Comparing Two Korean Dramas with Opposing Ratings: Are They by the Same Writer?

This recent development has drawn attention, as two dramas by the same writer, Seo Sook-hyang, have garnered strikingly different viewership ratings. One has achieved record-breaking success, while the other has been mired in controversy and disappointing performance, despite substantial production investments and high expectations.

Contrasting Dramas: The Case of “When the Stars Gossip”

We begin with the much-debated drama, “When the Stars Gossip,” which has struggled to make a significant impact. With a staggering production budget of 50 billion KRW, this drama features popular actors Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin and took three years to develop. However, the outcome has not met the anticipated success.

Upon its debut, “When the Stars Gossip” garnered only a 3.3% rating nationwide, as reported by Nielsen Korea, and quickly faced a steep decline. By the time it hit its third episode, viewership dropped to the 2% bracket, reaching a low point of 1.8% in the fifth episode. A modest recovery to 2.9% occurred by the sixth episode; however, these numbers remain disappointing compared to expectations.

Viewers and critics alike have criticized the drama for its lackluster story, outdated dialogue, and excessive bedroom scenes. This stands in stark contrast to last year’s “Queen of Tears,” another tvN weekend drama, which premiered with a 5.9% rating and wrapped up at a robust 24.9%. The poor performance of “When the Stars Gossip” certainly poses challenges for writer Seo Sook-hyang’s future projects.

The Success of “Iron Family”

In sharp contrast, KBS2’s drama “Iron Family” has found remarkable success, achieving a nationwide rating of 19.0% on January 19. It secured the top position among all networks and attracted an impressive 3.484 million viewers, with the potential to exceed the critical 20% threshold.

“Iron Family” captivates audiences with its heartfelt narratives revolving around familial conflicts and reconciliations, resonating strongly with viewers from various demographics.

Analyzing the Divergence in Performance

Despite both dramas being engineered by the same creative mind, their diverging outcomes can be attributed to their thematic elements and narrative techniques. “Iron Family” effectively embraces traditional family values, solidifying its appeal among a broad audience base. In contrast, “When the Stars Gossip” struggles with relatability due to its unconventional storyline and far-fetched premise.

This disparity is a telling reminder that the success of a drama transcends the writer’s capabilities. The intricate blend of script quality, innovative themes, direction, casting, and alignment with audience preferences plays an integral role in determining a show’s fate.

Seo Sook-hyang is known for her previous acclaimed works, including “Pasta,” “Don’t Dare to Dream,” “Wok of Love,” and “Miss Korea,” highlighting her established reputation in the industry.

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