• "Snowdrop" Sees A Strong Rise In Ratings As Yoo In Na Reveals Her Secret Identity

    The viewership ratings of weekend dramas see positive changes.

    According to Nielsen Korea, the 7th episode of Snowdrop scored an average nationwide viewership rating of 3.3 percent. This is higher than the drama’s previous rating of 1.9 percent, but lower than its highest rating of 3.9 percent in the 2nd episode.

    With thrilling new details as the characters’ true identities are gradually revealed, episode 7 of Snowdrop sees a strong rise in rating. Specifically, from 1.9 percent in episode 6, the rating of episode 7 increased to 3.3 percent. This is the second time Snowdrop’s rating exceeded 3 percent, though it is not high, compared to the common ground of JTBC dramas, this number is a positive achievement. It is possible that after many explanations given by JTBC over historical distortion, Korean viewers have been more open and decided to support the drama. 

    In the 7th episode, Kang Chung Ya (Yoo In Na) is brought to the scene of a hostage incident at Hosu Women’s University. There, she confronts Im Soo Ho (Jung Hae In) and the other North Korean spies who were taking the students and faculty as hostages. Kang Chung Ya is a surgeon who is having a secret affair with Nam Tae Il (Park Sung Woong), the Secretary General of ANSP (Agency for National Security Planning). She was initially called to the scene to treat the injured.

    Meanwhile, Nam Tae Il secretly asks Kang Chung Ya to terminate the injured spy. While not agreeing on the execution, Kang Chung Ya promises to knock the spy unconscious by injecting him the painkillers with sleeping pills. Then, she hides a gun inside her bag, according to ANSP agent Jang Han Na (Jung Yu Jin)’s advice.

    Im Soo Ho was startled to see Kang Chung Ya. He calls Joo Gyeok Chan (Kim Min Jae), another spy, to reveal her identity. Kang Chung Ya was, in fact, a high-rank North Korean spy dispatched for espionage operations. Viewers are expecting to see if Kang Chung Ya will add to the tension of this already complicated relationship.

    Meanwhile, other weekend Korean dramas also saw significant increase in viewership on Sunday night. tvN’s Bulgasal grew to an average nationwide rating of 4.1 percent. TV Chosun’s Uncle achieved its highest viewership rating so far, earning a nationwide average of 6.3 percent for the latest episode. KBS’s The King Of Tears, Lee Bang Won achieved a double-digit rating for the first time to hit an all-time high, scoring an average nationwide rating of 10.2 percent.

    Finally, the popular KBS 2TV drama Young Lady And Gentleman achieved an average nationwide rating of 34.4 percent, successfully securing its position as the most watched show of all channels broadcast on Sunday.

    Source[1]

  • Lee Kyung Gyu secretly helped Hong Jin Kyung debut on TV and she didn’t even know for years

    Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

    On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

    Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

    Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

    Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

    She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

    She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

    Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

    Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

    He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

    He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

    Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

    That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

    He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

    Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

    Source: [1]