Amid the flood of new K-dramas, KBS2’s latest drama, 'For Eagle Brothers,' which premiered on February 1, continues to dominate weekend television ratings.

On February 23, the drama’s 8th episode achieved its highest viewership rating yet, reaching 19.3% nationwide (according to Nielsen Korea), making it the most-watched program in its time slot with an astounding 3.537 million viewers.

Notably, it surpassed various competing drama,s including SBS’s 'Buried Hearts' (8.1%) and MBC’s 'Undercover High School' (6.6%), both of which premiered on February 21. It also vastly outperformed tvN’s high-budget production 'When the Stars Gossip' (2.6%), which had a production cost of 50 billion KRW (~35 million USD), proving the popularity of traditional weekend dramas on public broadcast channels.

Since its strong debut at 15.5%, 'For Eagle Brothers' has consistently increased in viewership. The latest episode saw an additional 156,000 viewers, marking a 0.8% rise from the previous week.

Episode 8 featured Ma Gwang Sook (played by Uhm Ji Won) successfully passing the Jang Gwang Joo tasting test, securing her entry into LX Hotel. She was congratulated by Gong Ju Sil (portrayed by Park Jun Geum) with a warm, "You worked hard again today, CEO Ma." However, her power struggle with Dokgo Tak remained tense. When Tak reacted coldly to her plans for a preliminary supply contract, Gwang Sook firmly declared, "I have no intention of handing over the brewery."

Meanwhile, tensions escalated between Dokgo Tak and Han Dong Seok (played by Ahn Jae Wook). Fueled by resentment over the brewery’s success, Tak spread false rumors to Dong Seok, claiming that Gwang Sook was fighting her in-laws over inheritance, igniting further conflict. In response, Gwang Sook offered Dong Seok a sincere 90-degree bow and apologized, saying, "Please take care, Chairman."

The romance plotlines also intensified. Ji Ok Bun (played by Yoo In Young) displayed jealousy over Oh Heung Soo (portrayed by Kim Dong Wan) at rival Director Kim’s (played by Ahn Mi Na) birthday party. Meanwhile, an unexpected accident that injured Heung Soo hinted at a turning point in their relationship. Similarly, sparks flew between Oh Beom Soo (played by Yoon Park) and Dokgo Se Ri (played by Shin Seul Ki) as Se Ri volunteers to babysit Beom Soo’s daughter, Ha Ni (portrayed by Lee Bom), adding new layers to their dynamic.

Adding to the drama, UDT officer Oh Kang Soo (played by Lee Seok Ki) faced a life-threatening crisis when he was swept away in a rapid current while rescuing a trainee. The shocking reaction of Jang Mi Ae (played by Bae Hae Sun) upon witnessing Kang Soo in a coma hinted at a hidden past between the two, heightening anticipation for the next episode.

Written by Gu Hyun Sook and directed by Choi Sang Yeol and Lee Jin Ah, 'For Eagle Brothers' is a family drama set in the traditional brewery 'Eagle Brewery,' following the lives of five uniquely different brothers and their eldest sister-in-law, who becomes the family’s pillar after losing her husband just 10 days into marriage.

Marking Ahn Jae Wook’s return to weekend dramas after a decade, the show boasts a talented cast, including Uhm Ji Won, Lee Pil Mo, Kim Dong Wan, Yoon Park, and Yoo In Young, whose strong performances have earned rave reviews from viewers.

At the drama’s press conference, the production team described it as "the Korean version of 'Love Actually'," teasing its seven different couples, each showcasing unique chemistry, love, and conflicts.

Meanwhile, 'For Eagle Brothers' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM KST on KBS2.

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