soaked shows, I wasn't interested in either of these shows after hearing about their intensity (thank you for the warnings, Javabeans!). However, 49 Days sounds right up my alley. Slightly quirky with a premise that promises some laughter and some sighs. Yeah, I'm with the rest of you: the eye candy is definitely a plus, too. I'm really looking forward to this one.

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41 Leigh

March 5, 2011 at 2:08 AM

HHJ is one of my favs...will get through the tears to see how her character gets out of the sadness...she is so beautiful...and am curious to know what child they're talking about...