Korean Drama Achieves 7% Ratings in Only 5 Episodes: “The Race Has Officially Begun”

Latest Ratings for “Cinderella Game” Show Promising Growth

As reported by Nielsen Korea on December 7, 2023, the KBS2 drama “Cinderella Game” has demonstrated a remarkable journey since its debut, initially capturing a 7.5% rating. By its second episode, the viewership increased to 8.1%. Despite experiencing a decline to 7.1% and 6.7% in the third and fourth episodes due to the effects of martial law, the series made a notable recovery in episode five, returning to a rating of 7.4%. This resurgence positioned it as the second most popular drama at the time, attracting 1.218 million viewers and ranking third in the Top 20 programs behind “The Fiery Priest 2” and MBC’s “Newsdesk.”

Character Development in Episode 5

The latest episode, which aired on December 6th, showcased significant character growth for Goo Hana, portrayed by Han Groo. Following a devastating loss of her parents, Hana evolved into a determined breadwinner, supporting her younger siblings. Her journey took a darker turn when she was adopted into Ji-seok’s household, represented by Kwon Do-hyung. Tragedy struck when Ji-seok’s parents perished in a car accident en route to Hana’s piano competition, leading to the family’s financial ruin.

Family Struggles and Emotional Tensions

Hana’s younger sister, Ji-eun (Kim Ji-sung), harbored resentment towards her, blaming her for their parents’ deaths, stating, “If you hadn’t gone to the competition, Mom and Dad would still be alive. Bring them back!” In the midst of this turmoil, Ji-seok desperately sought assistance from Chairman Yeo-jin (Na Young-hee) to salvage his father’s factory but was met with indifference. In a bid to shoulder her family’s burden, Hana left school, committed to multiple part-time jobs, and sacrificed her dream of pursuing music.

The Unbreakable Bond of Family

Tensions escalated as Ji-eun and Ji-seok suggested they should go their separate ways, insisting Hana let go. Ji-seok voiced, “Stop struggling for us. Mom and Dad are gone; it’s time we live separately.” However, Hana’s loyalty prevailed as she affirmed, “I will stay with you.” Her heartfelt declaration emphasized her role as the family’s pillar, saying, “Without Mom and Dad, I’m the head of the family. Seeing you gives me the strength to keep going.” A new subplot introduces a meeting between Hana and Hwang Jin-goo (Choi Sang), the president of Hyesung Tour, hinting at promising developments between the two.

Viewer Engagement and Anticipation

Audience reactions on Naver Open Talk reflected a blend of emotions and expectations: “When does the revenge begin?” , “Han Groo is amazing!” , and “Cheering for ‘Cinderella Game’!” Some viewers highlighted the impressive ratings, with the nationwide rating recorded at 7.4% and 6.1% in the metropolitan area, building anticipation for what lies ahead.

“Cinderella Game” captivates audiences with new episodes airing every Monday to Friday at 7:50 PM on KBS2. As the story unfolds, viewers remain eager to explore how the intricate dynamics of family, ambition, and resilience will shape the path ahead for its characters.