TV
Jeon So-ni enters Hanyang to clear herself of murder charges
The first episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Worth of Youth' (written by Jeong Hyeon-jung/directed by Lee Jong-jae/produced by Writing & Picture Media/planned by Studio Dragon), which first aired yesterday (6th), recorded an average viewership rating of 5% for households in the metropolitan area and a peak of 6.1% for households nationwide. It recorded an average rating of 4.2% and a maximum rating of 4.9%, ranking first in viewership ratings in the same time slot including cable and general programming in the metropolitan area, opening a new horizon for mystery historical drama romance (based on a paid platform that integrates cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea).
On this day's broadcast, the desire for mystery was stimulated by hinting at the fateful connection between Lee Hwan (played by Park Hyeong-sik) and Min Jae-i (played by Jeon So-ni), which completely changed their lives. In particular, the combination of colorful, unique characters and fast-paced development increased immersion from the first broadcast.
'A Tale of Youth', which created an eerie atmosphere from the beginning with the nightmare of Lee Hwan being shot by an arrow while walking in a deserted forest, shed light on the numerous rumors surrounding the crown prince. The rumor within the palace that he was cursed by a ghost and could not use his right arm because he poisoned his older brother in order to become the head of state had already reached the ears of his subjects, and Lee Hwan decided to willingly go to the test to protect his position.
As the King (played by Lee Jong-hyuk), as well as his friend Han Seong-on (played by Yoon Jong-seok), who studied with him at the same time, became increasingly concerned about Lee Hwan, shocking news was heard from Kaesong. The family of Gaeseong Buyun Min Ho-seung (played by Seo Tae-hwa), the teacher of Lee Hwan and Han Seong-on, was poisoned. Even the fact that the person who killed them was Min Ho-seung's daughter Min-jae spread, shocking Lee Hwan and Han Seong-on.
At the same time, Min Jae-i, who was hiding in a cave to avoid the government forces, was recalling the images of his family members vomiting blood and dying in his arms. Min Jae-i, who was thinking about Lee Hwan's secret letter that his father had shown him and his father's words of saying 'we must protect the crown prince' even as he was dying, guessed that his family's death was related to Lee Hwan. The situation makes one wonder what content was contained in the secret letter sent by Lee Hwan.
Accordingly, Min Jae-yi, who came to Hanyang to meet Lee Hwan and relieve his family's resentment, encountered again his friend and servant Jang Gar-ram (played by Pyo Ye-jin), who believed in his innocence. Since he is a serious criminal who murdered his family, he will not be able to avoid death as soon as he is caught by the government forces. The deep friendship between Min Jae-i and Jang Garam, who only care for each other even when their lives are at stake, brought tears to my eyes.
Min Jae-yi, who managed to separate Jang Ga-ram, whom he considered a biological sister, and disguised himself as Byeol-gun, sneaked into Lee Hwan's Gangmujang and waited for the moment to meet him. As Lee Hwan also had to put the rumors to rest in this Gangmujang to protect his position, the sight of the two men and women entering the Gangmujang with their own earnest goals caught the attention of viewers.
While Min Jae-i was looking for an opportunity to approach Lee Hwan, a curse word appeared in front of Lee Hwan, who was looking for prey, creating an ominous feeling. Then, when he saw Han Seong-on pulling the bowstring towards him, he froze in shock, recalling the curse that said, 'Your friend will turn his back on you and point his sword at you.' This is giving rise to various speculations as to whether Han Seong-on really betrayed him.
In this way, 'A Tale of Youth' instantly drew viewers into the drama with its powerful production that doubles the charm of the mystery, along with the beginning of a huge fate that is strangling Lee Hwan and Min Jae-i, and a story that swirls with no time to take your eyes off. In addition, the feast of characters with various stories, including the cursed crown prince Lee Hwan and the falsely accused nobleman Gyusu Min Jae-i, foreshadowed a special relationship between the characters, raising expectations for the next story even more.
The struggle between Park Hyeong-sik and Jeon So-ni, who are in a desperate crisis, continues in the second episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Youth's Tale', which airs at 8:50 pm today (7th).
Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr
