The first episode of the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'Siren,' aired on October 2nd, captivated viewers with its intense storyline. The episode featured insurance investigator Cha Woo-seok (played by Wi Ha-joon) unraveling mysteries surrounding the glamorous auctioneer Han Seol-ah (played by Park Min-young).
The premiere episode achieved a viewership rating of 5.5% on average, peaking at 7.2% in both the metropolitan area and nationwide, securing the top spot among cable and general programming channels in its time slot, according to Nielsen Korea.
Suspicious of Kim Yoon-ji's death and the insurance fraud tip-off, Cha Woo-seok begins gathering clues. He discovers that Kim Yoon-ji had a contentious relationship with Han Seol-ah before her death and that Han Seol-ah was uncooperative in the investigation, raising red flags for Cha Woo-seok.
As Cha Woo-seok delves deeper into Han Seol-ah's background, more suspicious activities come to light, intensifying his suspicions. He learns that a man named Yoon Seung-jae (played by Ha Seok-jin) had named Han Seol-ah as the beneficiary of a multi-million-dollar life insurance policy, which he abruptly canceled before his recent death. Cha Woo-seok suspects Han Seol-ah might be the insurance murder suspect Kim Yoon-ji intended to expose and sets out to confront her.
When Cha Woo-seok confronts Han Seol-ah, he challenges her with questions about her profession as an auctioneer handling vast sums of money and her relationship with Kim Yoon-ji. Despite his probing, Han Seol-ah remains composed and defends her position.
However, when Cha Woo-seok mentions Yoon Seung-jae's name, Han Seol-ah's calm demeanor begins to crack. She reveals that she was engaged to Yoon Seung-jae and questions the connection between his accident and Kim Yoon-ji's case. Cha Woo-seok senses something amiss in her reaction.
'Siren' has captivated audiences from its first episode with its unexpected incidents at Royal Auction and the enigmatic aura surrounding auctioneer Han Seol-ah. The fast-paced storyline, unique mise-en-scène utilizing art pieces, atmospheric music, and stylish direction hint at the birth of a new well-made romance thriller.
The actors' transformations into their characters also shine brightly. Park Min-young, portraying the mysterious Han Seol-ah, and Wi Ha-joon, as the cold and charismatic Cha Woo-seok, deliver performances that heighten the drama's immersion. With all elements—direction, acting, story, and music—harmoniously blending, anticipation builds for the next chapter of 'Siren.'
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr