Kim Ji Won is making waves with her stunning comeback. Her unexpected move to rescue Kim Soo Hyun has sent the ratings of 'Queen of Tears' through the roof, smashing previous records.

The weekend drama 'Queen of Tears' on tvN, aired on April 7th, has set a new high in its own ratings game. As per Nielsen Korea (based on households with paid subscriptions), the 10th episode that aired that day clocked a nationwide average rating of 19.0%, and in the metropolitan area, it broke the 20% mark to reach 20.9%.

It didn't just surpass the nationwide average of 15.6% and the metropolitan area's 17.2% that had seen a slight dip in the 9th episode the previous day, but it also set a new personal record.

'Queen of Tears', which had secured the 8th spot in tvN's all-time ratings with a rating of 16.1% in the 8th episode, saw a sharp rise in the 10th episode, outdoing 'Soup' (16.9%), 'One Hit Scandal' (17.0%), 'Iron Queen' (17.4%), 'Mr. Sunshine' (18.1%), and 'Reply 1988' (18.8%) to clinch the 3rd spot in tvN's all-time drama ratings. Now, only two dramas that crossed the 20% mark, 'Goblin' (20.5%) and 'Crash Landing on You' (21.7%), are ahead of 'Queen of Tears'.

'Queen of Tears' is a drama that tells the story of a couple in their third year of marriage, Hong Hae In (played by Kim Ji Won), the queen of a department store and a third-generation chaebol of the Queens Group, and Baek Hyun Woo (played by Kim Soo Hyun), the son of a market boss and the prince of a supermarket.

Kim Ji Won is nailing the title role, and Kim Soo Hyun is winning hearts as the undying romantic lead, reuniting with writer Park Ji Eun, with whom he worked in 'My Love from the Star' and 'Producer'.

In the 10th episode, Baek Hyun Woo was put on standby due to falling into a trap set by Yoon Eun Sung (Park Sung Hoon), and Hong Hae In won over viewers by turning threats to her advantage.

As the counterattack and love story of the two couples, who are divorced but slowly understanding each other's feelings, intensifies, all eyes are on whether the drama's ratings can break the 20% barrier on a nationwide average. The 11th episode will be aired at 9:20 PM on April 13th.

Source[1]

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]