Actor Ahn Jae-wook's Triumphant Return to Primetime TV with 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Brothers'

Actor Ahn Jae-wook is poised for a successful return to primetime television following his past DUI controversies. The KBS2 weekend drama 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Brothers' has captivated audiences, breathing new life into KBS dramas with its impressive ratings and buzz. As the series nears its conclusion, all eyes are on Ahn Jae-wook's remaining performance.

Premiering in February, 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Brothers' started strong with a Nielsen Korea nationwide household rating of 15.5% for its first episode. The series maintained mid-to-high 10% ratings before recently surpassing 21%, setting a new personal best. Originally planned as a 50-episode series, the drama's success led to an extension, bringing the total to 54 episodes.

For KBS, which has long catered to a stable audience of viewers in their 60s and 70s, this drama represents a rare opportunity to capture a broader audience. While KBS weekend dramas typically achieve double-digit ratings, they often lack the buzz to engage younger viewers, who find the pacing and direction less relatable.

This project holds particular significance for Ahn Jae-wook, marking his return to network television after a nine-year hiatus since the 2016 KBS2 drama 'Five Enough.' Ahn had previously halted all activities following two DUI incidents in 2003 and February 2019, which resulted in license suspensions.

Though Ahn made brief appearances in cable dramas during his hiatus, this marks his first major return to a network series. His involvement in a drama dealing with alcohol-related themes sparked some controversy, given his past. While opinions on his performance vary, the drama's steady ratings indicate his presence is being felt.

Some viewers have noted that the extended episodes have led to a slower pace, with repeated conflicts diminishing the initial tension and excitement. As the series progresses, the central conflicts have been largely resolved, leading to a narrative that feels somewhat repetitive.

With only six episodes remaining, 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Brothers' has already achieved significant ratings success and stands as a symbolic comeback for Ahn Jae-wook. For KBS, it reaffirms the potential of weekend dramas.

However, the key lies in the conclusion. As the series approaches its finale, the challenge is to deliver a satisfying ending that transcends the controversies surrounding Ahn Jae-wook's name. The next three weeks will determine if the series can end on a high note.

Reported by Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr