Lee Ji-ah Struggles with 1% Rating Decline: Navigating a 13-Year Age Gap, Yet the Outcome is “Devastating”

“The Ways of Tasting” Struggles for Ratings: A Familiar Tale

Following the lackluster performance of “Sea of Hope,” the newly launched variety show “The Ways of Tasting” is facing similar challenges, languishing in the disheartening 1% viewership range. Despite its impressive lineup of stars, the show has drawn criticism for appearing as another platform for celebrities to revel in luxury experiences under the guise of entertainment.

A Unique Friendship: Kim Go-eun and Lee Ji-ah

Popular actresses Kim Go-eun and Lee Ji-ah have established a close bond in the entertainment world, overcoming a notable age gap. Their friendship blossomed after a fortuitous meeting in the United States, and they often share their adventures, including meals and travels, on social media. Being part of the same agency, they frequently upload vlogs showcasing their joint escapades in cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles on the agency’s official YouTube channel.

Reflecting on “Sea of Hope”

Three years back, Kim Go-eun and Lee Ji-ah collaborated on the variety show “Sea of Hope,” featuring a lineup that included Yoon Jong-shin, Onew, and Lee Dong-wook. This show involved creating a cozy live bar in Pohang, where they served food and music to guests. Despite the star-studded cast, “Sea of Hope” had difficulty capturing audiences, plummeting to ratings as low as 0.9%. Critics pinpointed its failure to the overly ambitious mix of scenic beauty, music, culinary arts, and environmental initiatives, which led to a confusing and directionless viewing experience.

Return to Television: “The Ways of Tasting”

In their comeback, Kim Go-eun and Lee Ji-ah reunite for “The Ways of Tasting,” marking their first consistent appearance in a variety show since “Sea of Hope.” The program features the two actresses exploring renowned restaurants and bars across Korea and Taiwan, with a specific focus on pairing whiskey with gourmet dishes. Despite their star appeal, the show has witnessed a disappointing 1.1% viewership rating, remaining stagnant for two consecutive weeks since its premiere.

Content Critique: Celebrity Indulgence or Culinary Exploration?

“The Ways of Tasting”has been categorized as a “celebrity indulgence” show, centering on the experiences of Lee Ji-ah and Kim Go-eun as they dine at upscale venues. However, their lack of expertise in whiskey or culinary skills has led to superficial commentary, offering viewers basic insights that often lack depth. Phrases like, “This whiskey pairs well with this dish,” echo throughout, diminishing the plausibility of the show as an informative culinary exploration.

Absence of Personal Touch and Engagement

Another drawback of the show is the lack of personal dialogue between the actresses. Rather than sharing anecdotes, the narrative is driven by a narrator, Lee Sang-yeob, who provides details such as their initial meeting in the U.S. This narrative choice further strips the show of its potential charm. As they focus solely on high-end dining experiences without captivating storytelling or engaging discussions about their friendship, viewer interest wanes.

Conclusion: A Painful Setback

By prioritizing exclusive dining without introducing compelling content, “The Ways of Tasting” has struggled to captivate its audience. Although Lee Ji-ah recently showcased her dynamic persona at “MAMA,” that energy is notably absent from this show. With limited entertainment value and insufficient informative content, the program seems unlikely to succeed, potentially marking another disappointing venture for both actresses.

Source: Naver

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