MBC's 'In Your Glorious Season' tells the story of Chan (played by Chae Jong-hyeop), who lives every day like summer vacation, and Ran (played by Lee Sung-kyung), who has confined herself to winter. The romance unfolds as they meet and time begins to flow again. The show premiered last month with a 4% rating but has since dropped to 2%.
Despite the ratings, the show has generated significant buzz. 'In Your Glorious Season' ranked 4th in TV-OTT drama buzz after just two episodes, and it topped the charts for the number of news articles and ranked 2nd in the SNS category. Viewers have commented, "The visual chemistry is enjoyable," and "It's a calm and exciting romance that's easy to watch."
The strong chemistry between Chae Jong-hyeop and Lee Sung-kyung is at the heart of this response. Their impressive heights of 186cm and 175cm, respectively, create a striking presence, and their stable on-screen chemistry captivates viewers. Their delicate performances add a natural sense of excitement.
JTBC's 'Shining,' which premiered on the 3rd, follows a similar trend. 'Shining' is a youth romance about Yeon Tae-seo (played by Park Jin-young) and Mo Eun-ah (played by Kim Min-ju) becoming each other's trust and direction. The show started with a 2% rating and has since dropped to 1%, but its buzz metrics remain strong. In the second week of March (March 9-15), Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju ranked 5th and 6th, respectively, in TV-OTT integrated drama buzz.
The chemistry between the two leads is also a highlight of 'Shining.' Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju naturally portray the emotions of first love from high school to their 30s. Park Jin-young's expressive eyes lead the emotional narrative, while Kim Min-ju's calm demeanor provides balance.
Director Kim Yoon-jin, known for her delicate sensibility and visual style, helms 'Shining.' She previously received praise for capturing youthful excitement in SBS's 'Our Beloved Summer' and ENA's 'Say You Love Me.'
Both dramas focus on character relationships and emotional arcs without flashy twists or provocative plots. While this approach differs from the fast-paced, dramatic trends in recent dramas, the focus on the leads' chemistry has resonated with a segment of viewers.
An industry insider noted, "While the ratings may not meet expectations, the unique strengths of youth romance, driven by the actors' chemistry and emotional depth, are evident. The ongoing consumption of content that emphasizes emotional arcs over sensational setups is also noteworthy."
Reporter Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr