Channel A drama 'Check-in Hanyang' is rewriting the history of Channel A’s weekend dramas just four episodes into its run.
Having premiered on December 21, 'Check-in Hanyang' recorded its highest viewership rating of 3.0% nationwide during its fourth episode, which aired on December 29. The peak minute rating soared to 3.9% both nationwide and in the Seoul metropolitan area, setting a record as the highest-rated weekend drama in Channel A's history.
Starting with a 1.8% rating during its debut, the drama steadily increased to 2.7% in episode 2, dipped slightly to 2.2% in episode 3, and climbed to 3% by episode 4, demonstrating an upward trend.
The drama is also gaining popularity on OTT platforms. As of January 3, it ranked third in Netflix’s "Top 10 Series in Korea Today" list, following 'Squid Game 2' and 'The Tale of Lady Ok.'
Set in the Joseon era, 'Check-in Hanyang' is a youth romance historical drama centered around "Yongcheonru," Joseon’s largest guesthouse where anyone can rise to power for the right price. The story follows the growth of young intern attendants who begin working there. The cast boasts fresh-faced leads Bae In Hyuk, Kim Ji Eun, Jung Gun Joo, and Park Jae Chan, alongside veteran actors Kim Min Jung, Kim Eui Sung, Yoon Je Moon, Han Jae Seok, and Jung Eun Pyo.
At the pre-release press conference, the lead actors boldly shared viewership pledges. Bae In Hyuk, who plays Prince Muyeong-gun Lee Eun/Lee Eun Ho, promised, "If we reach 15% viewership, I’ll post a trending challenge dance video in trainee attire with my co-stars on social media." Kim Ji Eun, who plays the cross-dressing female character Hong Deok Soo, vowed, "If we hit 10%, I’ll do a live broadcast without makeup." Park Jae Chan, who plays the role of trainee attendant Go Soo Ra, surprised everyone by saying, "If the ratings surpass 25%, I’ll request that Channel A and the production team make a second season."
Kim Ji Eun, the only female lead in the main cast, is receiving praise for her seamless portrayal of a woman disguised as a man. Having debuted in commercials in 2016, she built her experience in music videos and web dramas before gaining recognition by winning the Best New Actress award at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards for her role in 'The Veil.'
Meanwhile, the fifth episode, set to air on November 4, teases a tense one-on-one meeting between Yongcheonru's owner Cheon Bang Joo (played by Kim Eui Sung) and Prince Muyeong-gun Lee Eun (played by Bae In Hyuk). The production team commented, "Pay attention to why Cheon Bang Joo calls Lee Eun Ho alone and what their conversation entails." Riding the wave of its rising ratings, "Check-in Hanyang" airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM KST.
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