JTBC's broadcast of the '2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics' has topped the ratings across all channels. Despite earlier criticism for missing the live broadcast of South Korea's first gold medal moment, JTBC has captured viewers' attention.
On February 18th (KST), JTBC's coverage of the women's snowboard slopestyle finals achieved a metropolitan target rating of 2.7% on average, peaking at 4.3%, making it the top program on Thursday. Support poured in for Yoo Seung-eun, who was aiming for a 'multi-medal' following her big air bronze, pushing household ratings to a high of 9.9%. (Nielsen Korea paid households data)
The South Korean women's curling team's preliminary match against Sweden saw metropolitan household ratings soar to an average of 7%, with a peak of 11.1%. Target ratings also averaged 2.4%, peaking at 4.3%. (Nielsen Korea paid households data)
JTBC's special 'Newsroom' coverage, delivering the excitement and emotion from Italy, also garnered significant attention, with nationwide household ratings averaging 5.3% and peaking at 7.3%.
Exciting gold medal news was also reported. The South Korean women's short track relay team, consisting of Choi Min-jeong, Kim Gil-li, Noh Do-hee, Shim Suk-hee, and Lee So-yeon, reclaimed the Olympic relay title after eight years with a dramatic comeback. Overcoming a mid-race collision threat, they surged ahead in the final two laps to secure South Korea's second gold medal. Notably, Choi Min-jeong matched the record for the most Olympic medals by a South Korean athlete (6 medals).
The women's curling team defeated world-ranked 4th Sweden 8-3 in just seven ends, positioning themselves favorably for the semifinals. Aspiring for gold, the team faces Canada in a crucial final preliminary match on Thursday, February 19th, at 9:50 PM. With precise shots and perfect teamwork, the Taegeuk Warriors aim to secure a semifinal spot, capturing the nation's attention with their 'clean shots'.
Anticipation is also high for South Korea's freestyle skiing veterans Lee Seung-hoon and rising star Moon Hee-sung. On Thursday, February 19th, at 6:30 PM, Lee, known for his strategic gameplay, and Moon, making his Olympic debut, will compete in the men's halfpipe qualifiers.
At 12:20 AM, JTBC SPORTS will broadcast the speed skating 1500m event featuring South Korean star Jung Jae-won. Competing in his third Olympics after Pyeongchang and Beijing, Jung aims to establish dominance in the 1500m ahead of his main event, the mass start, with his seasoned race management.
Aspiring 'post-Kim Yuna' stars Lee Hae-in and Shin Ji-a will take the ice for the women's singles free skating on Friday, February 20th, at 2:20 AM. Lee, who set a season-best score in the short program, currently ranks 9th, while Shin, confidently completing her first Olympic short program, aims to climb the ranks with clean performances, promising a spectacular finale.
Meanwhile, JTBC achieved the highest ratings across all channels during prime time, with an average metropolitan household rating of 5.8% and a target average of 2.3%. The channel also led in daily ratings across all time slots for both households and target audiences.
Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr