Welcome to another edition of 'allkpop TV guide and Ratings', an exclusive feature that spotlights popular Korean dramas. It will discuss ratings for each week's episodes, as well as provide brief recaps (with spoilers, so watch out!) of shows that we know allkpop readers are enjoying.
We've got the two regular shows being recapped for this week 'The Moon that Embraces the Sun' (starring Kim Soo Hyun, Han Ga In, Jung Il Woo) and 'Wild Romance' (starring Lee Si Young, Lee Dong Wook, SNSD's Jessica).
KBS's medical drama, 'Brain', aired its final episodes this week, but it wasn't able to continue its streak of high rankings due to a dispute between KBS and Korea's cable TV operators. The dispute caused a KBS blackout for over 24 hours, with cable operators deciding not to air 'Brain'. Consequently, ratings took a big hit with a 5% drop.
Fortunately, 'Brain' was able to recover from its 11% standing with a 5.1% boost, resulting in a satisfactory 16.1%.
The winner of this week was MBC's 'Light and Shadow', who was able to race past its competitors and achieve a high rating of 17.6%. Meanwhile, SBS's 'History of a Salaryman' achieved a healthy rating of 12.1%, but only because of the KBS dispute. It remained in last place the following day with a 10.1% rating.
With 'Brain' dusting its hands and calling it a day, KBS will now air the much-anticipated 'Dream High 2', starring 2AM's Jinwoon, Kang Sora, T-ara's Jiyeon, and SISTAR's Hyorin. The pilot is scheduled to hit small screens on January 30th -- let's see how the ratings game will play out with a youthful drama added to the mix.
Additionally, cable channel tvN will air a different youth drama on the same day called 'Shut Up Flower Boy Band'. It will star INFINITE's L and Sungjoon as rough-and-tumble band members who only want to live freely.
Be sure to catch these two new dramas next week!
In the Wednesday-Thursday time slots, MBC's 'The Moon That Embraces the Sun' continues to dominate the ratings. Now that the 'adult arc' has begun (bringing in Kim Soo Hyun, Jung Il Woo, and Han Ga In), political intrigue and love are sure to push the drama beyond the 30% mark. It's already a whisper away, as its sixth episode garnered 29.3%.
'The Moon that Embraces the Sun' is practically eclipsing the other two shows in this prime-time slot. SBS's 'Take Care of Us, Captain' has yet to see double digits; while things looked hopeful with its 9.4% rating, the appearance of pop star Jessica in KBS's 'Wild Romance' is sure to steal away some viewers.
That being said, KBS's 'Wild Romance' brought in last place with 6.4% rating. Will Jessica be the game changer between SBS and KBS?
[ Below are the spoilers ]
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? The Moon that Embraces the Sun (MBC)
Official Synopsis: 'The Moon That Embraces The Sun' tells of the strong love between 'King Lee Hwon' (Kim Soo Hyun) and a female shaman named 'Wol' (Han Ga In). Wol was born from a noble family and became the crown princess, but she was trapped in a political game and faced execution. Ultimately, she decides to live her life as a shaman.
Recap of Ep. 5-6: Yeon Woo ('Wol') begins her princess etiquette training, and is supported by Crown Prince Lee Hwon, who falls deeper in love with her. Suddenly, Yeon Woo falls ill in the Hidden Moon Chamber, inciting the other officials to try and expel her from the palace. As Lee Hwon fights for Yeon Woo, Yeon Woo seemingly dies in her father's arms.
In a surprising twist, Yeon Woo wakes in the coffin and is rushed away from the palace. Lee Hwon has no clue, and is utterly heartbroken over the loss of his one true love. The story then jumps over some years and we are introduced to King Lee Hwon, who still longs for Yeon Woo.
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? Wild Romance (KBS)
Official Synopsis: Because of an unforeseen situation, Eun Jae (Lee Si Young) is appointed as baseball star Moo Yul's (Lee Dong Wook) bodyguard. Although the two hate each other from the beginning, romance arises between the baseball star and his bodyguard, a former judo athlete.
Recap of Ep. 5-6: The series of threats against Moo Yul escalates to a nasty level; the mysterious culprit is working to attack Moo Yul indirectly by setting up scandals. A hustler is sent to destroy Moo Yul's career, as she baits him with his treasured necklace. In addition, a violent fight between Moo Yul and a bartender leaves Moo Yul in a sticky situation, as he cannot explain why he was fighting with the bartender.
As mystery thickens, Eun Jae begins to develop feelings for Moo Yul...
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[ End of spoilers ]
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Stay tuned to next week's digest of drama ratings and recaps!
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