tvN’s drama calendar for 2025 initially faced significant setbacks, primarily due to the disheartening performance of its ambitious 50 billion won production, When the Stars Gossip. Despite featuring renowned stars such as Gong Hyo-jin and Lee Min-ho and holding one of the largest budgets in cable TV history, the show struggled to achieve viewership ratings above 1–2%.Critics attributed the lackluster performance to its formulaic plot and challenging dialogue, leaving many disappointed.
The network continued to struggle with subsequent series, including The Potato Lab and The Divorce Insurance, both languishing in the disappointing 2–3% ratings range. For a prolonged period, tvN seemed unable to bounce back from the fallout of its most audacious venture.
Turning the Tide with Emerging Talent
Fortunately, a shift in fortune commenced with Resident Playbook: One Day, a Wise Intern, a spin-off of the popular Hospital Playlist series. The project’s premiere was delayed due to a residents’ strike in the previous year, leading to cautious anticipation before its April 2025 launch.
Contrary to earlier apprehensions, Resident Playbook: One Day, a Wise Intern began to gain traction due to overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth. Its authentic representation of young doctors tackling the challenges of their initial careers, complemented by understated romantic elements and realistic storytelling, struck a chord with audiences. The undeniable chemistry between Go Yoon-jung and Jung Joon-won, bolstered by the performances of rising stars like Cynthia, Kang You-seok, and Han Ye-ji, navigated the drama to a remarkable 8% rating nationwide, as reported by Nielsen Korea.
Sustained Success with New Talent
The momentum carried forward with the airing of Head Over Heels, which concluded with an impressive 4.9% rating despite being a part of the highly competitive Monday–Tuesday time slot. Choo Young-woo was lauded for his nuanced portrayal of a high school student grappling with emotional complexities, while co-star Jo Yi-hyun effectively anchored the narrative’s emotional depth.
A Stunning Comeback with Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
The standout success of the season was undoubtedly Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. The series concluded with an impressive 17.1% rating, positioning it fifth among all-time tvN weekend dramas. It also marked a historic milestone as the first tvN series to dominate the Netflix Global Non-English TV Show chart for two consecutive weeks.
Led by Im Yoon-ah in the role of chef Yeon Ji-young, the show received accolades for her standout performance and broad appeal. Lee Chae-min, who joined the cast just a month prior to filming as Yi Heon, a tyrant king, garnered attention for surpassing performance expectations, particularly given the challenges posed by their significant 10-year age difference. This dynamic captivated both domestic and international viewers alike.
Following the show’s success, Lee Chae-min achieved the top spot in the September Actor Brand Reputation Rankings and led Good Data Corporation’s TV-OTT integrated buzz rankings during the series broadcast period.
A Robust Conclusion to tvN’s 2025 Lineup
Fresh talent continued to shine in Shin’s Project, attaining a peak rating of 9.1%.Bae Hyun-sung’s performance alongside veteran Han Suk-kyu drew commendations, while Lee Re left a lasting impression with her action-focused scenes and confident persona.
With notable releases in the latter half of the year, such as Our Unwritten Seoul, Law and the City, and Typhoon Family, which received favorable reviews, tvN managed to reshape the narrative surrounding its earlier 2025 offerings.
This journey from the collapse of a costly blockbuster to a resurgence driven by fresh talent highlights a crucial takeaway for the network: innovative storylines and emerging actors can triumph over even the most extravagant productions.
Sources: Newsen, Nielsen Korea
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