"Good Partner" is taking a pause in its ratings climb, raising the question of whether it can regain momentum.

The SBS drama, which premiered on August 12, started strong with a 7.8% viewership rating and quickly soared to double digits by its third episode, catching viewers' attention.

Before a three-week break for the 2024 Paris Olympics, episode 7 hit a 17.7% rating, making it the top-rated SBS Friday-Saturday drama of 2024.

After the break, the show maintained a solid presence with a 14.6% rating, rising again to 17.2%, sparking hopes of reaching 20%. However, ratings have since stabilized in the 15% range, suggesting a period of adjustment.

The lack of further rating growth is partly due to competition from other shows airing at the same time.

MBC’s “Black Out,” and tvN’s “Love Next Door,” TV Chosun’s “DNA Lover,” and Channel A’s “Cinderella at 2 AM” are also in the mix.

“Cinderella at 2 AM” on Coupang Play has had minimal impact, but “Love Next Door,” focusing on romance, has become a strong competitor with a 6.8% rating on Saturdays.

Additionally, the portrayal of the divorce story between Cha Eun Kyung (Jang Nara) and Kim Ji Sang (Ji Seung Hyun) might not have fully connected with viewers.

However, as the storyline shifts from the divorce to the inner workings of a major law firm, there’s hope for fresh and engaging plots that could draw viewers back.

If “Good Partner” hits a 20% rating before it wraps up, it will achieve this milestone for the first time since “Taxi Driver 2” ended in April of the previous year, marking a 1 year and 5 months gap.

With Jang Nara as the lead actress, who is considered a strong contender for the 2024 SBS Acting Awards, it will be interesting to see if "Good Partner" can surpass 20% and boost her chances for an award.

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]