Lee Na-young Shines in 'Honor' as Drama Nears Finale with Record Ratings

Kim Se-ah's Insight
TenAsia's Kim Se-ah delves deeply into entertainment industry issues.

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Actress Lee Na-young has made a triumphant return to the small screen after three years, reaffirming her presence with the drama 'Honor.' As the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama approaches its finale, it has achieved its highest ratings yet, with positive reviews praising the show's quality and the actors' performances.

'Honor' recently recorded a 4.4% viewership rating, marking its highest to date. The drama initially premiered with a 3.1% rating, the highest debut rating for an ENA drama, and has consistently maintained impressive ratings, reaching 4.3% for two consecutive weeks after the seventh episode.

'Honor' follows the story of three female lawyers confronting a massive scandal from their past. The series is noted for its narrative that addresses societal issues and its plot twists that keep viewers engaged. The fast-paced and suspenseful storytelling, especially in the latter half, has been praised for maintaining interest without dull moments.

This project holds significant meaning for Lee Na-young, marking her return to drama since 'Park Ha-kyung's Story' in 2023. Her portrayal of a central character has been lauded for its stability, with her calm tone effectively conveying the character's inner world and contributing to the drama's atmosphere.

Co-stars Jung Eun-chae and Lee Chung-ah have also been recognized for their performances, bringing distinct and convincing characters to life and enhancing the drama's tension. The focus on female characters driving the narrative has been seen as refreshing.

While the ratings remain in the single digits, they are notable given ENA's smaller viewership compared to major networks. 'Honor' ranks as the third highest-rated ENA Monday-Tuesday drama, reflecting the channel's growing content competitiveness.

Lee Na-young's career is often compared to that of her husband, actor Won Bin, who has not appeared in any projects since the 2010 film 'The Man from Nowhere' and has not been active in the entertainment industry since his last drama in 2002.

In contrast, Lee Na-young has continued her career through advertisements and acting roles. Her participation in 'Honor' marks a significant return to acting, breaking her hiatus and continuing her engagement with audiences.

As 'Honor' approaches its finale on the 10th, there is anticipation over whether it will break its own viewership records once more. The combination of its genre as a female-led legal drama and the strong performances by its cast has kept 'Honor' on a steady path to its conclusion.

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