Drama viewership ratings for the week of Oct. 10-16, 2016
by HeadsNo2
Woman With a Suitcase is getting ever closer to that 10% mark, but may not reach it until Moonlight Drawn By Clouds is over. I was expecting the latter show to have some kind of resurgence as it neared the end of its run, but it’s still performing very admirably at 18.8%. Those kinds of numbers are nothing to sniff at these days, especially considering that no other drama (save for weekend dramas) even comes close to topping it.
What’s surprising is how Drinking Solo’s been doing—the small but heartfelt show rose to 4.2% this week, which I’m sure makes the team over at tvN moderately happy. Its other show, The K2, isn’t on the same upward trajectory as it was last week. But at above 5%, it’s still doing quite well for itself.
Backing up to Wednesday-Thursday, Jealousy Incarnate remains in the top spot, but surprisingly, Shopping King Louis isn’t too far behind. It even made 10% this week, which won’t be shocking to fans of the show. I’m a bit sad that On the Way to the Airport is pulling in last place because it’s such a deep, emotional watch, but maybe that’s not what everyone’s looking for in the middle of their week.
Drama viewership ratings for the week of Oct. 10-16, 2016
| Ep. # | Station | Rating | |
| Monday, Oct. 10 | |||
| Moonlight Drawn By Clouds | 15 | KBS | 17.9% |
| Woman With a Suitcase | 5 | MBC | 8.2% |
| Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | 14 | SBS | 6.8% |
| Drinking Solo | 11 | tvN | 3.7% |
| Tuesday, Oct. 11 | |||
| Moonlight Drawn By Clouds | 16 | KBS | 18.8% |
| Woman With a Suitcase | 6 | MBC | 9.6% |
| Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | 15 | SBS | 8.2% |
| Drinking Solo | 12 | tvN | 4.2% |
| Wednesday, Oct. 12 | |||
| On the Way to the Airport | 7 | KBS | 8.5% |
| Shopping King Louis | 6 | MBC | 8.8% |
| Jealousy Incarnate | 15 | SBS | 11.2% |
| Thursday, Oct. 13 | |||
| On the Way to the Airport | 8 | KBS | 7.4% |
| Shopping King Louis | 7 | MBC | 10.0% |
| Jealousy Incarnate | 16 | SBS | 11.7% |
| Friday, Oct. 14 | |||
| Fantastic | 13 | JTBC | 2.5% |
| The K2 | 7 | tvN | 5.1% |
| Saturday, Oct. 15 | |||
| Laurel Tree Tailors | 15 | KBS | 23.6% |
| Blow Breeze | 15 | MBC | 11.9% |
| Flower in Prison | 44 | MBC | 21.4% |
| Our Gap-soon | 15 | SBS | 7.5% |
| Second to Last Love | 18 | SBS | 7.2% |
| Second to Last Love | 19 | SBS | 6.4% |
| Fantastic | 14 | JTBC | 2.1% |
| The K2 | 8 | tvN | 5.7% |
| Sunday, Oct. 16 | |||
| Laurel Tree Tailors | 16 | KBS | 31.5% |
| Blow Breeze | 16 | MBC | 12.3% |
| Flower in Prison | 45 | MBC | 21.7% |
| Our Gap-soon | 16 | SBS | 8.9% |
| Second to Last Love | 20 | SBS | 8.4% |
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Tags: drama ratings
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1 ObsessedMuch
October 16, 2016 at 3:14 AM
I thought Shopping King Louie got around 10.7% ratings, but whatever it may be, all i want to say is- YES YES YES!! This show deserves the high ratings, not to say JI doesn't, because that one is brilliant as well. Looking forward to the last week of Bo Gummie's Moonlight and I hope the ratings touch 20% again.
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redfox
October 16, 2016 at 4:01 AM
there are those different ratings, one says even 11, 2 or was it just Seoul... dont understand this Nielsen and the other whatever, whats the difference? why are there two separate + combined ratings? very happy all the same, whether it is 10,0 or 10,7.
but if the con us about the kiss again I am afraid it will drop :-((( don´t con no longer, it is not 38TF season II after all
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Chandler
October 16, 2016 at 5:39 AM
Haha, I have to admit, conning us about that kiss two weeks before they even planned on airing it is a little much. I don't even watch previews usually, but that was one of the few times I did! Lol, such trickery, from such a feel-good show. This isn't fair!
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CrimeFighter
October 16, 2016 at 8:56 AM
I agree. Pls don't con us on the kiss scene again. The same trick won't work twice. Lol.
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blnmom
October 16, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Aw who are we kidding. The same trick will work 7 times and we'll still be back. :-)
redfox
October 16, 2016 at 1:05 PM
@bnlmom: yeah I guess. that is the nature of conning. you dont realize you fell for it until its long over
Gidget
October 16, 2016 at 9:28 AM
Here's more than you ever wanted to know about ratings:
The two main ratings companies are Nielsen and TNmS. They each collect data on what people are watching during the original broadcast. Then they express that data as this percentage: of the total number of people watching TV, what percentage are watching a particular show. That percentage is the 'rating.'
The companies' numbers differ because they don't collect data from the same households. Since they can't collect information from everyone, they each try to choose households that are representative of the overall population. Which households they choose affects the data.
Both agencies give two datapoints: the percentage of the population in Seoul that are watching the show and the percentage Nationwide that are watching.
You can find all the ratings for a show on its Wiki-d-addicts page.
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ObsessedMuch
October 16, 2016 at 10:09 AM
Oooh thanks for the detailed information Gidget :)
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redfox
October 16, 2016 at 10:55 AM
thanks!
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maryxiah
October 16, 2016 at 4:19 AM
I hope Moonlight finish at 20% mark too.
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Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 4:43 AM
I hope too but I think Moonlight has done the amazing things for the cast and the team.
So I am already happy for them, they even got vacation!!
ヾ(｡>﹏<｡)ﾉﾞ✧*。
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2 fab
October 16, 2016 at 3:16 AM
What's with the single digits weekend ratings for SBS?? When did it become this bad. Makes me feels less bad about my precious Shopaholic barely rising above the double numbers.
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Sera The Ms Temper
October 16, 2016 at 3:52 AM
SBS weekend drama has been a flop for this recent years. This year as i could remember only Beautiful Gongshim got 2 digits.
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blnmom
October 16, 2016 at 4:04 PM
I feel like GapSoon could have been a hit, a lot of people (including me) were anticipating great things because of Rim and Soeun, but they went and made Gapdol the worst character ever. I'm still waiting for someone to report that he has changed drastically for the better so that I can start watching it again.
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Sera The Ms Temper
October 16, 2016 at 10:59 PM
This drama has too much negativity now. GD at least no longer a loser like in earlier episodes. But the problem is with GS now, she is become more immature. Luckily next week, she will wake up. Maybe you should come back after epi 20 to see how thing goes.
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pogo
October 16, 2016 at 4:01 AM
SBS weekend dramas have been where ratings go to die for years now, single digits are not unexpected there. I think it gave people an actual shock when Beautiful Gong-shim picked up over 15 percent lol.
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fab
October 16, 2016 at 4:59 AM
PFF. It sounds like the SBS in country, no matter how much they invest and bait big "stars", they're still bad at broadcasting. Beautiful Gongshim is really its own entity.
Thanks all!
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lemondoodle
October 16, 2016 at 5:26 AM
Yep, before Gong Shim I think Angel Eyes back in 2014 was about the only halfway decently rated drama in that timeslot.
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windsun33
October 16, 2016 at 11:53 AM
And I seem to recall that Angel Eyes went downhill fast after the first two episodes. I think a lot of viewers were pissed that they killed off the Best Mother in Korea.
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3 mjfan
October 16, 2016 at 3:19 AM
Woman with a suitcase is amazing . It deserves higher numbers , the plot is awesome and the acting is superb all around
Can't wait for monday ?
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windsun33
October 16, 2016 at 11:58 AM
Yeah, not getting a lot of hype, but that, K2, and Louis are the only shows I am really watching right now. Dropped everything else. And even K2 is something I watch when I get bored - it seems to have gone sideways.
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Jack
October 17, 2016 at 7:07 AM
I have lost interest in k2 coz I can't feel the chemistry between the leads...was invested with yo jin Jaeha before but looks like the show is following the normal trail...I stopped at ep 5 I think....
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4 Emsel
October 16, 2016 at 3:32 AM
With only 4 episodes left Drinking Solo deserves all the LOVE it can get <3
Happy for Shopping king Louie as well *insert the sticker that blew kisses while Louie and Bok sil texted each other*
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DongniPongni
October 17, 2016 at 10:49 AM
It's like you read my mind. Shopping King Louis and Drinking Solo are the only dramas I'm watching at the moment and I'm loving both of them so much. The acting is sensational and I hope the ratings keep rising and rising.
SIG<33 key<33
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hanimaroo
October 19, 2016 at 1:46 AM
guys, I just watched first episode of Shopping King Louis and I think I will continue to watch it to 'replace' Drinking Solo once it's complete. do you think they're on the same league of funny? I need something light and entertaining like Drinking Solo. thanks! ^_^
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5 ET
October 16, 2016 at 3:33 AM
I was hoping that Drinking Solo surpass the 5% mark but still, I think it's doing awesome considering the fact that it is competing against the top rated MDBC, Moon Lovers and Woman With A Suitcase, both which are pulling decent numbers.
After MDBC finishes, I wonder if Mon/Tues slot will still win over Wed/Thurs? I had read somewhere that Wed/Thurs is a more coveted slot than Mon/Tues, is it correct? And if it is, why so?
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PeepsLeAwesomePotato
October 16, 2016 at 3:48 AM
And this is the 1000027483th time someone has to correct that assumption...
Drinking Solo is NOT competing against MDBC, ML or WWAS. It airs right after them though, and that's the reason why I have eyebags on Tuesdays because I watch MDBC live then skip to Drinking Solo right after, hee.
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ET
October 16, 2016 at 3:57 AM
Oooooops! Thanks for the correction @Peeps
I decided to put WWAS on hold or I'd have 3 dramas to watch on Tues and Wed.
I had been watching Moon Lovers first then followed by MDBC. ML frustrates me so MDBC as a follow up was good for soothing my nerves. Then I discovered and marathoned Drinking Solo, which became the 3rd drama in my watching sequence. All that changed 2 weeks ago. Now, I am watching Drinking Solo first, then ML followed by MDBC.
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Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 4:13 AM
for me it's Wednesday that changed.
I watch MDBC on Mon-Tues,
but DS just available on Weds
I go
Drinking solo -->> 1% of anything (hahahaha)
So for wednesday slot
1%, 1%, ------ long paused ------ Airport (if it make me feel conflicted) go back to 1% ----- Louis (I love Louis too)
I think I like 1% because it easy in my heart (doesn't make me angry), cute and their conversation flow smoothly. Just a fun story that clicked with me, also the parents is hardly shown....
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nissa
October 16, 2016 at 5:15 AM
Me too. Drinking Solo is my number one on my watching list.
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Ditto
October 16, 2016 at 10:53 AM
Ditto
6 jichangwooklover
October 16, 2016 at 3:37 AM
Yayyyyy happy for Seo in guk and Park bo Gun's dramas. Missing them together in I remember you :3
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7 Dakchigo
October 16, 2016 at 3:39 AM
In case anyone's wondering, "1% of Anything" pulled in 0.713% and 0.766% ratings this week, an improvement from last week's numbers.
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Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 3:51 AM
thank you for info...
(*˘︶˘*).｡.:*♡
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Sera The Ms Temper
October 16, 2016 at 3:55 AM
Thanks!
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ET
October 16, 2016 at 4:00 AM
Thank you! 1% is being broadcast on some channel which I've never heard before. Are these numbers decent?
Does anyone know if it's 16 episodes of 40 minutes each? The length of the show seems random as well.
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fab
October 16, 2016 at 5:38 AM
I would've enjoyed it more if that guy didn't disrespect DaDa's personal space so much. Can he stop drag and push the poor girl around for his own benefit only. Can't wait for the cousin to be thrown in this silly dispute.
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Kendi
October 16, 2016 at 9:26 AM
I wonder why the rating isn't even 1%...
.
.
.
Okay, I'll show myself out.
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maryxiah
October 16, 2016 at 3:13 PM
Ahaha, you crack me up.
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8 liki
October 16, 2016 at 3:43 AM
The K2 got screwed over on Friday ,they have to fight huge baseball game in same time slot. Their rating are still very good though.
I hope Women with the suitcase breaks 10% i love it so much.
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9 Sera The Ms Temper
October 16, 2016 at 3:58 AM
I am not ready to say good bye to Fantastic next week! hmm. Still glad that they can maintain the rating even it is not that high. But still good for jTBC. ;)
Happy to see the increase for Suitcase, Drinking Solo & Shopping King as well.
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princess amira
October 16, 2016 at 3:24 PM
Me too! I love Fantastic! Love Kim Hyun Joo and Joo Sang Wook's chemistry!
I will be missing this show, together with Miss Temper!
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10 Adal
October 16, 2016 at 4:01 AM
Yay !!!!
Hooray for Gukkie!
I'm so glad Shopping King Louis has risen to double digits.✌️️?
On another note, there's such a disparity between the Monday and Tuesday ratings for Moon Lovers. I wonder why?
I'm not surprised that Moonlight's ratings are no longer hitting 20%. The drama's main draw was its fluff and prettiness, now that it's gotten antsy, it is a little hard for some viewers like me, to watch. I had to force myself to watch last week's episodes. Here's hoping against hope that my two lovebirds find their happy ending. How they will, I don't know, unless they want to defy history which records the CP marrying the Crown Princess and dying young. Don't think he ever made it to being a king. No spoilers intended.
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pogo
October 16, 2016 at 4:04 AM
On another note, there’s such a disparity between the Monday and Tuesday ratings for Moon Lovers. I wonder why?
Baseball game, that's why. And now it's threatening this Monday's broadcast too.
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Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 4:06 AM
I think there's rumor of Moon Lovers being pre empted or something on monday.
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Lemon Meringue
October 16, 2016 at 4:15 AM
What?!? NOOOO...
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MoonLover
October 16, 2016 at 7:47 PM
Not rumour, but announced & listed in TV schedules as being pre-empted and to broadcast on Tues instead. Then, when the baseball game ended earlier (one-sided game that nite), they decided to broadcast it at the last minute & it started late too. Some viewers may not have watched because they didn't know it was airing plus even if they switched on the TV at the usual time, it wasn't on.
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tafy liu
October 20, 2016 at 10:47 AM
i hopefull moonlover has best ratings in the last episodes, some viewers happily the moonlover has happyending and has best ratings.
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ET
October 16, 2016 at 4:10 AM
About the disparity between Monday and Tuesday ratings for Moon Lovers, could it be due to some baseball game? The other 2 dramas were affected as well.
I was not one of those who were watching Moonlight for the OTP's romance. I can take angst and even politics but I just wasn't interested when they were drawn out for too long. Ra On has also lost her spunk and become weepy most of the time.
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Gidget
October 16, 2016 at 9:40 AM
I dropped the show a while ago since I didn't see how they could avoid going down the path of political angst and a heart wrenching ending. Figure I'll watch later if they manage to avoid it.
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Kendi
October 16, 2016 at 9:31 AM
Dunno if this should be categorized spoiler since we'll find out in less than 24 hours but he did become a king based on a fan theory spoiler I read on soompi bout his Eneuch costume color. King euneuch has special color or something.
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Adal
October 16, 2016 at 11:36 AM
According to Wikipedia, the real CP Lee Yeong was posthumously called King Munjo, so no he never reigned as King only a Prince Regent.
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11 Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 4:03 AM
I hope Drinking Solo can be higher each week.
And Louis pick up the momentum!!
I think Airport making people too conflicted to their feeling.. especially after the lifted of adultery law in South Korea .. This is the heated moment and they gives us full chemistry affait show... gaaah I can see how people will watch it alone.
Watching it with single people is okay but with family?? or as a husband/wife?? It gonna be awkward imo
Hope MDBC have a happy ending and let's see what the special BTS ep gonna look liked, I think they said it was interview about the cast.
I think stranger roomate(??) the one with Soo Ae is after Moonlight.
*listening to dear my lady_drinking solo. I can't get enough of the chorus and the way he said sorry.
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maryxiah
October 16, 2016 at 4:23 AM
I'm so sad not being able to live stream Moonlight, I want to watch the special in real time. And I don't think any website will air the special. *cries*
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Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 4:38 AM
I watched it usually from
kbs.co.kr/player
/player_playlist.php?ch=12#kbs
(remove the space)
I think this is the streaming channel for kbs real time, but idk for subs,
want to see what they do on some scene, just yesterday I saw KDY instagram about him sittinh and reading in crown prince place, it's good (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
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maryxiah
October 16, 2016 at 5:01 AM
No, that's not the problem, Sancheezy. It's my internet speed, I can't stream anything, lol. I have fast internet speed at the office, but by the time I reach office, the live stream is long over.
That's an old picture, I mean it was last week's or the week before. I think they finished filming, I saw fan's comment on twitter.
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lesle
October 17, 2016 at 11:21 AM
Stream or Download. Usually available raw (no subtitles) within a day after broadcast; a few days more for English subtitles. Best I can offer. Enjoy!
http://dramacool.to/drama-detail/moonlight-drawn-by-clouds-special
http://dramacool.to/drama-detail/moonlight-drawn-by-clouds
lesle (old caucasian guy)
http://astrayfrt.blogspot.com/
Tallahassee, Florida US
12 angieya
October 16, 2016 at 4:04 AM
Yes, I'm so happy our puppies broke the 10% mark. I hope the production team learns from the Moonlight ratings that once people get invested in a cute pairing they cannot get enough of seeing them together. Just milk the amazing chemistry and sweetness overload until we all need a new set of teeth. lol
And shall we ever get into angst territory please keep it as short as possible and bring them back together within an episode. Although I'd much prefer not having any angst at all especially since this storyline doesn't really require it whereas I understand the necessity of it in MDBC. Hwaiting SKL!
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Gidget
October 16, 2016 at 9:56 AM
Here's an idea, based on the last episode. Give Shopping King Louis' an alter (superpower) ego, Spoiler King Louis. He could take up a habit of riding the subway and pestering people by letting them know how the show they're watching will turn out. He could bumble himself into a stalker anti following that could give us plenty of angst.
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13 Hyro
October 16, 2016 at 4:05 AM
Doctors was more stable in ratings (always 19%-20%) than Moonlight.
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justme
October 16, 2016 at 4:22 AM
Sorry, so what's your point?
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Hyro
October 16, 2016 at 4:28 AM
Doctors Ratings were better than Moonlight.
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Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 4:41 AM
well then congratulations for doctor (^o^)v
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ET
October 16, 2016 at 7:00 AM
Awww...@Sancheezy you are killing me with your emoticons. I am really bad at recognizing what they are. Is that a "V" for victory sign on the left? LOL! I need a pre-school book for these, can you send me one?
markiela
October 16, 2016 at 9:07 PM
Hahaha i think it was a "peace" sign
Sancheezy
October 16, 2016 at 9:39 PM
@ET it was a peace sign , but I love how that sign also resemble the word Victory, probably it does have double meaning (^_-) * wink
@mitchielicious haha yup, peace and happy face.
Suyeon
October 17, 2016 at 2:22 PM
Still not seeing your point. Plenty of things effect ratings. Your statement would have something of value if MDBC experienced a drastic dip that would be considered unrecoverable, or if you offered possible insight as to why ratings might have dropped (plenty of factors involved in ratings fluctuating). Whether it's 18 or 20%, the question is: do the viewers enjoy the fruits of the cast and crew's labor? Ratings don't matter much if the end result is poorly executed, imho. Moon Embracing the Sun had high ratings and I found a good chunk of it to be a frustrating watch past Episode 6.
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kitkat
October 16, 2016 at 7:08 AM
there's not that much difference between the two dramas. both started to dance below 20% in their third week. after that they rarely went below 18%. so far both have four episodes with 20% plus.
in short: champions of stability of summe r& autumn 2016! :)
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kitkat
October 16, 2016 at 7:11 AM
ah, summer.
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14 CatoCat
October 16, 2016 at 4:06 AM
Drinking Solo - 4%+ Make it 5% this week. Fighting.
FantastiC - Seems hard touch the 3% - Fighting
Woman with a suitcase - Deserve that rating? Maybe i expected much from it.
The K2 is doing good. 5%+ is quite good.
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15 Llian
October 16, 2016 at 4:35 AM
I dont find it surprising if Flower in prison have high ratings, it has extremely engaging storyline, but for Laurel tree tailors is too average and has high ratings, I find Moonlight to have too many episodes, whereas Moon lovers should have more. This summer has more amazing dramas through the weekend. compared to the last season.
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pogo
October 16, 2016 at 4:56 AM
To be fair, FiP's ratings are quite average for MBC in that time slot. They could air anything and it'd get 20 percent or close, but since the younger demographic doesn't really follow MBC weekend dramas, the 20 percent means less than a 10 percent on weekdays.
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16 V
October 16, 2016 at 4:43 AM
I'm so happy for Shopping King Louie! Now SIG will probably dress like Shiba and I can't wait. ? It's cool that his last drama before his enlistment is doing well. Let's hope the ratings continue to do so. *fingers crossed*
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17 lemondoodle
October 16, 2016 at 5:33 AM
I gave up on Moonlight, not because I disliked it but because it wasn't something that I felt compelled to watch as it was airing. I'll finish it once it's done. So I'm not too surprised by the rating drop.
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I Quit
October 16, 2016 at 6:22 AM
Comment was deleted
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wapz
October 16, 2016 at 7:22 AM
I think alongside you're concern of shows being cut short is also the fact that poor ratings may affect a writers creativity and an actor's future projects and status in the industry. Second leads may rise to main leads if their show did well. Look what DOTS did to Jin Goo, he was pretty much under the radar all this long even doing tertiary characters rather than secondary. Plus, the writers will avoid making different shows/experimenting on new ideas that didn't settle well with the audience. I don't know if the writer of Beautiful Mind would attempt to make such a show again. Or just in case, if Song Jae Jung's time travels were not a success would she dare to make more?
Jealousy Incarnate is a really good watch and though I was really concerned in the beginning about 24 episodes, I think it is just the right amount for such a show. It is not your simple rom com but a very unpredictable one. However, I think marathoning 24 episodes would be tough so if you are interested you can start it right now when the show has just crossed the half way mark.
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pogo
October 16, 2016 at 7:29 AM
poor ratings may affect a writers creativity and an actor’s future projects and status in the industry.
Exactly, when a show I love does badly in ratings I worry that it might curb the future opportunities of the cast and crew.
I've been very relieved by the international success of Moon Lovers, largely because it might give Lee Jun-ki some leverage on future projects to offset the losses on the domestic ratings front.
That said, the second leads moving on to main leads only seems to happen to male second leads - female second leads rarely make it to lead even when their dramas are successful, unless the writer went out of their way to give them a decent role that lets their abilities shine. Lee Sung-kyung is a recent exception, and even then I'm worried considering the competition her drama faces.
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wapz
October 16, 2016 at 10:07 PM
It might be a silly reason but I think why male second leads even become the main leads and not females is because their characters are more likable. Female second leads are usually annoying, lets look at J4 for instance, her character is so annoying that I ffd all her parts and I think many people do the same too however, the actress is not bad at playing a badly written character. I have liked Kim Yoori more in her Master's Sun role than in any other because she was less annoying and her character was likable. If your character is likable than the actor performing it is liked too hence, most female second leads end up in the same roles. That in no way means that the actresses aren't good. They are amazing and great at their work but their not so likable characters do not register well with the audience. Moreover, your male second lead is mostly like your main male lead or even more likable at times however, the female second lead is nothing like the main female lead. Writers need to write more likable female second leads to get them more recognition and love.
pogo
October 17, 2016 at 12:43 AM
@wapz - but the part about male and female second leads never drawing equal attention remains true even when both are written to be equally likable/unlikable.
I mean, look at Heirs - Kim Woo-bin's character was absolutely terrible yet written to be sympathetic, and so was Kim Ji-won's - and going by articles, that's the way Korean viewers perceived them too, as vulnerable despite their flaws. But he was the one who got all the media attention and shot to stardom afterwards, while she was all but ignored.
The same goes with Jinyoung and Chae Soo-bin in Moonlight Drawn by Clouds - both play "good" characters that the audience finds likable and I'd argue she's a better actor than he, and yet it's he who gets all the positive talk and praise, while she barely rates a mention in comments on Korean articles.
Pretty much the only way a second female lead can get audience attention in a positive way/break out is if a drama goes the DotS route and makes it so the second female lead has no romantic attachment to the male lead at all/has an independent love line (e.g. Doctors)
CrimeFighter
October 16, 2016 at 10:36 AM
Moorim School is quite nice n I like the ending too. You should try it out.
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Kiara
October 16, 2016 at 8:09 AM
Same. Youth romance is not my thing but sageuk is plus Kim Yoo-jung. I was rooting for it to do well and I'm glad it did.
It's hard to sustain interest in a show where the female lead is in a situation where she is helpless to more but that's Joseon palace for you.
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CrimeFighter
October 16, 2016 at 10:39 AM
Youth romance isn't my cup of tea too (considering my "older" age) but middle age isn't my cup of tea too, the same goes with historical palace throne fighting dramas. I'm such a picky drama watcher actually so I ends up with limited choice on which to watch actually. Haha. But I really love romance with crime/mystery/thrill. Romance comedy have to depends on various aspects.
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enkeys
October 16, 2016 at 2:31 PM
@Kiara This is somewhat true. Also see Nam Sang-mi's character in Joseon Gunman. She was full of spunk earlier in the drama and then reduced to helpless heroin later on. I personally have no problem with this. Like you said, that's Joseon for you. ^^
Exception would be: Lee Young-ae in Jewel in the Palace (very clever and resourceful) and Jin Se-yeon in Flower in the Prison (badass fighting skills).
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Sera The Ms Temper
October 16, 2016 at 11:04 PM
It is quite unfortunate they casted Jin Se Yeon in FIP, where there are so many better actress who can do a lot better than her.
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18 Ema
October 16, 2016 at 6:24 AM
2016 is the best year for drama lovers.
not many bad drama air this year..but for me the winer is cabel broadcast
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19 redfox
October 16, 2016 at 7:52 AM
how is it that I see people saying Moon Lovers has them addicted but it gets only 8 % or so in ratings? based on the buzz it feels like it should be 15% at least. if everyone is addicted, then how come...
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pogo
October 16, 2016 at 8:30 AM
People be watching online, I suppose. SBS streams it on their website.
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Arhazivory
October 16, 2016 at 8:31 AM
It's more well received internationally and overseas fans contribute nothing to ratings.
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CrimeFighter
October 16, 2016 at 8:33 AM
Ratings are from Korea while may be the addicted fans are from international? Just my guess. I'm not watching this show. Always find it difficult regarding to historical palace kdramas.
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CrimeFighter
October 16, 2016 at 8:36 AM
Just to add...maybe it is more well received cos it is a remake of China's Scarlet Heart n becos it is lead casted by Lee Joo Gi and IU.
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CrimeFighter
October 16, 2016 at 8:37 AM
*more well received internationally n overseas
P.S. I wish there is an Edit Button under the comments. Argh.
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mary
October 16, 2016 at 8:37 AM
I think it depends on who you ask. If you go to the show's comments/fanpage/hashtag, of course you will see overwhelming love for a show. People don't usually make the effort to over-analyze and regularly comment or even promote a show they hate. So you won't see an equal number of dissenters in that show's comment section. But just because fans find it addicting doesn't mean everyone else will.
For example: K2, Shopping King Louis, Jealousy Incarnate... all those shows have a decent amount of comments. If you only read those sections, you'll also get the (mistaken) idea that those shows are the best and are probably 15% in ratings. All of them also have their own fans saying "this show is so great", "this show is crack", "this is one of my fav dramas this year". Heck, even Drinking Solo have dedicated fans who think it's an addicting show that deserves a lot of love. (Not disparaging any of those shows, just pointing out that even for a show with smaller sample of comments, there are fans who will declare it's the best show.)
TL;DR We can't expect a show to have high ratings just because a group of people love it so much. We've all been part of a low-rated show with an active fandom at some point and we know that our enthusiasm doesn't always translate to ratings and that's okay. We can't all like the same things.
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pogo
October 16, 2016 at 9:13 AM
So true that the size of an audience/comment section can be misleading about its actual success. I mean, the most beloved/fan-engaged drama of all time on db is Healer - not exactly a ratings hit in Korea.
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redfox
October 16, 2016 at 9:36 AM
that´s true - I just got the impression somehow that Moon Lovers gets the same amount of comments and buzz in Korea as it does from international viewers, but I guess not.
I guess what makes people talk SO MUCH is more the controversies and frustrating things in the drama ? I dont follow the threads too close, the sheer amount scares me, if I read everything my hair would turn gray
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MoonLover
October 16, 2016 at 8:03 PM
Did read in Soompi forum that Moon Lovers forum in DC is one of the busiest in terms of comments etc. Not sure whether this means anything though.
pogo
October 17, 2016 at 12:33 AM
Actually, it does - it's one of the most talked-about dramas online in Korea too, judging by Korean forums and the demographic breakup on Naver articles about it (surprisingly, a LOT more teen/20s people than I'd expect for something that isn't a youth drama)
redfox
October 17, 2016 at 1:59 AM
then it really is weird...
ah, but that content power index, though - it´s no. 2 there, right? then has that become more important than TV ratings?
pogo
October 17, 2016 at 2:40 AM
@redfox - yeah, and it was #1 for a bit early in its run.
The content power index doesn't seem to be as widely accepted a measure of success as Nielsen ratings (probably because there's no system to monetise the results?) but for a show with such low ratings, it's surprisingly talked about quite a bit.
fab
October 16, 2016 at 8:37 AM
You never liked a show that had poor viewership ratings?
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Kiara
October 16, 2016 at 8:55 AM
It's a show that is basically geared for the international viewers and fangirls.
This is not Dawn of the Empires, Age of Warriors, Emperor Wang etc. Those kind of sageuks that were based solely on Korean history and the ratings even broke 60% in those days.
In our days, a good conventional sageuk would be around high teens to low 20s in ratings.
A simple fusion fantasy sageuk like Moonlight with adorable leads and a solid production can do miracles in ratings.
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Kendi
October 16, 2016 at 9:38 AM
Wait what? There used to be dramas with 60% rating?
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Kiara
October 16, 2016 at 10:02 AM
Yes and Emperor Wang (Taejo of Goryeo) was in the 60+ percentage. It was a 2 yr long sageuk and it's amazing how the rating was this high all through 200 episodes.
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juniper
October 16, 2016 at 10:42 AM
So sad that in spite of all the mega ratings those shows got that sageuk couldn't survive. Jung Do-jeon even broke 15% in 2014. I guess you and I and all the Korean grandpas will just have to wait for Jung Hyung-min to do another sageuk lol.
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Kiara
October 16, 2016 at 9:42 PM
Haha that's true and I love grandpa's sageuk. Jung Do-jeon was .2% away from 20%. I hope KBS will do another one but it's the most expensive to make and I'm not very hopeful.
I miss the veteran sageuks actors. They make everything believable.
I have been on fangirling mode after Jung Do-jeon. SFD for Kim Myung-min and Han Ye-ri, Moonlight for Kim Yoo-jung, Scarlet Heart for Lee Jun-ki.
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juniper
October 17, 2016 at 12:00 AM
They're all worth fangirling over, at least :)
I've been digging deeper and deeper into old dramas. I've finished maybe 3-4 currently airing dramas all year and liked maybe half of them lol. At least I still have a lot of things I can go back and discover.
Kiara
October 17, 2016 at 3:51 PM
I was looking for Dawn of the Empire but only found the Korean version :(.
The only genre that I really love is sageuks unless it's modern dramas by writers and directors that I really like.
juniper
October 17, 2016 at 7:44 PM
I was looking for that one too the other day :( I still have a loooong way to go on Age of Warriors but I was dying to get a real sageuk treatment of Gwangjong after sitting through the wtfery of a drama I shall not name (I'm going to go bald after all the hair I'm pulling out watching that thing lol).
Sageuk is definitely my favorite genre by a long shot, followed by period dramas (Sandglass and Eyes of Dawn <3) but I'm fine with modern dramas. The problem is modern pretty much means it's fluff or makjang these days, unless we can trust the writers/PDs like you said.
Andee
October 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM
If there's anything I've learned about kdrama ratings, it's that reception in Korea can contrast greatly from international reception, partly because of Nielsen's tracking of TVs only if I recall correctly. If the show's first few episodes doesn't catch many Koreans' eyes when they see it on their TV screen then they're bound to tune out.
Plus, for Moon Lovers' case, I heard that the quality of the production was really bad in the first few episodes when people see it on TV, so that kinda gave it a bad start. Plus, it debuted later when Moonlight already got a solid following, so that probably played a small part.
Though I will say that it's ratings have improved quite a bit - usually ratings can only get worse from the first episode if it doesn't appeal people (remember Uncontrollably Fond?).
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princess amira
October 16, 2016 at 3:30 PM
Based from what I read, it's getting more decent numbers in the ad-friendly demographics, which SBS had always aimed for in the recent years.
Nowadays, overall ratings are not that relevant to most broadcasters. They are more focused with the younger demos, and online buzz because that is where the money comes from Overall ratings are just for press release purposes only.
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20 Kendi
October 16, 2016 at 9:47 AM
I get why Moonlight rating dipped since the show failed to execute angst properly but I'm glad it still reigns supreme over others.
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21 miroufleur
October 16, 2016 at 10:33 AM
Jealousy incarnate and drinking solo are the only dramas i'm watching and enjoying fully ❤
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22 sweetsour
October 16, 2016 at 12:30 PM
I had put "Scarlet Heart" on hold after episode 5, because I felt that lady Yoo's character was too cartoonishly evil and one dimensional, and the conflict with Wang So felt contrived. I mean the king is a bad person too, but at least they give him some depth. I also didn't like that there were too many princes, and the closeups. I also now (that I've watched more of this show) think they wasted too much time on Wang Wook and Hae Soo. However, since I haven't been able to get into any of the airing dramas after "W", so out of boredom I went back and picked this up.
While I generally don't like segueks, and everything about this setting makes me feel depressed for Hae Soo and for the characters (lady Oh broke my heart), with all the unfairness and lack of freedoms of the time, but I really am liking this show because I think that the Hae Soo/ Wang So relationship, the buildup, is one of the best I have come across, and it makes me really root for Wang So and Hae Soo to break free and to live happily ever after.
But I know that that is almost impossible, given that according to the comments Wang So historically became king, married his half sister, and killed his brothers etc. So even with the fusion seguek tag on this drama I'm not sure that they would change who he married and make him be faithful to only one wife/woman (though I hope for a fairy-tale ending). This on one hand makes me wish I had waited until this show ended, so I can be sure that the ending is good and not depressing. But now I am already at ep 12, and I really want to see where the Hae Soo/ Wang So relationship goes.
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23 enkeys
October 16, 2016 at 2:43 PM
I love Monlight Drawn by Clouds so much and one of my favourite scene is Prime Minister Kim rolling his eyes in the meeting(?) room. Like, when the King or Crown Prince announced something, he'll just roll his eyes, like 'Here we go again', and then he will say something around the line of 'You can't do that, your majesty. It will cause uproar' or something around that line and then he will roll his eyes again like 'Duh, told ya!' when the King agrees to what he said LOL
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24 princess amira
October 16, 2016 at 3:20 PM
Glad to see that The K@ is soaring high! tvN made the right decision to put this series in the 8:00 PM slot since they've managed to get viewers away from SBS and MBC news programs!
And JTBC is having a great year with their dramas! Glad that Fantastic wasn't affected by The K2, because they are getting more than the ratings a JTBC drama gets!
Cable manse!
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25 john
October 16, 2016 at 11:33 PM
Laurel Tree, King Louie and 1% are my faves,
Incarnate is ok, could be a bit tighter
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26 jellybine
October 17, 2016 at 6:04 AM
I want Shopping King Louie to get higher ratings but with Legend of the Blue Sea going next after Jealousy Incarnate, it may be a bit difficult to achieve. I'm enjoying it as it is right now and higher ratings is just a bonus.
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Jemerald
October 17, 2016 at 6:41 PM
I dont think Legend of the Blue Sea will affect Shopping King Louie's rating. LotBS will start on November 16, same date when SKL will end.. Huhuhu Did I just end?? Huhuhu
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27 vera
October 17, 2016 at 3:20 PM
Ugh. I always want all shows, even ones I don't watch, like On the way to the airport, to have good ratings. I just want all of them to perform well.
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28 Cornbread
October 18, 2016 at 12:17 AM
Hopefully On the way to the airport rating goes up this week. The actors deserve it. Best of the month for me!
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29 Cl
October 18, 2016 at 10:12 AM
JCW is now a Lotte Duty Free model who made only best celebrities in Korea as its models like LMH, KSH, PHJ, SuJu , baekhyun etc. So, he definitely isn't a B grade actor.
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